How to transfer a car title in West Virginia
For private sellers and buyers in West Virginia. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in West Virginia, the seller and buyer both sign the back of the title, and the seller writes the exact mileage in the assignment section. The buyer applies with form DMV-1-TR and pays the $15 title fee and 6% titling tax, based on the price or the NADA value.
What do the buyer and seller each do in West Virginia?
Seller
- If the owners are joined by "and", both sign. If they are joined by "or" or "and/or", either can sign alone.
- You and the buyer both sign the back of a West Virginia title.
- Write the exact mileage in the assignment section of the title.
- State law says the seller hands over the signed title within 60 days of the sale.
- For a gift, fill out Form DMV-5-TR, signed by both of you. It is not needed between parent and child or between spouses when the car is titled in West Virginia.
Buyer
- Only buy from a private seller who has a title in their own name and can hand it to you at the sale.
- Check that the VIN on the car matches the title, and that the odometer is not lower than the reading on the title.
- Apply for the registration and a new title with Form DMV-1-TR before you drive the car. State law lets you use the seller's registration for up to ten days.
- Pay the 6% titling tax on the price. If you paid less than half the NADA value, bring a notarized bill of sale signed by both of you, or the tax is based on the NADA value.
- A car two years old or newer is taxed on its NADA value, whatever the price.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles before you go: dmv.wv.gov
How do I sign over a car title in West Virginia?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the back of the title.
You and the buyer both sign. Both owners sign if the names are joined by "and".
dmv.wv.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Hand over the title.
State law says within 60 days of the sale.
code.wvlegislature.gov checked
We have not confirmed whether West Virginia requires a bill of sale. Check with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles before you sell.
West Virginia bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in West Virginia?
Step 1 · Buyer
Check the title.
It must be in the seller's name, and the VIN must match the car.
Step 2 · Buyer
Apply for the title.
Use Form DMV-1-TR at a DMV Regional Office, by mail, or through a private license service.
DMV-1-TR · Application for Certificate of TitleStep 3 · Buyer
Pay the titling tax.
6% of the price. Below half the NADA value, bring a notarized bill of sale, or the NADA value is taxed.
After WV DMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
West Virginia guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in West Virginia · Steps to buy a car in West Virginia
- West Virginia bill of saleOfficial form DMV-7-TR
- Replace a lost title in West VirginiaDuplicate title (DMV-4-TR)
- Car title after a death in West VirginiaThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in West Virginia?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $15 | Buyer | dmv.wv.gov Checked |
| Titling tax | 6% | Buyer | dmv.wv.gov Checked |
| Lien recording fee, if there is a loan (if it applies) | $10 | Buyer | dmv.wv.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $15 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the West Virginia State Tax Department.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for West Virginia are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Affidavit of Duplicate Title (DMV-4-TR).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
Do both owners have to sign?
If the names are joined by "and", yes. If they are joined by "or" or "and/or", either can sign alone.
dmv.wv.gov checked
What if I paid less than half the NADA value?
Bring a notarized bill of sale signed by both of you, or the tax is based on the NADA value.
dmv.wv.gov checked
Is a newer car taxed on the price?
No. A car two years old or newer is taxed on its NADA value.
dmv.wv.gov checked
What do I need for a gift?
A gift affidavit signed by both of you. It is not needed between parent and child or between spouses when the car is titled in West Virginia.
dmv.wv.gov checked
Sources for this page
- code.wvlegislature.gov/17A-4-2/
Checked - code.wvlegislature.gov/17A-4-3/
Checked - dmv.wv.gov/titles Checked
About this page
This page summarizes official West Virginia sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.