What Is a West Virginia Vehicle Bill of Sale
A West Virginia vehicle bill of sale (Form DMV-7-TR) is a legal document that proves one person has sold or transferred a vehicle to someone else. It lists key details, such as:
- The buyer and seller’s names
- The sale price
- The car’s make, model, year, and VIN
- The date of the sale
This form is recognized by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV)as part of the paperwork required for vehicle ownership changes. It also helps create a clear record of the transaction and protects both parties in case of future disputes.
When Do You Need a Vehicle Bill of Sale in West Virginia?
You can use a motor vehicle bill of sale in West Virginia whenever you sell, buy, or give away a car. Typical situations where you may need one include:
- Private sales between individuals
- Gifting the car to family or friends
- Out-of-state purchases brought into West Virginia
- Trade-ins at a dealership where proof of previous ownership is needed
A vehicle bill of sale also supports your title application with the WV DMV. It also helps with tax records and liability protection, as required during ownership changes under WV Code § 17A-4-1, which directs sellers to report the transfer using official forms.
The WV DMV accepts both typed and handwritten forms as long as they include all the information. You can use Legal Templates’s free West Virginia vehicle bill of sale form to quickly create a valid document that meets all WV state requirements.
What Documents Do You Need to Sell a Car Privately in West Virginia?
If you’re selling a car privately in West Virginia, you’ll need a notarized West Virginia motor vehicle bill of sale, the vehicle title with the assignment section completed, and a completed Odometer Disclosure Statement if the car is less than 10 years old.
Does a West Virginia Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?
Yes, the WV DMV requires all motor vehicle bills of sale to be notarized. Notarization confirms that both the buyer and the seller signed the document willingly. It also helps verify the identities of both parties. Without a notary seal, the WV DMV may reject your vehicle bill of sale during title transfer or during the vehicle registration process.
To meet this requirement, both parties must sign the form in the presence of a notary public. If needed, you can use a free West Virginia notary acknowledgment form as part of your paperwork.
What If the Purchase Price for a Car Is Less Than Its True Value?
You must present a notarized vehicle bill of sale if the vehicle is purchased from a private seller for less than 50% of the current NADA Clean Loan Book value. Otherwise, the tax will be assessed on the NADA Clean Loan Book value.
Sample West Virginia Vehicle Bill of Sale
View a sample West Virginia vehicle bill of sale template to see what information you’ll need to include in your document so that it is accepted by the WV DMV. Once you’re ready, use our step-by-step questionnaire to create your own WV motor vehicle bill of sale and download it in PDF or Word format.
