Free Alabama Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale
Federal law — the Truth in Mileage Act (TIMA), 49 U.S.C. § 32705 — requires the seller to disclose the odometer reading on every vehicle transfer in Alabama unless the vehicle is 25 or more model years old (2001 or older in 2026) or has a GVWR exceeding 16,000 lbs. In Alabama the disclosure is made directly on the Certificate of Title; no separate state form is required. Both buyer and seller must sign the odometer certification section before the title can be transferred.
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Odometer disclosure is a federal requirement under 49 CFR §580, not just a best practice — and falsifying mileage is a federal crime. Our guide explains exactly what each field requires, when the 10-year exemption applies, and what to do if the odometer has rolled over. Read: Odometer Disclosure Statement: What It Is & What to Write →
Alabama Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary Form
Standard bill of sale
Agency
ADOR MVD
Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
0.02%
Title Required
Yes
Inspection
Not required
Alabama Odometer Disclosure Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Confirm the vehicle is not exempt: model year 2002 or newer AND GVWR 16,000 lbs or less requires disclosure.
- Read the odometer and record the exact mileage on the day of the sale.
- Select the correct certification on the title: 'Actual mileage', 'Exceeds mechanical limits' (odometer has rolled over), or 'Not actual mileage' (known discrepancy or tampering).
- Complete the odometer disclosure section on the Alabama Certificate of Title — seller prints and signs, buyer prints and signs.
- Both parties should keep a photocopy of the completed title before submitting it to the county probate office.
- Submit the title transfer to your county probate judge's office within 20 days of the sale to avoid late fees.
- Retain your copy for at least five years in case of any future dispute.
Common Pitfalls
- Selling 'as-is' does NOT waive odometer disclosure. Federal law applies regardless of any 'as-is' or 'no warranty' language in the bill of sale.
- Forgetting that there are three certification choices — not just 'actual mileage.' Choosing 'actual' when the odometer has rolled over is federal fraud.
- Assuming an older vehicle is exempt without verifying the model year. A 2002 model-year vehicle is NOT exempt in 2026; only 2001 and older are.
- Leaving the odometer section blank or initialing it without a full signature — Alabama title clerks will reject the transfer.
- Recording mileage in kilometers on a metric-cluster vehicle without noting the unit; always specify miles or kilometers clearly.
Alabama Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — FAQs
Is odometer disclosure required for a 1998 car in Alabama?
No. A 1998 model-year vehicle is 28 years old in 2026, which exceeds the 25-year federal exemption threshold. You still may complete the disclosure voluntarily, but it is not legally required.
What if the odometer is broken or has an unknown reading?
Select 'Not actual mileage' on the title and note in the bill of sale that the odometer is inoperative. Never write an estimated number and certify it as 'actual mileage' — that constitutes fraud.
Does selling a car as-is exempt me from odometer disclosure in Alabama?
Absolutely not. 'As-is' refers to the mechanical condition of the vehicle, not the accuracy of the mileage disclosure. Federal TIMA requirements apply to every non-exempt transfer regardless of sale terms.
What are the penalties for odometer fraud in Alabama?
Federal penalties include up to $10,000 per violation and/or up to 3 years in federal prison. Civil liability is treble damages — three times actual damages — with a minimum of $1,500, plus attorney's fees.