New York guide
Odometer Disclosure for New York Private Car Sales
Federal Truth in Mileage Act (TIMA) rules apply in New York: when a vehicle changes ownership the seller must give the buyer a written odometer disclosure. In New York that disclosure is normally completed on the back of the Certificate of Title, in the section the title reserves for this purpose.
The MV-912 Vehicle Bill of Sale also captures the odometer reading at sale time — keeping the same number on both documents prevents future disputes.
When odometer disclosure is required
- Vehicle is less than 20 model years old (federal rule, effective for newer model years after the 2021 update).
- Vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of 16,000 lbs or less.
- Vehicle is being transferred (sold, gifted, traded).
When disclosure is NOT required
- Vehicle is 20 model years or older (older vehicles are exempt).
- Vehicles with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs (commercial heavy duty).
- Vehicles not self-propelled (trailers).
How to document odometer in NY
- Read the odometer right before signing the bill of sale and write the number in the MV-912.
- Complete the odometer section on the back of the title in the same handwriting / same number.
- If the original odometer was replaced or the mileage is inaccurate, check the appropriate box: "Not Actual Mileage" or "Exceeds Mechanical Limits".
- Take a clear photo of the odometer at sale time and keep it with the bill of sale.
If there is no Certificate of Title (for example, the vehicle pre-dates 1973 and uses a Transferable Registration instead), the federal odometer disclosure can be made on a separate form — typically MV-103 — that the buyer brings to the NY DMV with the rest of the registration paperwork.