Free California Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale
California requires odometer disclosure under both federal TIMA (49 U.S.C. § 32705) and California Vehicle Code § 5900. Vehicles 25 or more model years old (2001 or older in 2026) and those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs are exempt. California uses DMV Form REG 262 (Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment) which contains a dedicated odometer certification section; this form is mandatory for most private-party transfers and must be completed in full — including the mileage figure and certification type — by both seller and buyer.
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California Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary Form
Standard bill of sale
Agency
California DMV
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
0.0725%
Title Required
Yes
Inspection
Not required
California Odometer Disclosure Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Confirm the vehicle is not exempt: 2002 or newer model year and GVWR 16,000 lbs or under.
- Obtain or download California DMV Form REG 262 if the current title does not have a reassignment section available.
- Read the odometer and record the exact mileage on the day of sale.
- Select the correct certification on REG 262: 'True mileage', 'Exceeds mechanical limits', or 'Not actual mileage'.
- Seller signs and dates the odometer disclosure section of REG 262 in the presence of the buyer.
- Buyer countersigns to acknowledge the disclosed mileage.
- Submit the title, REG 262, and applicable transfer fee to a California DMV office within 10 days to avoid penalties.
- Both parties retain copies of REG 262 for at least five years.
Common Pitfalls
- Selling 'as-is' does not waive the California or federal odometer disclosure obligation — both laws apply regardless.
- Using an old version of REG 262 that pre-dates the current disclosure format; always download the current form from dmv.ca.gov.
- Missing California's 10-day title-transfer deadline — the buyer owes penalties after this window and the seller may retain liability.
- Failing to include all three signatures (seller, buyer, and any co-owner) when the title has multiple registered owners.
- Recording mileage for an exempt vehicle on REG 262 and accidentally certifying inaccurate data — if you're unsure whether the vehicle is exempt, disclose anyway.
California Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — FAQs
Is California Form REG 262 the only acceptable odometer disclosure document?
For most private sales, REG 262 is the standard document and its odometer section must be completed. Dealers use a different process, but private sellers should use REG 262 whenever a title reassignment section is required.
What if the odometer exceeds 999,999 miles and has rolled over?
Select 'Exceeds mechanical limits' and record the current odometer reading. This tells the buyer the instrument has cycled past its maximum display and the true total mileage is higher.
Does selling a car as-is protect me from odometer fraud claims in California?
No. California Vehicle Code § 5901 and federal TIMA both impose liability for false odometer certifications independent of any 'as-is' disclaimer. You can still face civil and criminal penalties.
What are the penalties for odometer fraud in California?
Under California law, odometer fraud is a misdemeanor or felony depending on the amount involved. Federal penalties include up to $10,000 per violation and/or 3 years imprisonment. Civil recovery is triple damages, minimum $1,500, plus attorney's fees.
My 2001 Honda — does it need odometer disclosure on a 2026 California sale?
No. A 2001 model-year vehicle is exactly 25 years old in 2026 and is federally exempt. California follows the federal exemption threshold, so REG 262's odometer section is not required — but voluntary disclosure is always advisable.