Odometer Disclosure by Model Year (2026 to 2045)
Federal law requires the seller to state the mileage when most vehicles change hands. Which vehicles are covered depends on the model year and the year of the sale. Here is the full table, a quick checker, and what the disclosure must contain.
Last updated · Written and reviewed by the editorial team. Sources: state DMV websites and 49 CFR Part 580.
Does my vehicle need an odometer disclosure?
Yes. A model year 2018 vehicle transferred in 2026 needs a federal odometer disclosure (it becomes exempt in 2038).
Model-year rule only. Vehicles over 16,000 lb GVWR and vehicles that are not self-propelled are also exempt.
The rule in one paragraph
Under 49 CFR 580.17, a vehicle of model year 2010 or older is exempt once it is transferred at least 10 years after January 1 of its model year, which today means all of them. A vehicle of model year 2011 or newer is exempt only once it is transferred at least 20 years after January 1 of its model year. Vehicles over 16,000 lb GVWR and vehicles that are not self-propelled are exempt regardless of age.
Odometer disclosure table by year of sale
| Year of sale or transfer | Disclosure required for | Exempt by model year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Model year 2011 and newer | Model year 2010 and older |
| 2027 | Model year 2011 and newer | Model year 2010 and older |
| 2028 | Model year 2011 and newer | Model year 2010 and older |
| 2029 | Model year 2011 and newer | Model year 2010 and older |
| 2030 | Model year 2011 and newer | Model year 2010 and older |
| 2031 | Model year 2012 and newer | Model year 2011 and older |
| 2032 | Model year 2013 and newer | Model year 2012 and older |
| 2033 | Model year 2014 and newer | Model year 2013 and older |
| 2034 | Model year 2015 and newer | Model year 2014 and older |
| 2035 | Model year 2016 and newer | Model year 2015 and older |
| 2036 | Model year 2017 and newer | Model year 2016 and older |
| 2037 | Model year 2018 and newer | Model year 2017 and older |
| 2038 | Model year 2019 and newer | Model year 2018 and older |
| 2039 | Model year 2020 and newer | Model year 2019 and older |
| 2040 | Model year 2021 and newer | Model year 2020 and older |
| 2041 | Model year 2022 and newer | Model year 2021 and older |
| 2042 | Model year 2023 and newer | Model year 2022 and older |
| 2043 | Model year 2024 and newer | Model year 2023 and older |
| 2044 | Model year 2025 and newer | Model year 2024 and older |
| 2045 | Model year 2026 and newer | Model year 2025 and older |
Free to reuse with credit (CC BY 4.0). The table follows the model-year exemptions in 49 CFR 580.17(a)(3) and (a)(4), as published on eCFR and checked on October 13, 2026.
What the disclosure must include
49 CFR 580.5 says the seller (transferor) discloses the mileage on the title, or on the state’s reassignment document, and signs it. The disclosure contains:
- The odometer reading at the time of transfer, without tenths
- The date of transfer
- The seller’s printed name and current address
- The buyer’s printed name and current address
- The vehicle’s make, model, year, body type and VIN
- A statement that federal law requires the disclosure and that a false statement may result in fines and/or imprisonment
- The seller’s certification that the reading is the actual mileage, or a statement that it exceeds the odometer’s mechanical limits, or that it is not the actual mileage (with a discrepancy warning)
The buyer then signs the statement too, with their printed name.
Putting the mileage on your bill of sale
The title is where the federal disclosure lives, but repeating the reading on the bill of sale gives both of you a dated record of the same number. Our free vehicle bill of sale template includes an odometer section with the federal warning text and the “actual / exceeds mechanical limits / not actual” options, and the as-is version works the same way.
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicles are exempt from odometer disclosure in 2026?
Vehicles of model year 2010 or older, vehicles over 16,000 lb GVWR, and vehicles that are not self-propelled, among a few others listed in 49 CFR 580.17. Every vehicle from model year 2011 onward needs a disclosure in 2026.
When does a 2011 car become exempt?
In 2031. A model year 2011 or newer vehicle is exempt once it is transferred at least 20 years after January 1 of its model year, so a 2011 becomes exempt on January 1, 2031, a 2012 in 2032, and so on.
Why are 2010 and older cars exempt but not 2011?
A 2019 NHTSA rule extended the exemption period from 10 to 20 years for vehicles of model year 2011 and newer. Model year 2010 and older vehicles kept the old 10-year exemption, so they are all exempt now.
Where does the odometer disclosure go?
On the title itself, or on the state's reassignment document, in the space provided (49 CFR 580.5). Writing the mileage on a bill of sale is a useful extra record but not a substitute.
Does a private seller have to disclose mileage?
Yes. The federal rule applies to transfers of ownership in general, not only to dealers, unless the vehicle is exempt.
Do I include tenths of a mile?
No. The disclosure uses the odometer reading at the time of transfer, not including tenths.
General information, not legal advice. States can add their own odometer rules and forms. Check your state motor vehicle agency, and talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.