The West Virginia motor vehicle bill of sale acknowledges that a legitimate vehicle sale took place between a private seller and a buyer. This document details the vehicle’s information, the sale price, the date of the sale, the odometer reading, and the signatures of both parties. A bill of sale does not establish a transfer of ownership from seller to buyer. Ownership is transferred by titling the vehicle (see steps below), and a bill of sale will be used by the parties to complete the vehicle title transfer and registration process. After all the required fields have been completed, the parties must sign the bill of sale in the presence of a notary public to validate the document.

West Virginia Vehicle Registration/Titling

All vehicles must be titled and registered in order to be driven legally in the state of West Virginia. If an individual has recently purchased a vehicle from a private seller, they must have the title of the vehicle transferred to their name. The buyer can complete the steps below to accomplish the title transfer and registration of their new vehicle.

1. After the sale of a used vehicle, both the buyer and seller must sign the back of the original title of the vehicle.
2. If the vehicle is ten (10) years old or newer, the seller must complete the odometer disclosure section on the title. If no section exists on the title, the seller must complete the Odometer Certification (Form DMV-TM-1).
3. The buyer must complete an Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle (Form DMV-1-TR).
4. The buyer will visit the DMV and provide the vehicle’s title, the Application for Certificate of Title, and the the bill of sale.
5. The DMV agent will charge the buyer the following fees and taxes:
   • Titling fee – $15
   • Titling sales tax – 6% of purchase price
   • Registration fee – $51.50
   • Lien fee (if applicable) – $10