Free Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin, the odometer disclosure is recorded on the certificate of title, which is submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation along with the 5% 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 →
Wisconsin Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary Form
Standard bill of sale
Agency
WisDOT
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
0.05%
Title Required
Yes
Inspection
Not required
Wisconsin Odometer Disclosure Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Locate the odometer disclosure section on the Wisconsin 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, and purchase price to support the 5% sales tax calculation.
- The buyer submits the signed title and bill of sale to a WisDOT title office or DMV service center and pays the 5% sales tax.
- 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.
- Selecting 'not actual mileage' when the odometer has rolled over is incorrect; use 'exceeds mechanical limits' for rollover situations.
- 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.
- Wisconsin's 5% sales tax is based on the purchase price; understating the price to reduce the tax creates separate legal exposure.
- Civil liability for odometer fraud is treble actual damages with a statutory minimum of $1,500 per violation.
Wisconsin Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — FAQs
Where is the odometer disclosure made for a Wisconsin vehicle transfer?
Wisconsin's certificate of title contains a dedicated odometer disclosure section. Both seller and buyer complete and sign this section before the title is submitted to a WisDOT service center for transfer.
What is the sales tax rate on vehicle purchases in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin imposes a 5% sales tax on vehicle purchases. The buyer pays this at a WisDOT title office or DMV service center when transferring the title.
Is a 2001 model-year vehicle exempt from odometer disclosure in Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin?
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.