How to Sell a Car Privately in West Virginia
Selling your car yourself in West Virginia comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.
Transferring the title
- The seller must hold the title in their own name and hand it over at the time of sale. dmv.wv.gov
- On a West Virginia title the seller and buyer both sign the back; on an out-of-state title the seller signs and the buyer's name and address go on the face of the title. dmv.wv.gov
- If owner names are joined by AND all owners must sign, and if joined by OR or AND/OR one owner can sign alone. dmv.wv.gov
- The buyer submits the title with Form DMV-1-TR, the Application for Certificate of Title. dmv.wv.gov
- An altered purchase price or conflicting bills of sale will cause the application to be rejected, and the original owner must then get a duplicate title. dmv.wv.gov
Notarization
- A notarized bill of sale signed by both parties is required when the price is below 50% of the NADA Clean Loan book value. dmv.wv.gov
- The buyer and seller sign the bill of sale in front of a notary public, who applies a seal and signature. dmv.wv.gov
Taxes and fees the buyer pays
- The titling sales tax is 6% of the declared price if the price is above 50% of book value. dmv.wv.gov
- If the price is below 50% of book value and a notarized bill of sale is provided, tax is still on the declared price; without one, tax is on the full book value. dmv.wv.gov
- For vehicles two years old or newer bought from a non-dealer, tax is on the NADA Clean Loan book value regardless of the price paid. dmv.wv.gov
- The title fee is $15.00 and the lien recording fee is $10.00, if applicable. dmv.wv.gov
Loans and liens
- After a loan is paid off, the lienholder mails the title with the release validated, and the owner should promptly apply for a clear title. dmv.wv.gov
- A lost title with a lien on file requires a formal release from the lender before a duplicate can be issued. dmv.wv.gov
- If an individual rather than a financial institution is the lienholder, a signed copy of the loan agreement must be included. dmv.wv.gov
Easy-to-miss rules in this state
- If a vehicle was a gift with no payment, the seller completes Form DMV-5-TR, signed by both parties. dmv.wv.gov
- Registration requires proof of insurance and a personal property tax receipt, since West Virginia law requires all registered vehicles to be insured. dmv.wv.gov
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a notary to sell a car in West Virginia?
A notarized bill of sale signed by both parties is required when the price is below 50% of the NADA Clean Loan book value. The buyer and seller sign the bill of sale in front of a notary public, who applies a seal and signature.
Official West Virginia resources
- WV DMV: Titles
- WV DMV: FAQ
- WV DMV: Vehicle inspection
- WV DMV: Registrations
- WV Code 17A-3-12a (odometer disclosure)
- WV Code 17A-3-4 (title application)
Next steps
Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.