West Virginia DMV Services

🚗 1. When You Apply

• If you buy a vehicle, you generally must title and register it within 30 days of purchase to avoid late penalties.
• If you are a new resident, you must title and register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency.

📄 2. Proof of Ownership (Title)

You’ll need one of the following:

🆕 New Vehicle

• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) — provided by the dealer.
• Usually accompanied by the dealer’s paperwork.

🚘 Used Vehicle (Private Sale or Dealer)

• Signed vehicle title from the seller.
  • The seller must complete the assignment section on the back of the title with your name, sale price, sale date, and odometer reading (if required).
• If the title is lost, you must apply for a duplicate title first before you can transfer it.

🗺️ Out‑of‑State Vehicle

• Out‑of‑state title (signed and assigned to you).

🪪 3. Odometer Disclosure

• Required for vehicles 10 years old or newer.
• The odometer reading must be recorded on the title or a separate odometer disclosure form.

🧾 4. Proof of Insurance

• You must provide valid West Virginia auto liability insurance before the vehicle can be registered.
• Typical liability minimums are required (25/50/25).

🪪 5. Identification & Residency

A valid government‑issued ID (e.g., driver’s license).

• If you are new to the state, your West Virginia driver’s license or proof of residency (utility bill, lease, etc.) may be requested.

💰 6. Taxes 

• 6% sales tax on purchases
• Not reciprocal with CA
• Trade in credit allowed
• ¨ TAXATION ON A LEASE VEHICLE ▪ 6% tax is charged on the Cap Cost Reduction at time of filing. ▪ Minus the net trade in allowance. (Only if previously titled in West Virginia). ▪ The leasing company will collect 5% of the lease payment as tax and remit this to the Division on a monthly basis.

🛠️ 7. Special Situations

🤝 Dealer Purchase

Dealers often prepare and submit most paperwork for you. You still must verify insurance and residency.

🎁 Gifts

If the vehicle was a gift, additional documents like a gift affidavit may be required and tax exemptions might apply.

🔁 Multiple Owners

If more than one owner is listed, all must sign unless a notarized power of attorney is provided.

📋 8. Quick Checklist 

✔ Original title or MCO
✔ Original odometer
✔ Copy of contract
✔ Proof of insurance
✔ Driver’s License or EIN/FEIN number
✔ Bill of sale or Purchase order
✔ Vehicle color
✔ Power of Attorney
✔ Fees