Register a vehicle in West Virginia

Online or in person

Not for a first registration · Regional office, mail or private serviceThe pages used describe titling and registering by mail, in person at a regional office or through authorized private license services. Online services listed cover renewal and duplicates. The DMV says a vehicle without an active lien may be titled and registered by mail, in person at any DMV Regional Office, or through authorized private license services.

Cost

$15.00 title feeAlso stated: 6% titling sales tax on a net purchase price over $500 (a flat $30.00 under $500), a $10.00 lien recording fee if applicable, and registration or transfer fees. The DMV publishes a Motor Vehicle Registration Fees brochure.

You leave with

License plate and registration cardThe DMV says to keep the registration card in the vehicle with the current insurance certificate at all times.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Title reassigned to you · all that apply
     Both seller and buyer sign the back of a West Virginia title. For an out-of-state title the previous owner signs as seller and your name and address must be on the face of the document.
   • Application for Certificate of Title (Form DMV-1-TR) · all that apply
     West Virginia dealers can certify the price on the bottom section; otherwise attach an original dealer invoice.
   • Odometer disclosure · all that apply
     Recorded in the title's assignment section; if the title has none, use Form DMV-TM-1. New residents with a lien submit the Odometer Disclosure Statement DMV-TM-1.
   • Insurance information · all that apply
     Can be listed on the title application. The vehicle must be insured by a company licensed to sell insurance in West Virginia.
   • Notarized bill of sale or Form DMV-7-TR
     Required if bought from an individual below 50% of the NADA Clean Loan Book value, with a legible copy of both buyer's and seller's driver's licenses. Gifts outside parent, child or spouse need Form DMV-5-TR.

2. Submit your application

   Take or mail it to a DMV regional office, or use an authorized private license service. A lien-free vehicle can be handled by mail. Appointments are only available for certain transactions.

   Regional offices and exam centers ↗

3. Get the vehicle inspected

   West Virginia requires a safety inspection every 24 months at an official inspection station. New residents and out-of-state purchases have 10 days from titling to get a West Virginia inspection.

   Vehicle inspection on dmv.wv.gov ↗