Free Tennessee 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 Tennessee, the odometer disclosure is made on the certificate of title, which is submitted to the county clerk's office along with the 7% state sales tax on the purchase price.
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Tennessee Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary Form
Standard bill of sale
Agency
TN Motor Vehicle
Tennessee Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle Division
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
0.07%
Title Required
Yes
Inspection
Not required
Tennessee Odometer Disclosure Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Locate the odometer disclosure section on the Tennessee 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 documenting the vehicle, parties, date, and purchase price to support the 7% sales tax calculation.
- The buyer submits the signed title and bill of sale to the county clerk's office 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 waive the seller's federal odometer disclosure obligation under TIMA.
- Using 'not actual mileage' when the odometer has rolled over is incorrect; the right certification is 'exceeds mechanical limits.'
- Failing to complete the odometer disclosure on an eligible vehicle exposes the seller to federal criminal penalties of up to $10,000 and three years in prison.
- Tennessee's 7% sales tax is among the highest in the nation; understating the sale price to reduce the tax constitutes tax fraud independently of any odometer issue.
- Civil liability for odometer fraud is treble actual damages, with a statutory minimum of $1,500 per violation.
Tennessee Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — FAQs
Where is the odometer disclosure made for a Tennessee vehicle transfer?
Tennessee's certificate of title contains a designated odometer disclosure section. Both seller and buyer complete and sign this section before the buyer takes the title to the county clerk's office.
What is the sales tax rate on vehicle purchases in Tennessee?
Tennessee imposes a 7% state sales tax on vehicle purchases. The buyer pays this at the county clerk's office when transferring the title.
Is a 2001 model-year vehicle exempt from odometer disclosure in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Federal criminal penalties include fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment up to three years. Civil liability allows the buyer to recover treble actual damages, with a statutory minimum of $1,500 per violation.