How to Sell a Motorcycle 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 |
| Emissions / inspection | Standard — DOT sticker on frame is sufficient |
| Lien release form | DMV-62-TR or Title (lien section) |
How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in West Virginia — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the VIN — on motorcycles the 17-character VIN is stamped on the steering neck (headstock) and on the frame near the engine. West Virginia requires this on every bill of sale and the title.
- 2Note the engine displacement — engines under 50cc are classified as mopeds/scooters in many states and may have different titling rules with West Virginia DMV; bikes 250cc+ register as motorcycles in every state.
- 3Clear any liens — if the motorcycle was financed, request a payoff quote and lien release letter. West Virginia uses DMV-62-TR or Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — clean West Virginia title (no liens), current registration card, maintenance records, original owner's manual if available, and DOT compliance certificate (sticker on the frame) for any mods.
- 5Price the motorcycle — check Kelley Blue Book Motorcycles, NADA Guides (motorcycles), and recent West Virginia Cycle Trader / Craigslist comps. Mileage, condition, and aftermarket parts all affect value.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — VIN, year/make/model, engine displacement, odometer in miles, sale price, sale date, and both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the West Virginia title with buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. West Virginia requires odometer disclosure for motorcycles under 15 years old.
- 8Notify West Virginia DMV — buyer must title and register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with West Virginia DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability.
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.
Generate your West Virginia motorcycle bill of sale
Compliant with West Virginia DMV requirements. From $9 — instant PDF, no signup.
Start My West Virginia Motorcycle Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — West Virginia
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a motorcycle in West Virginia?▾
Yes. West Virginia requires a written bill of sale for private motorcycle transfers to document the VIN, year/make/model, odometer reading, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the motorcycle with West Virginia DMV.
What is the West Virginia motorcycle title transfer deadline?▾
West Virginia requires the buyer to transfer the title 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 motorcycle sale in West Virginia?▾
West Virginia charges 6% sales/use tax on private motorcycle sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at West Virginia DMV when titling the motorcycle.
Do I need a notary for a West Virginia motorcycle bill of sale?▾
West Virginia does not require notarization for a private motorcycle bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for West Virginia DMV.
How does a buyer register a motorcycle purchased privately in West Virginia?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to West Virginia DMV and pays the title 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