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West Virginia Selling a Vehicle

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Selling a Vehicle in West Virginia 101

When selling a vehicle in West Virginia, you need to make sure you complete the title with the buyer. You also need to complete additional forms, such as the Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle and an odometer disclosure if your vehicle is less than ten years old.

There are fees associated with selling a vehicle. The buyer will need to pay a $15 titling fee, a 6% tax on the vehicle if the vehicle is valued at over $500, and $30 for a vehicle worth $500 or less. If there is a lien on the vehicle, there is a $10 fee applied as well.

If you are selling your vehicle for less than 50% of the current NADA Clean Loan Book value, you should give the buyer a notarized bill of sale. If you do not do this, then the buyer will need to pay tax on the full value of the vehicle instead of the sale price.

How to Sign Over the Title to the Buyer

You must sign the correct areas of the title before it will legally transfer your vehicle to another person. Failing to fill out a title correctly may hinder the sale and require you to request a duplicate title to correct the incorrect information.

On your vehicle’s title, you need to sign the front and back. The seller will also need to sign the front and back.

If your vehicle is not from West Virginia and has an out-of-state title, you also need to include the previous owner’s signature as well as the new owner’s name and address.

This can then be submitted with the Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle, which is form DMV-1-TR.

Replacing a Lost Title

If you have lost your vehicle’s title and a lien is on your vehicle, you will need to ask for a lien release from the original lien holder before a duplicate title can be released by the DMV. Otherwise, you can simply submit an Affidavit of Duplicate Title for a Vehicle or Watercraft (DMV-4-TR) form with a $15 fee.

Transferring License Plates

Every state handles license plates differently. In West Virginia, you keep your license plates and transfer them to your new vehicle, if you have one. If you are selling a vehicle, do not leave your license plates on your vehicle, because your plates belong to you, not to the new driver.

The buyer should transfer their old license plates to the vehicle. Your license plates may be turned in at the local DMV, or you can use them on another vehicle by completing a transfer request online. Your buyer will transfer their plates when they register their vehicle for the first time. They may also opt to purchase new license plates for their vehicle instead of renewing and transferring their old license plates.

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Last Verified:
Dec 28, 2022