West Virginia DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In West Virginia

Are you looking to buy a car in West Virginia and want to know how to transfer the title to your name? You will find all the answers to your questions in the following FAQ.

In order to apply for a new title, you will be visiting one of the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles Regional offices or one of your local privately operated Drivers License locations. If your paperwork in order, it is possible to apply through the mail, but it may all be sent back to you if something is not filled in right. It is best to complete the transaction in person.

What Do You Need To Transfer A Car Title In WV?

If you purchase a new or pre-owned car at a dealer, they will take care of all your title transfer requirements. However, if you buy the car from a neighbor or through a local ad, you will have to gather all the needed information.

This includes:

• The completed signed original title.
• If the car is less than 10 years old, the odometer reading must be noted and both parties must sign.
• Your driver’s license.
• Completed Application for Certificate of Title.
• Payment for title transfer fees and taxes
• Complete lien information, if any.

How Much Does It Cost To Transfer A Car Title?

In West Virginia, when buying a car it’s useful to know how much is a title transfer before you decide the purchase price is fair.

Why? The taxes and fees might be more than you expected. There is a flat $15 title transfer fee, then there is a 6% titling sales tax based on the purchase price of a car over $500.

WV DMV Title Transfer Form

Everybody must fill out the Application for Certificate of Title Form.

West Virginia DMV Bill Of Sale Form

If the car is being sold for less than 50% of its current book value, you must also present a notarized Bill of Sale form.

A copy of the seller’s and buyer’s driver’s license must accompany the Bill of Sale form.

How To Fill Out Transfer Of Title Form

When filling out the Application for Certificate it’s important that the information in Section 1 and Section 7 match exactly.

Make sure all of the following information is complete and accurate when filling out the transfer of title form in the state of West Virginia:

• The purchase price listed on the original title must match that listed on the Application.
• All owners listed on the original title must sign and date it.
• All buyers to be listed on a new title must sign the original title.
• If the car is less than 10 years old, the odometer reading must be included on the title and Application.
• If a mistake is made during the sale where information listed on the original title needs to be changed, the seller may need to obtain a duplicate title before the sale can be completed.

My Car Title Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

If you mailed in your application to transfer the title, but never got the new one in the mail, you will need to make a visit to the DMV Regional office. Whether the title was lost in the mail or was misdirected, you will need to prove that it is your title that is lost.

Bring your driver’s license, the vehicle registration, and copies of everything you mailed out. It may be that you simply haven’t waited long enough for the new title to arrive, but go ahead and check to make sure.

If you moved and didn’t notify the DMV, the title would have been returned to the DMV. If you have a loan out on the car, your bank will keep the title until you complete all the payments and then mail it to you.

What To Do When Requesting A Duplicate Title In WV

You can request a duplicate title by mail when yours is lost or stolen. If you are replacing a mutilated title, be sure to visit your DMV office as you will need to turn it in.

Fill out the Affidavit of Duplicate Title for a Vehicle or Watercraft, enclose a check for $15, a copy of the registration, and your driver’s license and mail it to:

Receiving and Processing
PO Box 17710
Charleston, WV 2531

How To Transfer Ownership Of A Car Without A Title In West Virginia

If the seller does not have the title to the car, it is highly recommended that you walk away from the sale.

Every car purchased in West Virginia must have a title regardless of age. The seller should apply for a duplicate title before completing the transaction. This protects the buyer from receiving a stolen or salvaged vehicle.

How To Transfer A Car Title When Owner Is Deceased

If your spouse died, it is important to transfer the title to your name alone. As the survivor, fill out the title transfer as both the buyer and seller. You will need to supply a death certificate.

The state will waive the titling sales tax.

As the executor of an estate, you may sign the title as a seller when you provide certification as the legal representative for the estate. The legal heir other than someone listed as a joint owner wishing to transfer the title must submit a Legal Heir Affidavit with a death certificate.

The clerk at the DMV will assist you in filling out the title transfer sections.

How To Transfer A Car Title To A Family Member In West Virginia

You can gift a car in West Virginia to a family member. You must include an Affidavit of Transfer of Ownership Without Consideration which must be notarized. The purchase price must be listed as zero or gift on the original title and your Application for Certificate of Title.

If the price is altered on either document, the gift transfer will not be accepted.

If you have any more questions about how to transfer a car’s title in West Virginia, give the DMV a call at 1-304-558-3900.

West Virginia DMV Hours And Contact Information

For more information on questions specific to your title transfer scenario, clarification on the title transfer process in the state of West Virginia, or for WV DMV hours and to find the DMV location nearest to you, visit the official West Virginia Department of Transportation website by clicking here.

Common Questions About WV Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of West Virginia.