Alabama Odometer Disclosure Statement – AL

When you transfer the ownership of a vehicle in the State of Alabama you need to complete an odometer disclosure statement if the vehicle is model year 2011 or newer, below 16,000 pounds, and self-propelled. Usually you state the mileage on the back of the vehicle’s Certificate of title in the Assignment of Title by Registered Owner section. In some cases when you’re unable to record the odometer reading on the title or when you want to complete a separate form as well you can use the state-approved Odometer Disclosure Statement Form MVT-5-5-8-19. Below you can find details and instructions.

These vehicles are exempt from odometer disclosure statement in the State of Alabama: all vehicles model year 2010 or older and vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 16,000 lbs.. Also these type of vehicles are exempt: low-speed vehicles (LSV), vehicles that are not self-propelled, non-motorized vehicles (trailer-type), scooters and mopeds.

DON’T make any alterations or erasures when you write on the title because doing so will void the title and the title assignment and all assignments that follow! Also use only black or blue ink to write on the title. Furthermore, as a seller, print your name exactly as it appears on the title.

Be careful because Federal and State law requires that the seller to state the mileage in connection with the transfer of a vehicle’s ownership. Failure to complete the odometer statement or providing a false statement may result in fines and/or imprisonment!

Alabama state-approved Odometer Disclosure Statement Form

Below you can find the state-approved fillable PDF form for your use.

The state-approved Odometer Disclosure Statement is composed of three sections. So below you’ll understand how to complete this form:

Section 1

The first section includes the full name of the seller. Specifically the name must be PRINTED. So this means to use only Capital Letters to write SELLER’S NAME. Next complete all the vehicle details starting with the current odometer reading. If the odometer reading is in excess of the mechanical limits of the odometer or is not the actual mileage please check the corresponding box:

Photo of Alabama Odometer Disclosure Statement form
Section 1 of MVT-5-5-8-19 form

Section 2

In the second section fill out the Seller (Transferor) Information. This includes the seller’s name (write SELLER’S NAME using only Capital Letters) and address. Next fill out the signature and date:

Photo of Alabama Odometer Disclosure Statement form
Section 2 of MVT-5-5-8-19 form

Section 3:

At the third and last section complete the Buyer (Transferee) Information. Fill out first the buyer’s name. Then please write BUYER’S NAME using only Capital Letters. Lastly fill out the buyer’s address, signature and date:

Photo of Alabama Odometer Disclosure Statement form
Section 3 of MVT-5-5-8-19 form

The State of Alabama has specific legal requirements about what an Odometer Disclosure Statement contains and you’ll find more details below. The seller can use this separate state-approved form to keep a record of the transaction along with a copy of the assigned title (front and back) for a period of five years.

In the State of Alabama you may want to complete also this Alabama Odometer Disclosure Statement FormMVT-5-5-8-19.

If you’re not sure how to get an exact odometer reading you can find all the details here: Reading the Odometer – How to read an Odometer.

Tip: to complete the Alabama Odometer Disclosure Statement Form on your device (computer / phone / tablet) open the PDF form in Adobe Acrobat Reader.

You can also fill out the form by hand but don’t forget to use a pen with black or blue ink and not a pencil!

How to complete the Alabama Odometer Disclosure Statement

When you complete the odometer reading in the Assignment of Title by Registered Owner section on the back of the vehicle’s Certificate of Title you have to complete these details.

First the seller completes the date of transfer. Then complete the PRINTED NAME of the buyer. Next complete buyer’s address, city, state and ZIP code.

After that certify and complete the odometer reading as the Actual Mileage. Please use here only digits without tenths. Only if it’s the case the seller can check the first box if the Odometer reading entered is in EXCESS of the odometer’s mechanical limits. Accordingly the seller may check the second box if the Odometer reading entered is NOT the Actual Mileage (Warning – Odometer Discrepancy).

Next complete both the buyer’s and seller’s signatures and PRINTED NAMES. Always write seller’s name EXACTLY as it appears on the title.

Finally if there is a Lienholder to be shown on the new title complete its details and if there isn’t one please complete NONE:

Photo of an Alabama Certificate of Title section
Assignment of Title by Registered Owner section on the Alabama Certificate of Title

Odometer Fraud in Alabama

Unfortunately odometer fraud is more common than you think. According to CarFax, odometer fraud in Alabama goes up each year. If you suspect you may be a victim of odometer fraud please try first to find a solution with the seller. However if you’re unable to find a solution use this online form to file a complaint with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office – Online Consumer Complaint Form or send an email for more details to [email protected].

Find more information about the Alabama Motor Vehicle Division

In any case for more information go to Alabama Department of Revenue – The Motor Vehicle Division

To summarize, the Alabama Department of Revenue – The Motor Vehicle Division is responsible for issuing motor vehicle titles, maintaining vehicle registration information and enforcing the Mandatory Liability Insurance Act.