West Virginia Personal Watercraft Bill of Sale

Use this West Virginia personal watercraft bill of sale for private-party transfers. The document records the transfer of ownership, sale price, signatures, and the information both parties need for title records.

Required information

In West Virginia, a bill of sale is a strong seller protection record for private personal watercraft transactions. Include accurate party details, VIN, sale terms, and signatures before the vehicle changes hands.

• Buyer legal name
• Seller legal name
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Sale price
• Date of sale

West Virginia fees, taxes, and transfer rules

In West Virginia, vehicle sales are subject to 6% consumers sales tax on vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $15. West Virginia requires notarization of the bill of sale or title for private-party vehicle transfers.

• Notarized title required for transfer
• Title transfer within 30 days of purchase
• Personal property tax must be current for registration

Does West Virginia require a bill of sale?

West Virginia sellers should keep a signed bill of sale for private transfers and title records.

West Virginia transfers can require extra documentation steps; retain signed paperwork and transfer proof.

Official DMV guidance: West Virginia DMV title transfer information

Official West Virginia bill of sale form

The official West Virginia bill of sale form is DMV-7 (Bill of Sale). This is the state-designated form used to document private-party vehicle transfers.

BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets West Virginia requirements and can be used in place of DMV-7. Our form includes all fields required by West Virginia law and produces a printable PDF you can submit to your local DMV or keep for your records.

State requirements for West Virginia

In West Virginia, a vehicle bill of sale is required for private-party transfers. The state charges 6% sales tax on vehicle sales, calculated on the sale price. Title transfer must be completed within 30 days at your local DMV. Notarization is required for this document.

Additional West Virginia requirements:

• Notarized title required for transfer
• Title transfer within 30 days of purchase
• Personal property tax must be current for registration

Common mistakes to avoid

Private-party personal watercraft sales in West Virginia go wrong when paperwork is rushed or incomplete. Avoid these costly errors:

• Incorrect or missing VIN. A VIN is exactly 17 characters with no letters I, O, or Q. Transcribing it wrong is the most common reason West Virginia DMV offices reject title paperwork.
• Forgetting the odometer disclosure. Federal law requires an odometer disclosure on the title for vehicles under 20 years old. Leaving it blank — or writing "exempt" when the vehicle qualifies — can void the sale or trigger fines in West Virginia.
• Missing or incomplete signatures. Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale. In West Virginia, an unsigned document has no legal weight. If there are co-owners, every owner listed on the title must sign.
• Not obtaining a lien release. If there is an outstanding loan on the personal watercraft, the seller must obtain a lien release from the lender before the title can transfer. Buyers should verify the title is clear before handing over payment.
• Not notifying the West Virginia DMV of the sale. Sellers who skip the DMV sale notification remain liable for parking tickets, tolls, and even accidents involving the personal watercraft after it changes hands. File a release-of-liability form with West Virginia as soon as the sale closes.
• Accepting personal checks or informal payment. Personal checks can bounce days after the sale. Use a cashier's check, money order, or verified electronic transfer for the full amount. Document the payment method on the bill of sale.

What happens after the sale

After the sale is complete, the seller should notify the West Virginia DMV of the transfer to release liability for the personal watercraft. The buyer must register the personal watercraft and transfer the title within the deadline set by West Virginia — failure to do so can result in late fees or penalties. Both parties should keep signed copies of the bill of sale and any supporting documents (odometer disclosure, lien release, etc.) for at least five years. The seller should cancel or transfer their insurance policy on the sold personal watercraft, and the buyer must obtain valid insurance before driving or operating the personal watercraft.