When should I use the odometer exempt page?
Use this page when your trailer sale in California fits a odometer exempt scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.
Odometer exempt — California
California Trailer bill of sale for odometer exempt
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What to know about odometer exempt sales in California
Under 49 CFR § 580.17 as amended in 2021, the age exemption is two-tier: vehicles of model year 2010 or older are exempt (the old 10-year rule), but model year 2011 and newer vehicles are exempt only once they are 20 or more model years old — a 2011-or-newer vehicle that is merely 10+ years old still requires full odometer disclosure. You still must not knowingly falsify mileage. Even if federally exempt, some states have their own mileage disclosure requirements — document the known odometer reading in the bill of sale regardless.
What to include in your bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller.
- Trailer make, model, year, VIN, and current mileage.
- Agreed sale price, payment method, and transaction date.
- Any odometer exempt-specific disclosures required in California.
Seller guidance
On the California Certificate of Title or on a REG 262 when the title has no remaining odometer space, write 'EXEMPT' in the odometer mileage field and complete all transfer sections with original handwritten ink signatures; California DMV encourages voluntary mileage entry even for exempt vehicles. The REG 262 is printed on security paper and is not available online — call 1-800-777-0133 or visit a DMV field office to obtain it.
Buyer guidance
Even on an exempt vehicle, ask the seller to voluntarily enter the current odometer reading on the title or REG 262 for your own records; California DMV actively encourages this practice. If the seller cannot be located and the mileage field is blank, submit a Statement of Facts (REG 256) explaining why the seller's odometer disclosure could not be obtained.
California-Specific Note
California follows the federal two-tier odometer disclosure rule per Cal. Veh. Code § 5900 (cross-referencing 49 U.S.C. § 32705), as confirmed by DMV bulletin VIN 2021-10 (December 8, 2021), which supersedes VIN 2020-14. Vehicles of MY 2010 or older are exempt under the grandfathered 10-year rule; vehicles of MY 2011 or newer require disclosure until 20 model years old (first rolling exemptions begin January 1, 2031). Exempt categories under VIRP Manual § 5.025 include commercial vehicles with a GVW (gross vehicle weight) exceeding 16,000 lbs or unladen weight exceeding 8,500 lbs, and vehicles sold directly by the manufacturer to any agency of the United States in conformity with contractual specifications. Vehicles originally manufactured for off-highway use without an odometer are addressed under VIRP Manual §§ 15.020 and 15.145. California requires its odometer disclosure statement to include a perjury declaration. Fraudulent alteration of a certificate of ownership or other vehicle registration documents with intent to defraud is a felony under Cal. Veh. Code § 4463(a), punishable by 16 months, or two or three years; federal civil remedies for odometer fraud are available under 49 U.S.C. § 32710.
Legal considerations
California follows the federal two-tier odometer disclosure rule per Cal. Veh. Code § 5900 (cross-referencing 49 U.S.C. § 32705), as confirmed by DMV bulletin VIN 2021-10 (December 8, 2021), which supersedes VIN 2020-14. Vehicles of MY 2010 or older are exempt under the grandfathered 10-year rule; vehicles of MY 2011 or newer require disclosure until 20 model years old (first rolling exemptions begin January 1, 2031). Exempt categories under VIRP Manual § 5.025 include commercial vehicles with a GVW (gross vehicle weight) exceeding 16,000 lbs or unladen weight exceeding 8,500 lbs, and vehicles sold directly by the manufacturer to any agency of the United States in conformity with contractual specifications. Vehicles originally manufactured for off-highway use without an odometer are addressed under VIRP Manual §§ 15.020 and 15.145. California requires its odometer disclosure statement to include a perjury declaration. Fraudulent alteration of a certificate of ownership or other vehicle registration documents with intent to defraud is a felony under Cal. Veh. Code § 4463(a), punishable by 16 months, or two or three years; federal civil remedies for odometer fraud are available under 49 U.S.C. § 32710.
California Trailer transfer fees and requirements
In California, the title transfer fee is $15 and registration costs $46 base fee plus additional fees. Trailer sales are subject to 7.25% base state rate; total can reach 10.25% with local taxes. California does not require notarization for private-party trailer transfers. Emission testing is required in California — verify the trailer passes before completing the sale.
- Smog certification required for vehicles 4+ model years old
- REG 262 form required for title transfer
- Use tax due within 30 days if purchased from a private party
- Smog transfer fee of $8 applies
California sales tax on trailer purchases
California has a 7.25% state sales tax rate. 7.25% base; county/city adds 0.25–3.25% (total up to 10.75%). Private-party trailer sales in California are subject to sales tax. Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate. The title transfer fee is $23.
Trailer market data and safety information
The most common trailer makes in private-party sales are Big Tex, PJ Trailers, Carry-On, Sure-Trac, Load Trail. Average private-party trailer prices range from $1,500–$15,000. Trailers average 1.5 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Tires, Electrical (lighting), Axle/Suspension.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used trailer
Before completing a trailer bill of sale in California, verify these safety items:
- Inspect hitch coupler and safety chains for wear and proper rating
- Check all lighting connections — trailer lights are the #1 reason for roadside stops
- Verify axle alignment and tire wear patterns
- Test electric or surge brakes if equipped
- Confirm breakaway switch and battery function on braked trailers
- Verify VIN/serial plate is intact and matches title
- Check D-ring tie-down ratings and weld integrity
- Inspect ramp gate hinges and locking pins for safe operation
Trailer insurance and depreciation in California
Trailer insurance is optional in most states unless financed. Physical damage coverage is $100–$300/year. Utility trailers hold value exceptionally well — quality steel trailers retain 70–80% of value over 10 years. Peak season for private trailer sales is spring through early summer when landscaping and construction picks up, with an average of 14 days on market.
Trailer registration and titling
Trailers are classified as "Utility trailer (weight-class dependent)" for registration purposes. Trailers under 3,000 lbs may not require registration in some states. Over 3,000 lbs requires title and registration in most states. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to trailers.
Safety tips for odometer exempt trailer transactions
When completing a odometer exempt trailer sale in California, always verify the vehicle against NHTSA recall databases. The most common trailer recall categories are Tires, Electrical (lighting), Axle/Suspension. Check recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls before signing the bill of sale.
Checklist for odometer exempt trailer sale in California
- Confirm the vehicle qualifies: model year 2010 or older, OR model year 2011+ and 20+ model years old, OR GVWR over 16,000 lbs
- Check your state's mileage disclosure rules — some exceed the federal minimum
- Record the actual known mileage in the bill of sale voluntarily
- Note on the bill of sale that odometer disclosure is exempt under 49 CFR § 580.17
- Retain a copy of the bill of sale showing the exempt-disclosure notation
- Verify model year against the current exemption threshold: MY 2010 and older are exempt; MY 2011 through the current transfer year require disclosure until the vehicle reaches 20 model years old
- Obtain a REG 262 from a DMV office or by calling 1-800-777-0133 if the California Certificate of Title has no remaining odometer space or is held by a lienholder
- Use original handwritten ink signatures from both seller and buyer on the odometer section — photocopies are not accepted by California DMV for titling
- For vehicles originally manufactured for off-highway use without an odometer, the exemption basis is governed by VIRP Manual §§ 15.020 and 15.145; no REG 31 or REG 256 is required to establish the absence of an odometer
Need the printable workflow?
Use the main California trailer bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.
Open California Trailer bill of saleThe Private Vehicle Sale Market
17.5M private sales/yr
About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.
Source: Cox Automotive 2024
Other California trailer sale situations
Frequently asked questions
Why does the odometer exempt scenario have its own page?
Different sale scenarios — such as private party, dealer, or gifted transfers — have different documentation requirements. This page focuses on what buyers and sellers need for a odometer exempt transaction specifically.
What should be included in this bill of sale?
Include the buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers, sale price, date, signatures, and any notes specific to the odometer exempt transaction.
What are the California fees for a odometer exempt trailer transfer?
California charges a $15 title transfer fee. Registration costs $46 base fee plus additional fees. Sales tax: 7.25% base state rate; total can reach 10.25% with local taxes. Notarization is not required for most transfers.
What trailer makes are most commonly sold in California?
The most popular trailer makes in private-party sales are Big Tex, PJ Trailers, Carry-On, Sure-Trac, Load Trail. Average private-party prices range from $1,500–$15,000.
Do I pay sales tax on a odometer exempt trailer sale in California?
California has a 7.25% state sales tax rate. Use tax applies to private party purchases at the same rate
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