Free Ohio Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale
The federal Truth in Mileage Act (49 U.S.C. § 32705) requires a written odometer disclosure on every qualifying vehicle transfer. Vehicles 25 or more model years old (2001 and older as of 2026), those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs, and new vehicles before first retail sale are exempt. In Ohio, the odometer disclosure is made on the certificate of title, which is submitted to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles along with the 5.75% sales tax on the purchase price.
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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 →
Ohio Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary Form
Standard bill of sale
Agency
Ohio BMV
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
0.0575%
Title Required
Yes
Inspection
Not required
Ohio Odometer Disclosure Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Locate the odometer disclosure section on the Ohio certificate of title.
- Record the exact mileage shown on the odometer at the time of sale.
- Select the correct certification: 'Actual mileage,' 'Exceeds mechanical limits (rollover),' or 'Not actual mileage (discrepancy known).'
- Both seller and buyer must sign and date the odometer disclosure section of the title.
- Prepare a bill of sale with the vehicle description, sale price, and odometer reading to support the 5.75% sales tax calculation.
- The buyer submits the signed title and bill of sale to the county title office (BMV deputy registrar) and pays the sales tax.
- Retain copies of all documents for at least five years.
Common Pitfalls
- An 'as-is' provision does not waive the seller's federal obligation to disclose the odometer reading under TIMA.
- Using 'not actual mileage' when the odometer has rolled over is incorrect; 'exceeds mechanical limits' is the appropriate certification for a five-digit odometer that has cycled.
- Omitting the odometer disclosure on a non-exempt vehicle exposes the seller to federal criminal penalties of up to $10,000 and three years in prison.
- Ohio's 5.75% sales tax is based on the sale price declared to the BMV; misrepresenting the sale price to reduce tax is a separate offense.
- Civil liability for odometer fraud is treble actual damages, with a statutory minimum of $1,500 per violation.
Ohio Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — FAQs
Where is the odometer disclosure made for an Ohio vehicle transfer?
Ohio's certificate of title includes a dedicated odometer disclosure section. Both seller and buyer complete and sign this section, and the title is submitted to the county title office or BMV deputy registrar.
What is the sales tax rate on vehicle purchases in Ohio?
Ohio's statewide sales tax rate on vehicle purchases is 5.75%. The buyer pays this at the county title office when the title is transferred.
Is a 2000 model-year vehicle exempt from odometer disclosure in Ohio?
Yes. The federal 25-year rule exempts vehicles with a model year of 2001 or earlier as of 2026 from the TIMA odometer disclosure requirement.
What penalties apply to odometer fraud in Ohio?
Federal criminal penalties under TIMA include fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment up to three years. Civil liability allows the defrauded buyer to recover treble actual damages, with a minimum of $1,500 per violation.