It’s not unusual for a person to notice that the odometer reading on their car title isn’t right. This could be the result of previous odometer tampering, but it’s most likely a simple error that was overlooked. Either way, you’ll want to know how to correct the mileage on a car title so you can get as much money as possible when it comes time to sell it again. And the answer isn’t to cross it out – that will void the title!
Your Title Will Probably Need to Be Corrected at the DMV
Let’s get the answer out there quickly. If you notice something wrong on your car title, you want to get it fixed as soon as possible. From our end, the trouble with giving you step-by-step instructions is that each state takes these corrections differently. When in doubt, check with your local DMV to confirm their process for replacing a car title – the process is different in every state.
Only very specific title issues can be fixed without asking the DMV to process a brand-new title.
The majority of states use the same process. This requires you to lightly cross out the error and then fill out the appropriate paperwork to have your title amended with the information you provide. In some states, the DMV has to complete the crossing out in person with you present. You might also need to pay a fee for the processing. Whatever you do, make sure you NEVER correct a car title by:
Marking out information
Attempting to erase it
Using correction tape or fluid
These actions will void your title entirely and cause you to definitely need a duplicate title. Take your title to the DMV to have the error fixed.
Does the Age of the Car Matter?
Yes! Some states don’t require an odometer reading on the title if the vehicle is older than a certain number of years. In this situation, the title likely says something along the lines of “EXEMPT” somewhere near the mileage statement or the mileage just says 0.
When you aren’t required to change the mileage, you might feel that leaving it alone is best. That’s a judgment call you will have to make for yourself.
Why Would the Odometer Reading on a Title Be Wrong?
There are several reasons you might see odometer discrepancies on the title. Chances are it’s one of these two reasons.
Guessing
A common cause of incorrect mileage on a title is because of sheer guesswork. Many people don’t take the time to actually look at their odometer when they record the number on their title.
It’s vital that you record the mileage properly before you fill out your title. This is one of the biggest impacts on your sale price, and if you’re off by a lot it could easily get you accused of odometer fraud. You could notice a discrepancy by running a detailed VIN check on a vehicle you intend to buy.
Odometer fraud
In some cases, the mileage might be off because of odometer tampering. Odometer fraud is still possible even in the age of electronic odometers, which will commonly display an asterisk that displays after tampering has been detected.
This typically occurs when the seller manipulates the odometer or records it inaccurately to trick a buyer into paying extra. Unfortunately, odometer fraud is more common than you might think. Evidence of prior odometer fraud would show up on a History Report as well.
Here are some steps to protect yourself from odometer fraud:
Make sure you compare the mileage on the title and the History Report with the mileage on the odometer. If you spot any discrepancy, especially if the title’s mileage is higher than the others, ask the seller to explain it.
Ask for some physical maintenance records or inspection records collected by the seller. You can compare mileage recordings from those with the vehicle as well.
Look for warning signs that the car is older than you are told, like excessive rust or worn rubber bits.
Common Warning Signs of Odometer Tampering
As you search for your next used car, there are some telltale signs that odometer tampering has occurred. Look for these and you’ll be a savvy shopper and you won’t have to attempt to correct the mileage on a car title later.
Average mileage
The average mileage on a vehicle is 12,000 miles per year. While this number can vary slightly, you want to have your guard up on anything that claims to be much lower than that. Ask lots of questions and see if you can determine the true reason the car doesn’t have a lot of miles. If in doubt, walk away from the sale.
Original tires
A typical set of tires should last up to 60,000 miles. If you are looking at a vehicle with fewer miles that has all new tires, you might want to question why. Sometimes, this indicates that the car is actually older than you thought.
Look at the title
Sometimes people are afraid to ask to see the title before money changes hands. Don’t be. You have every right to inspect this before making a purchase – not just for odometer tampering, but also for title washing.
Missing or broken dash pieces
Examine the area around the dashboard and inspect for missing screws. This is often a sign that the odometer has been messed with.
Brake wear
Look closely at the brake pedal and the floor mat. If it looks like it’s been used more than normal, chances are the car might have more miles than you thought.
Odometer alignment
Another thing to look for is the alignment of the odometer numbers. If they aren’t straight, this is also a sign something was tampered with. In addition, General Motors often puts black spaces between the numbers on their odometers. If yours are white or silver, you might have altered mileage numbers.
On electronic odometers, some manufacturers installed an asterisk that displays after tampering has been detected.
Maintenance records
If the car comes with any maintenance or inspection records, you should examine them carefully. Many of these will have the mileage recorded on them along the way which could help you uncover the mystery of what the car’s actual mileage might be.
Don’t forget to pick up a VIN check to confirm the facts.
Other wear
When a car travels into the high-mileage territory, its components start to show their age.
You can check the engine, steering, braking, and suspension yourself to some extent, but a pre-purchase inspection is valuable for discovering mileage concerns (and for many other reasons).
Any trusted mechanic should be able to estimate the mileage of a vehicle before you purchase it. This extra expense is valuable to make sure that you don’t buy a lemon and to ensure you never need to correct the mileage on a car title.
What to Do if You Suspect Odometer Fraud
Odometer tampering is illegal. It is against federal law to tamper with a car’s odometer, so anyone committing odometer fraud is committing a felony. If you suspect odometer fraud, contact your local DMV to report it right away.
If you encounter a dealership or private party selling a car that’s had its odometer tampered with, consider reporting the situation to the authorities.
Whether you need to correct the mileage on a car title because of a mistake or as a result of odometer tampering, your local DMV will help you move forward. Make sure you correct the title accurately and fill out the appropriate paperwork. Then, you can get a fixed title and have everything in order in to prepare for when you are ready to sell the car.
If you would prefer to skip the hassle, let us do the work for you. We can obtain a new title and registration for cars, motorcycles, and almost anything with wheels. We also offer VIN Checks to help you gather the facts before buying a new car. Click the links to learn more about our services.
We are not attorneys. This article is not legal advice. Cover image source
Whether your car title made its way through your paper shredder or you spilled oil on it, rest assured knowing it’s possible to get a duplicate title by yourself through the local DMV.