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Homepage Fill Out a Valid Texas Odometer Statement Template

Form Specs

Fact Name Details
Form Name The official name of the form is the Odometer Disclosure Statement, designated as VTR-40.
Governing Laws This form is governed by both federal and Texas state laws regarding odometer disclosures.
Required Information The form requires the seller to state the vehicle's mileage at the time of ownership transfer.
Consequences of False Statements Providing false information on this form may lead to fines and/or imprisonment.
Usage Restrictions This form cannot be used with title transfer documents that meet federal and state odometer disclosure requirements.
Odometer Reading Options Sellers must indicate if the odometer reading is actual mileage, exceeds mechanical limits, or is not accurate.
Signature Requirements The form requires signatures from both the seller/agent and the buyer/agent to acknowledge the odometer disclosure.
Legal Penalty According to Texas Transportation Code, §501.155, falsifying information on this form is classified as a third-degree felony.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Texas Odometer Statement form, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance with the law. Here is a list of things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do provide accurate mileage information.
  • Do sign and date the form where indicated.
  • Do check the appropriate boxes if the odometer reading is not accurate.
  • Do ensure that the vehicle identification number (VIN) is correctly entered.
  • Do print your name clearly next to your signature.
  • Don't leave any sections of the form blank.
  • Don't provide false information about the odometer reading.
  • Don't forget to include your address information.
  • Don't use the form for title transfer if it does not meet the requirements.
  • Don't ignore the warning about the consequences of falsifying information.

Common mistakes

  1. Failing to provide the correct odometer reading. It is crucial to report the mileage accurately to avoid penalties.

  2. Not signing the form. Both the seller and buyer must sign the document to validate the odometer disclosure.

  3. Leaving out the vehicle identification number (VIN). This number is essential for identifying the vehicle and must be included.

  4. Using the form for vehicles that do not meet the federal and state requirements. The form cannot be used with title transfer documents that comply with these laws.

  5. Checking the wrong statement regarding the odometer. Make sure to indicate if the odometer reading is not the actual mileage or if it exceeds mechanical limits.

  6. Providing incomplete contact information. Both parties must fill in their full addresses to ensure proper communication.

  7. Not acknowledging the odometer disclosure by the buyer/agent. The buyer's signature is necessary to confirm awareness of the odometer certification.

  8. Failing to print names clearly. Ensure that both the printed name and signature match to avoid confusion.

Documents used along the form

The Texas Odometer Statement form is a crucial document in the vehicle transfer process, ensuring that buyers are informed about the true mileage of a vehicle. However, several other forms and documents often accompany this statement to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the transaction. Below is a list of related documents that are commonly used in conjunction with the Texas Odometer Statement.

  • Texas Certificate of Title: This is the primary document that proves ownership of a vehicle. It includes essential information such as the vehicle's make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This title must be transferred from the seller to the buyer during the sale.
  • Bill of Sale: This document serves as a receipt for the transaction, detailing the sale price and confirming the transfer of ownership. It is not required by law in Texas but is highly recommended for record-keeping and legal purposes.
  • Application for Texas Title: When a vehicle is sold, the buyer must fill out this application to obtain a new title in their name. This form includes information about the vehicle and the buyer, and it is submitted to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
  • Vehicle Registration Application: This form is necessary for registering the vehicle with the state. It includes details about the vehicle and the owner and must be submitted along with the required fees to the DMV.
  • Minnesota Bill of Sale: This official document serves as proof of the transfer of ownership for various assets in Minnesota. It is essential for protecting the interests of both parties involved in a transaction. For more information, you can visit Formaid Org.
  • Affidavit of Heirship: In cases where a vehicle is inherited, this document may be needed to establish the rightful ownership of the vehicle. It outlines the relationship between the deceased and the heir.
  • Power of Attorney: If someone is acting on behalf of the seller or buyer, a Power of Attorney form may be required. This document grants the designated person the authority to complete the transaction and sign necessary documents.
  • Vehicle Inspection Report: In Texas, a vehicle must pass a safety inspection before it can be registered. This report confirms that the vehicle meets safety standards and is necessary for the registration process.
  • Notice of Transfer of Vehicle: This form is used to notify the DMV that a vehicle has been sold. It helps protect the seller from liability for any incidents involving the vehicle after the sale.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the process of transferring vehicle ownership in Texas. By ensuring that all necessary forms are completed and submitted, both buyers and sellers can protect their interests and comply with state regulations.

Misconceptions

Misunderstandings about the Texas Odometer Statement form can lead to confusion and potential legal issues. Here are six common misconceptions:

  • The Odometer Statement is optional. Some people believe that completing the Odometer Statement is not necessary. In reality, federal and state laws require this disclosure during the transfer of vehicle ownership.
  • Only the seller needs to sign the form. Many think that only the seller's signature is required. However, both the seller and the buyer or their agents must acknowledge the odometer disclosure by signing the form.
  • The form can be used with any title transfer. There is a misconception that this form can accompany any title transfer. It is specifically not to be used with title transfer documents that already comply with odometer disclosure requirements, such as Texas Certificates of Title issued after April 29, 1990.
  • Providing an inaccurate odometer reading is a minor issue. Some believe that a small mistake in the odometer reading won’t have serious consequences. In fact, providing a false statement can lead to fines and even imprisonment.
  • Once the form is signed, it cannot be contested. Many assume that the signed Odometer Statement is final and cannot be challenged. However, if evidence shows that the information was falsified, it can be legally contested.
  • The Odometer Statement is just a formality. While it may seem like a simple formality, the Odometer Statement carries significant legal weight. Failing to complete it accurately can result in severe penalties under Texas law.

Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure a smoother vehicle transaction process and protect all parties involved.

Preview - Texas Odometer Statement Form

(Seller/Agent Name)

ODOMETER DISCLOSURE

STATEMENT

VTR-40 (Rev. 11/09)

DHT # 142235

Federal and State Law require that you state the mileage in connection with the transfer of ownership. Failure to complete or providing a false statement may result in fines and/or imprisonment. This form may not be used in conjunction with title transfer documents, which comply with federal and state odometer disclosure requirements such as Texas Certificate of Titles issued on or after April 29, 1990.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION

Year

Make

Body Style

Model

Vehicle Identification Number

I, ______________________________________________, certify to the best of my knowledge that the odometer reading is

the actual mileage of the vehicle described above unless one of the following statements is checked:

Odometer

Reading

(No Tenths)

1.The mileage stated is in excess of its mechanical limits.

2.The odometer reading is not the actual mileage.

WARNING – ODOMETER DISCREPANCY.

Date ofSignature of Seller/AgentPrinted Name (Same as Signature) Statement

If titled in a firm’s name, print the firm’s name on the line above.

Street Address

City

State

Zip Code

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF ODOMETER DISCLOSURE BY BUYER/AGENT

I am aware of the above odometer certification made by the seller/agent.

Date of

Signature of Buyer/Agent

Printed Name (Same as Signature)

Statement

 

 

If purchased by a firm, print the firm’s name on the line above.

Street Address

City

State

Zip Code

WARNING: TRANSPORTATION CODE, §501.155, PROVIDES THAT FALSIFYING INFORMATION ON ANY REQUIRED STATEMENT OR APPLICATION IS A THIRD-DEGREE FELONY.

Key takeaways

When dealing with the Texas Odometer Statement form, it is essential to be thorough and accurate. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • Purpose of the Form: The Texas Odometer Statement is designed to disclose the mileage of a vehicle during the transfer of ownership. This is a legal requirement under both federal and state laws.
  • Accuracy is Crucial: Providing false information or failing to complete the form can lead to serious consequences, including fines or imprisonment. It is vital to state the mileage truthfully.
  • Specific Use: This form cannot be used alongside title transfer documents that already meet federal and state odometer disclosure requirements. For instance, titles issued in Texas after April 29, 1990, have their own disclosure built-in.
  • Odometer Reading: The form requires the odometer reading without tenths. This means you should round down to the nearest whole number when reporting the mileage.
  • Discrepancy Statements: If applicable, you must check one of the provided statements regarding the odometer reading. Options include indicating if the mileage exceeds mechanical limits or if it is not the actual mileage.
  • Buyer Acknowledgment: The buyer or their agent must also acknowledge the odometer certification by signing the form. This step ensures that they are aware of the mileage claims made by the seller.

Similar forms

The Texas Odometer Statement form shares similarities with several other documents related to vehicle ownership and mileage disclosure. Below are four documents that are comparable in purpose and function:

  • Federal Odometer Disclosure Statement: This document is used nationwide to disclose the mileage of a vehicle during its sale. Like the Texas Odometer Statement, it requires the seller to certify the accuracy of the mileage and includes penalties for providing false information.
  • California Judicial Council Form: This standardized document is essential for streamlining legal processes in California courts. The https://californiadocsonline.com/california-judicial-council-form allows individuals to provide the necessary information clearly and efficiently, ensuring all required details are included for court filings.
  • Vehicle Title Transfer Form: This form is essential when transferring ownership of a vehicle. It often includes sections for odometer disclosure, similar to the Texas Odometer Statement, ensuring that the buyer is aware of the vehicle's mileage at the time of sale.
  • Bill of Sale: A bill of sale records the transaction between the buyer and seller. It typically includes the vehicle's mileage and may require a statement regarding the accuracy of that mileage, paralleling the disclosure aspect of the Texas Odometer Statement.
  • State Vehicle Registration Application: When registering a vehicle, this application may require the applicant to provide the current odometer reading. This requirement aligns with the purpose of the Texas Odometer Statement to ensure accurate mileage reporting for legal and regulatory purposes.