A West Virginia vehicle bill of sale allows you to properly document the transaction of selling an automobile. It identifies the vehicle, seller, and buyer.
The state requires notarization of the bill of sale, which you will need to title and register the vehicle.
West Virginia Vehicle Registration
State law requires registration for all vehicles used or moved on public roadways (West Virginia Code Section 17A-3-1). Registering your vehicle will allow you to get a license plate, which you must display on the car. You will need to have a West Virginia bill of sale for vehicle registration.
Where to Register Your Vehicle
You will register your vehicle with the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. For first-time registration, you must apply in person at a DMV location.
The state announced that it will begin to digitize the process during the first part of 2023. You will be able to completely 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.
Documents Required by the DMV Office
Regardless of how you register your vehicle in West Virginia, you will need specific documents to prove you have legal ownership rights to it, including:
- Application for Certificate of Title
- Proof of insurance
- Title
- Notarized bill of sale
- Driver’s license
Also, note that you will have to pay a fee for the service. Costs may change regularly, but you can see how much they will be on the DMV website.
How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Car in West Virginia
Because you need a West Virginia bill of sale for vehicle registration and other legal processes, it is essential to make sure you create it properly. Luckily, there are simple steps to follow to create a valid document.
Step 1 – Get a Free Template for a West Virginia Bill of Sale
You will want multiple copies of a vehicle bill of sale in West Virginia. You and the seller should retain copies, and you will need to provide a copy for registration.
Step 2 – Provide Vehicle Details
The form should have spaces to include details about the vehicle, including:
- Year
- Make
- Body type
- Model
- Color
- Title number
- VIN
Step 3 – Complete Seller Information
The seller must put their name and address in the required spots on the form.
Step 4 – Fill in Buyer Details and Sale Information
The buyer should write in their name and address. They also need to provide details about the sale, including the date and selling price.
Step 5 – Complete the Odometer Disclosure Statement
The odometer disclosure statement is a requirement for the seller that confirms the odometer reading is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge. There is the ability to indicate the mileage has exceeded the mechanical limits or is otherwise not accurate as shown on the odometer.
Step 6 – Sign the Document
The seller and buyer must sign and date the West Virginia bill of sale.
Step 7 – Notarize the Form
The state requires the notarization of a bill of sale. The notary should be present for the completion of the document and affix their seal to it.
Step 8 – Repeat as Necessary for All Copies Needed
A bill of sale must be an original with the notary seal to be valid. You will have to handwrite out all forms if you need additional copies.
Free West Virginia Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
If you are buying or selling a vehicle, you can secure a West Virginia vehicle bill of sale form from Legal Templates. The document comes in PDF or Word format.
