Free Pennsylvania Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale
Under 49 U.S.C. § 32705, qualifying transfers carry a mandatory written mileage disclosure. Qualifying means model year 2011 or newer (through the vehicle's 20th model year); exemptions cover 2010-and-older models, GVWR above 16,000 lbs, and new vehicles before their first retail sale. In Pennsylvania, the odometer disclosure is included in the MV-4ST (Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration), and the buyer has 20 days from the notarized title assignment to submit the transfer documents to PennDOT along with the 6% sales tax.
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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 →
Pennsylvania Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary Form
Standard bill of sale
Agency
PennDOT
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
6%
Title Required
Yes
Inspection
Not required
Pennsylvania Odometer Disclosure Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Obtain PennDOT Form MV-4ST (Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration).
- Complete the odometer disclosure section on the MV-4ST with the exact mileage at the time of sale.
- Mark the correct certification of the three: actual; exceeds mechanical limits (rollover); or not actual (discrepancy known).
- Both seller and buyer must sign and date the MV-4ST odometer section.
- Seller and buyer also sign the title in front of a notary (or have the signatures verified by a dealer issuing agent) to transfer ownership.
- The buyer must submit the signed title, completed MV-4ST, and 6% sales tax payment to a PennDOT title office or authorized agent within 20 days of the notarized title assignment.
- Both parties archive the signed set for at least five years.
Common Pitfalls
- No as-is wording removes the federal mileage-disclosure duty; the two operate on different planes.
- Confusing 'not actual mileage' (known discrepancy) with 'exceeds mechanical limits' (rollover) is a legally significant error.
- Missing Pennsylvania's 20-day deadline (counted from the notarized title assignment) for submitting the MV-4ST results in late fees and does not relieve the odometer disclosure obligation.
- Omitting the odometer disclosure on a non-exempt vehicle exposes the seller to federal criminal fines and up to three years in prison.
- Civil liability for odometer fraud is treble actual damages, with a statutory minimum of $10,000 per violation.
Pennsylvania Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — FAQs
What is PennDOT Form MV-4ST and why is it required?
MV-4ST is Pennsylvania's combined Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return and Application for Registration. It includes an odometer disclosure section that must be completed by both parties, and it is submitted to PennDOT along with the title and sales tax payment.
How long does the buyer have to submit transfer documents in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires the buyer to submit the signed title, MV-4ST, and sales tax payment within 20 days of the notarized title assignment. Late submissions incur additional fees.
What is the sales tax rate on vehicle purchases in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's sales tax on vehicle purchases is 6%. The buyer pays this when submitting the MV-4ST and title to PennDOT.
Is a 2001 model-year vehicle exempt from odometer disclosure in Pennsylvania?
Yes, it is exempt — not because of its age in years but because of its model year: everything 2010 and older is outside the federal requirement, while 2011+ vehicles disclose until 20 model years old.
What penalties apply to odometer fraud in Pennsylvania?
Federal penalties include criminal fines and imprisonment up to three years. On the civil side, the buyer recovers three times actual damages — at least $10,000 per violation.