West Virginia Title Transfer Guide (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 |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | DMV-62-TR or Title (lien section) |
West Virginia title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (DMV-62-TR or Title (lien section)) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. West Virginia requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — West Virginia requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with West Virginia DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at West Virginia DMV — within 30 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to West Virginia DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 6% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — West Virginia DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with West Virginia DMV the same day as the sale.
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.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
West Virginia estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to West Virginia DMV.
Need a West Virginia bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with West Virginia DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create West Virginia Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — West Virginia
How long do I have to transfer a car title in West Virginia?▾
West Virginia requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a West Virginia title transfer cost?▾
West Virginia charges 6% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in West Virginia?▾
Yes — West Virginia requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. West Virginia DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in West Virginia?▾
In West Virginia, the lender must complete DMV-62-TR or Title (lien section) confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to West Virginia DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in West Virginia?▾
West Virginia inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to West Virginia DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: West Virginia DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07