Free Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island, the odometer disclosure is recorded on the certificate of title, which the buyer submits to the RI Division of Motor Vehicles along with the 7% 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 →
Rhode Island Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary Form
Standard bill of sale
Agency
RI DMV
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
0.07%
Title Required
Yes
Inspection
Not required
Rhode Island Odometer Disclosure Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Locate the odometer disclosure section on the Rhode Island certificate of title.
- Record the exact mileage 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 title in the odometer disclosure area.
- Prepare a bill of sale with the vehicle description, parties, date, sale price, and odometer reading to support the 7% sales tax.
- The buyer submits the signed title and bill of sale to the RI DMV and pays the 7% sales tax to obtain a new title.
- Retain copies of all documents for at least five years.
Common Pitfalls
- An 'as-is' clause does not exempt the seller from the federal odometer disclosure requirement under TIMA.
- Selecting 'not actual mileage' when the odometer has rolled over is a misclassification; the correct certification is 'exceeds mechanical limits.'
- Omitting the odometer disclosure on an eligible vehicle exposes the seller to federal criminal penalties of up to $10,000 and three years in prison.
- Rhode Island's 7% sales tax is one of the higher state rates; it is based on the declared purchase price, and understating the 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.
Rhode Island Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — FAQs
Where is the odometer disclosure made for a Rhode Island vehicle sale?
Rhode Island's certificate of title includes a dedicated odometer disclosure section. Both seller and buyer complete and sign this section before the title is submitted to the RI DMV for transfer.
What is the sales tax rate on vehicle purchases in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island imposes a 7% sales tax on vehicle purchases. The buyer pays this at the RI DMV when submitting the title for transfer.
Is a 2001 model-year vehicle exempt from odometer disclosure in Rhode Island?
Yes. The federal 25-year rule exempts vehicles with a model year of 2001 or earlier as of 2026 from TIMA's odometer disclosure requirement.
What penalties apply to odometer fraud in Rhode Island?
Federal law imposes criminal penalties of up to $10,000 and up to three years imprisonment per violation. Civil liability allows the buyer to recover treble actual damages, with a minimum of $1,500 per violation.