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The Ohio Department of Public Safety form, specifically the Odometer Disclosure Statement, plays a crucial role in the transfer of vehicle ownership. This form ensures that both buyers and sellers accurately report the vehicle's mileage at the time of sale. Federal law mandates this disclosure to prevent fraud and protect consumers. When completing the form, the transferor, or seller, must provide their name, address, and the vehicle's details, including the make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). They must also state the current odometer reading, confirming whether it reflects the actual mileage or if there are discrepancies. The form includes important certifications, allowing the seller to indicate if the odometer reading exceeds mechanical limits or is not accurate. Both parties must sign the document, which serves as a legal acknowledgment of the mileage and protects against potential fines or legal issues that may arise from inaccurate reporting. By following the guidelines set forth in this form, individuals can ensure a smoother and more transparent vehicle transfer process.

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OHIO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES

ODOMETER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

Federal law (and State law), if applicable) requires that you state the mileage upon transfer of ownership. Failure to complete or providing a false statement may result in fines and/or imprisonment.

I,

 

 

 

, state that the odometer (of the vehicle described below) now

 

 

PRINT TRANSFEROR’S NAME

reads

 

(no tenths) miles and to the best of my knowledge that it reflects the actual

mileage of the vehicle described below, unless one of the following statements is checked.

(1) I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the odometer reading reflects the amount of mileage in excess of its mechanical limits.

(2) I hereby certify that the odometer reading is NOT the actual mileage.

WARNING - ODOMETER DISCREPANCY.

MAKE

BODY TYPE

MODEL

 

 

 

 

VEHICLE ID NUMBER

 

 

YEAR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRANSFEROR’S PRINTED NAME (SELLER)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRANSFEROR’S STREET ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

STATE

ZIP CODE

 

 

 

 

DATE OF STATEMENT

TRANSFEROR’S SIGNATURE (SELLER)

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRINTED NAME OF TRANSFEROR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRANSFEREE’S PRINTED NAME (BUYER)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRANSFEREE’S STREET ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

STATE

ZIP CODE

 

 

 

 

 

RECEIPT OF COPY ACKNOWLEDGED

 

 

 

 

 

TRANSFEREE’S SIGNATURE (BUYER)

 

PRINTED NAME OF TRANSFEREE

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.bmv.ohio.gov

BMV 3724 7/09

➤ PDF File

Form Specifications

Fact Name Details
Governing Law Federal law and Ohio state law require accurate odometer disclosures during vehicle ownership transfers.
Purpose This form is used to disclose the vehicle's odometer reading at the time of transfer.
Consequences of False Information Providing false information may lead to fines or imprisonment.
Odometer Reading Certification The transferor must certify the accuracy of the odometer reading or indicate discrepancies.
Required Signatures Both the transferor (seller) and transferee (buyer) must sign the form to acknowledge the transfer.
Contact Information For more details, visit the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website at www.bmv.ohio.gov.

Ohio Department Of Public Safety: Usage Guidelines

Filling out the Ohio Department of Public Safety form is an essential step when transferring vehicle ownership. This form requires accurate information about the vehicle's odometer reading and the parties involved in the transaction. Below are the steps to ensure you complete the form correctly.

  1. Begin by writing the transferor's name in the designated space at the top of the form.
  2. Next, enter the current odometer reading of the vehicle in miles, ensuring you do not include tenths of a mile.
  3. Indicate whether the odometer reading reflects the actual mileage. If the reading exceeds the mechanical limits, check the appropriate box.
  4. If the odometer reading is not accurate, check the box indicating that the mileage is not the actual amount.
  5. Fill in the make, model, year, and vehicle ID number of the vehicle being transferred.
  6. Provide the transferor’s street address, including city, state, and zip code.
  7. Write the date of the statement in the specified area.
  8. Have the transferor sign the form in the section labeled transferor’s signature.
  9. Print the transferor's name again in the designated area.
  10. Now, fill in the transferee’s name (the buyer) in the next section.
  11. Complete the transferee’s street address, city, state, and zip code.
  12. Finally, the transferee should acknowledge receipt of a copy by signing the form in the section labeled transferee’s signature and printing their name.

Once you have completed all these steps, ensure that both parties retain a copy of the signed form for their records. This will serve as proof of the odometer disclosure during the transfer of ownership.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the purpose of the Ohio Department of Public Safety Odometer Disclosure Statement?

The Odometer Disclosure Statement is a legal document required when transferring ownership of a vehicle. It ensures that the mileage on the vehicle's odometer is accurately reported. This is important because it helps prevent fraud and protects buyers from purchasing vehicles with rolled-back odometers. Both federal and state laws mandate that this information be disclosed during the transfer process.

What happens if I provide false information on the Odometer Disclosure Statement?

Providing false information on this form can lead to serious consequences. Individuals may face fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. It is crucial to provide accurate information to avoid legal issues. If you are unsure about the mileage, it is better to state that the odometer reading is not the actual mileage rather than guessing or providing incorrect information.

Who needs to fill out the Odometer Disclosure Statement?

Both the seller (transferor) and the buyer (transferee) must fill out the Odometer Disclosure Statement. The seller must provide the current odometer reading and certify that it reflects the actual mileage or indicate if there are discrepancies. The buyer must also acknowledge receipt of this information by signing the document. This ensures that both parties are aware of the vehicle's mileage status at the time of transfer.

What should I do if the odometer reading exceeds its mechanical limits?

If the odometer reading exceeds its mechanical limits, you must check the corresponding box on the form to certify this fact. This situation typically occurs when the odometer has rolled over, meaning it has gone past its maximum reading and started again at zero. It’s important to disclose this accurately, as it provides clarity about the vehicle’s true mileage history.

Can I complete the Odometer Disclosure Statement electronically?

Common mistakes

  1. Failing to provide the transferor's name clearly. This is essential for identifying the seller.

  2. Not stating the odometer reading accurately. The mileage must be reported without any tenths.

  3. Leaving out the vehicle identification number (VIN). This number uniquely identifies the vehicle and is crucial for the record.

  4. Neglecting to check one of the odometer certification boxes. This step clarifies the condition of the odometer reading.

  5. Forgetting to include the date of the statement. This date is important for legal purposes and record-keeping.

  6. Not signing the form. Both the transferor and transferee must provide their signatures to validate the transaction.

  7. Omitting the transferee’s address. This information is necessary for the buyer's identification and future correspondence.

  8. Using illegible handwriting. Clear and readable writing is essential to avoid confusion and ensure accuracy.

  9. Failing to keep a copy of the completed form. This serves as a record for both parties in case of future disputes.

Documents used along the form

When dealing with vehicle ownership transfers in Ohio, several important forms accompany the Ohio Department of Public Safety form. Each document serves a specific purpose, ensuring that the transfer process is smooth, legal, and transparent. Understanding these forms is crucial for both buyers and sellers to avoid potential legal issues.

  • Title Transfer Application: This document is essential for officially transferring the title of the vehicle from the seller to the buyer. It includes details about the vehicle, such as its VIN, and must be completed and submitted to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to finalize the ownership change.
  • Vehicle Registration Application: After acquiring a vehicle, the new owner must register it with the BMV. This application collects information about the vehicle and the owner, ensuring that the vehicle is legally recognized on the road.
  • Bill of Sale: This document acts as proof of the transaction between the buyer and seller. It includes details like the sale price, vehicle identification, and the names of both parties. While not always required, it provides valuable evidence of the sale.
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement: Often included in the title transfer process, this form confirms the accuracy of the odometer reading at the time of sale. It helps prevent odometer fraud and ensures that both parties are aware of the vehicle's mileage.
  • Affidavit of Ownership: If the seller cannot provide a title, this document may be used to assert ownership of the vehicle. It requires the seller to declare their ownership under penalty of perjury, adding a layer of legal protection for the buyer.

Being well-informed about these forms can greatly ease the vehicle transfer process. Each document plays a critical role in ensuring that ownership is transferred legally and transparently. Neglecting to complete any of these forms may lead to complications down the line, so it is advisable to handle them with care and attention.

Similar forms

The Ohio Department of Public Safety form, specifically the Odometer Disclosure Statement, serves a critical function in vehicle ownership transfers. It is similar to several other documents in terms of purpose and requirements. Here are five documents that share similarities with this form:

  • Vehicle Title Transfer Form: This document is essential for transferring ownership of a vehicle. Like the Odometer Disclosure Statement, it requires accurate information about the vehicle and the parties involved in the transaction.
  • Bill of Sale: A Bill of Sale acts as a receipt for the purchase of a vehicle. It includes details about the vehicle and the buyer and seller, similar to the odometer statement, ensuring that both parties acknowledge the transaction.
  • Vehicle Registration Application: This form is used to register a vehicle with the state. It often requires information about the vehicle's mileage at the time of registration, paralleling the odometer disclosure requirement for ownership transfers.
  • Power of Attorney for Vehicle Transactions: This document allows one person to act on behalf of another in vehicle-related matters. It may require the same information about the vehicle and its mileage, ensuring that all legalities are respected during the transfer process.
  • Notice of Sale: This document informs the state and other parties that a vehicle has been sold. It often includes odometer readings and other pertinent information, mirroring the requirements found in the Odometer Disclosure Statement.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Ohio Department of Public Safety form, it’s essential to approach the task with care and attention to detail. Here are five important do's and don'ts to keep in mind:

  • Do ensure that all fields are completed accurately. Double-check the odometer reading and vehicle details.
  • Do read the certification statements carefully before signing. Understanding these statements can prevent future legal issues.
  • Do use clear and legible handwriting. This helps avoid confusion and ensures that your information is correctly interpreted.
  • Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records. This can be useful for both the seller and buyer in the future.
  • Do ask for help if you’re unsure about any part of the form. It’s better to seek clarification than to risk making a mistake.
  • Don’t leave any fields blank. Incomplete forms may lead to delays or rejection.
  • Don’t provide false information. Misrepresenting mileage can result in serious penalties.
  • Don’t rush through the form. Taking your time can help ensure accuracy and completeness.
  • Don’t forget to sign the form. An unsigned document may not be valid.
  • Don’t ignore the warning about odometer discrepancies. If applicable, check the appropriate statement to avoid legal issues.

Misconceptions

Here are five common misconceptions about the Ohio Department of Public Safety form, specifically the Odometer Disclosure Statement:

  • Only the seller needs to sign the form. Both the seller and the buyer must sign the form. The buyer's signature acknowledges receipt of the information provided.
  • Filling out the form is optional. This form is required by federal law and state law when transferring vehicle ownership. Not completing it can lead to penalties.
  • Odometer readings can be estimated. The form requires an exact odometer reading, without tenths. Providing an estimated reading is not acceptable.
  • Only the seller can complete the form. While the seller provides the information, the buyer must also verify and acknowledge the details by signing.
  • Discrepancies in mileage don’t need to be reported. If the odometer reading is not accurate, it must be indicated on the form. Failing to do so can result in legal consequences.

Key takeaways

When filling out the Ohio Department of Public Safety form, keep the following key points in mind:

  • Accurate Mileage Reporting: Clearly state the vehicle's odometer reading at the time of transfer. This is crucial for compliance with federal and state laws.
  • Legal Implications: Providing false information can lead to significant penalties, including fines or imprisonment.
  • Transferor's Responsibility: The person selling the vehicle must complete the form and provide accurate information regarding the odometer reading.
  • Certification Options: Be aware of the two certification statements available. Choose the appropriate one based on the vehicle's mileage history.
  • Complete All Sections: Ensure that all required fields, including names, addresses, and signatures, are filled out completely.
  • Copy Retention: Both the transferor and transferee should keep a copy of the completed form for their records.
  • Signature Requirement: Both parties must sign the form to validate the transaction and acknowledge the information provided.
  • Consult Resources: For additional assistance, visit the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website for guidance and updates.