Titling and Registration in West Virginia

Title and Register a Vehicle in West Virginia

West Virginia vehicles must be titled and registered through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

When you purchase a vehicle from a West Virginia dealer, the paperwork will be processed by the dealership. You will have to visit a DMV office and submit paperwork if you:

Purchased a used vehicle from a private seller in West Virginia.

Recently moved to West Virginia.

Title and Register a Recently Purchased Vehicle in WV

After you purchase your vehicle, you’ll need to visit your local DMV office and provide:

The current title, signed by you and the seller. The odometer disclosure section must be completed by the seller if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
A completed Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle (DMV-1-TR).
A Bill of Sale (DMV-7-TR).
Photocopies of your and the seller’s IDs.
Payment for the applicable fees and taxes.

Register and Title a Vehicle: New WV Residents

If you just moved to West Virginia, you must visit your local DMV within 30 days of establishing residency and submit:

The current out-of-state title*. The odometer disclosure section must be completed.
A completed Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle (DMV-1-TR).
Payment for the applicable fees and taxes.

*If the title is held by an out-of-state lienholder, you may submit a completed Odometer Disclosure Statement (DMV-TM-1) with a letter from the lienholder that contains the vehicle information and their address as well as either:

A copy of the title.

A printout of the electronic lien.

West Virginia Title and Registration Fees

Title fee: $15.00
Title tax (does NOT apply to new residents):
- 6% of purchase price on vehicles purchased for over $500.00
- $36.00 for vehicles purchased under $500.00
Lien fee: $10.00
Registration fees*:
- Standard plate registration (1-year): $51.50
- Motorcycle plate registration (1-year): $16.00

*Check the fee schedule for a complete list of registration fees.