Homepage Fill in a Valid Texas Odometer Statement Form

Document Sample

(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.

Document Information

Fact Name Details
Purpose of the Form The Texas Odometer Statement form, known as VTR-40, is used to disclose the mileage of a vehicle during the transfer of ownership. This disclosure is required by both federal and state law.
Legal Requirement According to the Transportation Code, §501.155, failing to complete the form accurately or providing false information can lead to serious penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Limitations on Use This form cannot be used alongside title transfer documents that already meet federal and state odometer disclosure requirements, such as Texas Certificates of Title issued after April 29, 1990.
Odometer Reading Certification Sellers must certify that the odometer reading reflects the actual mileage unless specific conditions apply, such as the mileage exceeding mechanical limits or being inaccurate.
Buyer Acknowledgment The form includes a section for the buyer or agent to acknowledge the odometer disclosure made by the seller, ensuring that both parties are aware of the mileage certification.

Texas Odometer Statement - Usage Guidelines

After completing the Texas Odometer Statement form, it is essential to ensure that all information is accurate and legible. Once filled out, the form should be signed by both the seller and the buyer or their respective agents. This form is crucial for the transfer of vehicle ownership and must be retained for your records.

  1. Obtain the Texas Odometer Statement form (VTR-40).
  2. Fill in the Seller/Agent Name at the top of the form.
  3. Provide the Year, Make, Body Style, and Model of the vehicle.
  4. Enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
  5. Write the odometer reading (without tenths) in the designated space.
  6. Certify the odometer reading by signing your name in the Signature of Seller/Agent section.
  7. Print your name in the Printed Name section, ensuring it matches your signature.
  8. If the vehicle is titled in a firm’s name, include the firm’s name in the specified area.
  9. Complete the Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code fields.
  10. In the acknowledgment section, the buyer or agent should sign and print their name.
  11. Ensure the buyer or agent also provides their Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Texas Odometer Statement form, there are several important guidelines to follow. Adhering to these can help ensure a smooth transaction while also complying with legal requirements.

  • Do provide accurate odometer readings. Ensure that the mileage stated reflects the true distance the vehicle has traveled.
  • Do check the appropriate box if the odometer reading is not the actual mileage. This includes situations where the odometer has exceeded its mechanical limits.
  • Do sign and date the form. Both the seller and the buyer must provide their signatures to validate the transaction.
  • Do include all required information. This includes the vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
  • Don't leave any sections blank. Incomplete forms can lead to delays or legal issues down the line.
  • Don't provide false information. Misrepresenting the odometer reading can result in severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment.
  • Don't use this form for title transfers that do not meet federal and state requirements. Ensure that you are using the correct documentation for your specific transaction.

Common mistakes

  1. Neglecting to Provide Accurate Mileage: It is crucial to enter the correct odometer reading. Many individuals mistakenly provide an incorrect figure, which can lead to legal consequences.

  2. Failing to Sign the Form: The seller or agent must sign the Odometer Disclosure Statement. Omitting a signature renders the form incomplete and invalid.

  3. Not Checking the Appropriate Box: If the odometer reading is not accurate, it is important to check the box indicating this. Failure to do so can result in penalties.

  4. Incorrectly Filling Out Vehicle Information: Providing inaccurate details about the vehicle, such as the year, make, model, or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), can create confusion and complications.

  5. Forgetting to Include Buyer Information: The buyer or agent must also acknowledge the odometer disclosure. Omitting this information can lead to misunderstandings during the transfer process.

  6. Using the Form with Ineligible Title Transfers: The Odometer Disclosure Statement cannot be used with certain title transfer documents. Ensure that the form is appropriate for the transaction at hand.

  7. Ignoring the Legal Consequences: Some individuals may overlook the serious implications of falsifying information on the form. It is essential to understand that this can lead to significant legal repercussions.