West Virginia
Title Fee
$15.00
Sales Tax Rate
6.00%
Other Tax Rate
Who must title a vehicle in West Virginia?
All motor vehicles, trailers, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, RVs, motorboats, mopeds, motorcycles, and manufactured homes must be titled unless exempt.
Exempt: Special mobile equipment, implements of husbandry, farm machinery.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), by mail to headquarters or any DMV Regional Office.
Application: Certificate of Title (DMV-1-TR) or Motor Boat (MB-6).
Fee: $15.00 + $10.00 per lien; $22.50 for salvage/cosmetic loss; $10.00 for mobile/manufactured home title cancellation.
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Assigned registration or registration + notarized bill of sale; Owner & Purchasing Affidavit (MV-12/13) if no prior title/registration.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs + EPA/DOT docs, bond release, CBP 7501, notarized translation if not English.
How are special titles or brands handled?
Brands: Assembled, Cosmetic Total Loss, Cosmetic Total Loss Salvage, Fire, Flood, Glider Kit, Nonrepairable, Owner Retention/Salvage, Reconstructed, Salvage, Unrecovered Theft, etc. Out-of-state brands carried forward.
Salvage: Required if damage ≥75% of market value or water enters passenger/trunk compartment. Insurer submits title, claim, Salvage Certificate Application (DMV-SV-1), and fee within 10 days.
Nonrepairable: For vehicles not repairable; certificate issued, vehicle cannot be retitled.
Cosmetic Total Loss: For vehicles with cosmetic damage only; Certificate of Cosmetic Total Loss (DMV-SV-5), $22.50 fee.
Reconstructed: Salvage vehicles rebuilt and inspected; submit before/after photos, receipts, salvage title, Reconstructed Vehicle Exam (DMV-SV-3), Inspection (DMV-202-TR), $35.00 inspection fee.
Junk: Title surrendered for cancellation if vehicle demolished; NMVTIS reporting required.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Duplicate: Affidavit of Duplicate Title (DMV-4-TR), $15.00 fee.
Purchaser’s Affidavit of Duplicate Title (DMV-1D-TR) if seller lost title.
Correction: Affidavit of Correction (DMV-34-TR) or dealer form; no fee if DMV error.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.); Odometer Certification (DMV-TM-1) or Disclosure Statement (DMV-43).
VIN/HIN inspection (DMV-1B) required for VIN issues, ATVs/UTVs not previously titled, abandoned vehicles ($5.00 fee if plate required).
Are electronic signatures accepted?
Yes, for most forms except odometer statements and POAs; notaries must be wet signature.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Consumer’s Sales Tax: 6.0% of purchase price; min $30.00.Trade-in credit allowed if trade was WV-titled in applicant’s name.
No credit for taxes paid to another state.
Exemptions: Nonresidents, new residents (if previously titled), IRP vehicles, certain corporate transfers, gifts (spouses, parents, children, legal heirs), and more.
Personal Property Tax: Assessed by county; proof required for renewal/registration.
Ad Valorem Tax: On power units, collected at registration for IRP vehicles.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Application for Title (DMV-1-TR) + lien instrument; $10.00 lien fee.
Add lien: Voluntary Lien Created After Issuance (DMV-84-A), $15.00 title + $10.00 lien fee.
Subsequent lien: Written request to first lienholder to deliver title for recordation.
How are liens released or assigned?
Release: On title, notarized Release of Lien (DMV-12-A-TR), or legal release; must deliver to next lienholder/owner within 15 days.
Assignment: Lienholder delivers title to assignee, who may hold title until lien is satisfied.
How does repossession work in WV?
10-day notice of default/right to cure must be sent prior to repossession (not required if 3+ prior defaults).
Lienholder’s Affidavit for Repossession (DMV-129-TR) for repo title; submit title or security agreement if no title.
Out-of-state repos: Submit most recent title and lien agreement/UCC filing; registration if from non-titling state.
Other notes:
Abandoned vehicles: Only licensed towing companies, dealers, repair shops, auctions, salvage yards may apply; owner/lienholder notice required, 10-day waiting period, sheriff’s sale if value >$9,500.
5707 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25304
PO Box 17710, Charleston, WV 25317
304.558.3900, 800.642.9066, 800.742.6991 TTY
Enforcement Agency:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles5707 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
304.558.3900 | WV DMV
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
West Virginia State Police, 725 Jefferson Rd, South Charleston, WV 25309
Key Regulations:
Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 minimum; $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 for TNCs.
Proof required at registration and must be carried.
Biennial safety inspection required.
One plate issued; transferable.
Title records kept permanently; registration current year + 3 years.