A West Virginia motor vehicle bill of sale allows you to properly document the transaction of selling an automobile. It identifies the vehicle details and the buyer’s and seller’s information. The state requires the notarization of the bill of sale, which you will need to title and register the vehicle.
Registering a Motor Vehicle
State law requires registration for all vehicles used or moved on public roadways. [1] Registering your vehicle will give you a license plate, which you must display on the car. You must have a West Virginia bill of sale for vehicle registration through the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
Re-registration must occur every 12 or 24 months, depending on the vehicle class. [2]
Gather Required Documents
You will need specific documents when registering your motor vehicle:
- Notarized Bill of Sale: Proves that the transfer of ownership occurred.
- Application for Certificate of Title: Lets the buyer seek a certificate of title for the purchased vehicle.
- Driver’s license or state ID: Lets the buyer confirm their identity with the DMV.
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Proof of insurance: The buyer must show proof of the state-mandated minimum coverage: [3]
- $25,000 for bodily injuries per person
- $50,000 for bodily injuries per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
- Proof of inspection: West Virginia requires a routine safety inspection upon registration and every 24 months. It has reciprocity with Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Therefore, out-of-state inspection stickers from these states are valid in West Virginia until expiration. [4]
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney: Lets you appoint an agent to handle the registration process in your absence.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form DMV-TM-1): For vehicles less than 10 years old and under 16,000 pounds.
Submit Your Documents
Register your vehicle online or visit a regional office in person. If you need to mail your documents, you can send them to the following address:
West Virginia DMV
P.O. Box 17110
Charleston, WV 25317
The state announced it would begin digitizing the process in the first part of 2023. [5] Register your vehicle online using the Champ Titles Digital Title and Registration Suite. Your registration will be digital, and you will get your license plate by mail.
Pay Registration Fees
Ensure that you submit the appropriate registration fees and tax payments when you register your vehicle.
West Virginia Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Sample
Download a West Virginia motor vehicle bill of sale template in PDF or Word format:
