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 of model year 2010 or older (model year 2011 and newer stay covered until they are 20 model years old) and those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs are exempt. When the title can't carry the disclosure — it is noncomplying or unavailable, has an odometer error, or the vehicle has changed hands more than once — California uses DMV Form REG 262 (Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment), which contains a dedicated odometer certification section and must then be completed in full, by hand and in ink — including the mileage figure and certification type — by both seller and buyer.
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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, which model years are exempt, and what to do if the odometer has rolled over. Read: Odometer Disclosure Statement: What It Is & What to Write →
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
7.25%
Title Required
Yes
Inspection
Not required
California Odometer Disclosure Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Confirm the vehicle must disclose: model year 2011 or newer (2010 and older are exempt) and GVWR 16,000 lbs or under.
- Get California DMV Form REG 262 from a DMV office, or have the DMV mail it to you, 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, as the law requires.
- 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; get a current form from the DMV.
- Missing California's 10-day title-transfer deadline — the DMV adds a late penalty if the transfer fee is not paid within 30 days, 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?
No. On an ordinary sale the disclosure is made on the title; the DMV uses REG 262 when the title is noncomplying or unavailable, has an odometer error, or the vehicle has changed hands more than once. Dealers use a different process.
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. Federally, each violation can cost $10,000 and up to three 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.