How to Sell a Boat Privately in West Virginia (2026)
| Titling agency | West Virginia DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | DMV-62-TR or Title (lien section) |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in West Virginia — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. West Virginia requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with West Virginia DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. West Virginia uses DMV-62-TR or Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — current West Virginia registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent West Virginia dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the West Virginia registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify West Virginia DMV — buyer must register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with West Virginia DMV to remove liability for future fines.
West Virginia lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form DMV-62-TR or the lien release section on the existing West Virginia title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a WV DMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean West Virginia title.
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Start My West Virginia Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — West Virginia
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in West Virginia?▾
Yes. West Virginia requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with West Virginia DMV.
What is the West Virginia boat title transfer deadline?▾
West Virginia requires the buyer to transfer registration within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in West Virginia?▾
West Virginia charges 6% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with West Virginia DMV.
Do I need a notary for a West Virginia boat bill of sale?▾
West Virginia does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in West Virginia?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to West Virginia DMV and pays the registration fee plus 6% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: West Virginia DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07