Odometer Rollback Check by VIN

The federal odometer statement rule, in plain terms

49 CFR Part 580 is the federal odometer disclosure regulation. Section 580.5 says that when a vehicle changes hands the transferor (the seller) must disclose the mileage to the transferee (the buyer) on the physical or electronic title, or on the document used to reassign the title, signed and with the seller's printed name. The disclosure has to contain the odometer reading (no tenths), the date, both parties' names and addresses, and the vehicle's make, model, year, body type and VIN, plus a statement that failing to complete it or giving false information may result in fines and/or imprisonment.

Then the seller has to pick one of three certifications (580.5(e)):

• the reading reflects the actual mileage;
• the reading exceeds the odometer's designed mechanical limit (the five-digit rollover); or
• the reading does not reflect the actual mileage and should not be relied upon, with a warning notice to the buyer that a discrepancy exists.

Dealers must keep copies of every odometer statement they issue and receive for five years (580.8). That retention rule is why a dealer's file on a trade-in is worth asking for.

Which vehicles are exempt

Section 580.17 exempts the seller from disclosing mileage for:

• a vehicle with a GVWR over 16,000 pounds;
• a vehicle that is not self-propelled (trailers);
• a model year 2010 or older vehicle transferred at least 10 years after January 1 of its model year;
• a model year 2011 or newer vehicle transferred at least 20 years after January 1 of its model year;
• a new vehicle before its first retail sale, and vehicles sold by the manufacturer to a US government agency.

The regulation's own examples: for transfers in 2020, model year 2010 and older were exempt; for transfers in 2031, model year 2011 and older will be. In practical terms, every model year 2011 or newer vehicle sold today still requires a mileage disclosure, and most 2010 and older vehicles do not, which is exactly why older cars are where "exempt" on the title replaces a number.

Where mileage history is recorded

• Title transfers. Each sale produces a signed odometer statement. The reading from the last transfer is on the title the seller shows you.
• NMVTIS. Odometer reading is one of the five indicators in an NMVTIS vehicle history report, sold by approved providers.
• State inspection and emissions programs. Where a state runs them, the printout carries the reading and the date.
• Service records. Every invoice and oil-change sticker is a dated reading. Ask for the folder.

Red flags in person

• A later recorded reading that is lower than an earlier one, or a multi-year gap with no miles.
• Worn pedal rubber, a polished steering wheel or a collapsed driver seat bolster on a car claiming low miles.
• Tire date codes and brake wear that do not fit the miles (four original tires on a 90,000-mile car is unusual).
• Service stickers or invoices showing a higher reading than the dash.
• A title marked "not actual mileage" or "exceeds mechanical limits" that the seller did not mention.
• A seller who will not show the title until money changes hands.

For what the brand box on the title means, see the title check. For the loan that may still be attached, see the lien check.