When purchasing or registering a vehicle in West Virginia, you will need to have a Bill of Sale (Form DMV-7-TR). It acts as both proof of the sale taking place and as legal documentation that is needed when transferring ownership of the vehicle. It also protects both the seller and the buyer from liability should there be an issue relating to the vehicle, such as an unpaid fine. It contains important details about the buyer, seller, vehicle, and transaction details.
For it to be legal, it must be signed by both parties and must be notarized.
Other Documents Needed
Alongside this document, you will also need to provide an Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form DMV-TM-1).
If you will be registering and titling a vehicle for another individual, you will need to fill out a Power of Attorney (Form DMV-9-TR)
Creating a West Virginia Bill of Sale
West Virginia’s DMV provides its own form for bill of sale. However, you can also create your own or use a template. If you choose to create your own document, it must have the following details:
- Description of the vehicle. This must include the make, model, year, body type, color, VIN, Title number, and any other relevant details.
- Seller’s full legal name, address, and phone number.
- Buyer’s full legal name, address, and phone number.
- Date of purchase and how much the vehicle was purchased for.
- Odometer reading
- Signatures of both the seller and the buyer
- Notarization
The buyer must be given the original copy of it and a copy to the seller.
Free Templates
Registering a Vehicle in West Virginia
By law, to legally operate a vehicle on West Virginia roads, you must have the vehicle registered and titled with the West Virginia DMV. When you register a vehicle in the state of West Virginia, you will be given a license plate and a registration card. This must be kept in the vehicle at all times, along with the vehicle’s insurance certificate. Vehicles must be registered within 60 days from the date of sale.
With vehicles that were bought from a licensed dealership, the dealer will normally submit the paperwork for titling and registration for the buyer. For private sales and people who are registering a vehicle that was registered in another state, it is the buyer’s responsibility to register the vehicle.
Where to Register a Vehicle in West Virginia
West Virginia’s DMV offers a new system, called VRS, to register your vehicle. The system lets you enter the purchase details for the vehicle and issues you with a temporary tag, as well as allows you to transfer registration and any DMV form that is needed. The information is sent electronically to the Department of Motor Vehicles and you can then send the title paperwork and pay fees to the DMV, or you can pay and remit your information electronically. To use the VRS System, you will need to create an account.
Documentation should be sent to the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Services, PO Box 17710, Charleston, WV 25317
You may also register your vehicle in person at your local DOT office via appointment.
Registration Renewals are done annually and can be done one of four ways:
- Online using the DMV Online Services. You will need to provide details for your vehicle insurance and property tax and will need to have a valid credit card to make payment.
- Via your Registration Renewal Notice (DMV-44). Mail Form FMV-44 along with your payment, property tax receipt, and insurance information.
- In-person at your local DMV Regional Office. You will need to bring payment, insurance details, and your property tax receipt.
- In some areas, you may be able to renew your registration at your County’s Sheriff’s Office. You will need to bring your renewal registration notice, insurance details, property tax receipt, and payment.
Documentation Needed to Register a Vehicle in West Virginia
- A current and valid Driver’s License
- A Bill of Sale for West Virginia (Form DMV-7-TR)
- Form DMV-1-TR (Application for Certificate of Title). If the original title is not available, you can request a duplicate using Form DMV-1D-TR.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form DMV-TM-1). This is only for vehicles that are 10 years old or less.
- Vehicle Power of Attorney (Form DMV-9-TR). This is needed if you are registering a vehicle for someone other than yourself.
- Proof of vehicle insurance, which must have the Minimum Requirements:
- * Cover of $25,000 for injury per individual
- * Cover of $50,000 for injury per accident
- * Cover of $25,000 for damage to property per accident
- Funds to cover all required fees and taxes
- Proof of vehicle inspection. This must be given by an individual of the West Virginia State Police. This won’t be needed if you have relocated from a state that has an inspection reciprocation program.
Vehicle Inspections
Every 12 months, you are required to have a safety inspection done for your vehicle. This can be done at a licensed West Virginia inspection station. In West Virginia, it is against the law to drive without having a vehicle inspection sticker that is current.
For those who are new residents to West Virginia, or vehicles that have been purchased out of state, you have 10 days from the date that the vehicle was titled to have an inspection done. There are states that have an inspection reciprocation and do not require a new inspection when moving.
These are:
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Utah
- Wyoming
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