How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in West Virginia From Out of State
Individuals relocating to West Virginia must complete vehicle titling and registration within 30 days of establishing residency, as mandated by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles. The process requires payment of multiple fees administered through the Division of Motor Vehicles, which operates regional offices throughout the state's 55 counties.
Base Registration and Title Fees
West Virginia imposes standardized fees for vehicle registration and titling transactions, with rates varying based on vehicle classification, weight, and fuel type. The West Virginia Code §17A-10-3 establishes the statutory framework for registration fee schedules.
Standard Registration Fees
Registration fees are determined by vehicle class and specifications.
Class A - Passenger Cars & Light Trucks (Up to 10,000 lbs)
| Plate Type | New Registration | Annual Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Plate | $51.50 | $51.50 |
| Hybrid Vehicle (additional fee) | +$100.00/year | +$100.00/year |
| Electric/Alternative Fuel (additional) | +$200.00/year | +$200.00/year |
| Specialty Plates | $51.50 - $86.50 | $51.50 - $76.50 |
Class G - Motorcycles
| Plate Type | New Registration | Annual Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Plate | $16.00 | $16.00 |
| Specialty Plates | $26.00 - $56.00 | $16.00 - $31.00 |
Class B - Commercial Trucks (Over 10,000 lbs)
| Gross Weight Range | Annual Fee Range |
|---|---|
| 10,001 - 16,000 lbs | $34.50 - $59.50 |
| 16,001 - 30,000 lbs | $90.00 - $220.00 |
| 30,001 - 50,000 lbs | $230.00 - $420.00 |
| 50,001 - 80,000 lbs | $430.00 - $1,132.75 |
Class X - Farm Trucks
| Gross Weight Range | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 8,001 - 16,000 lbs | $31.50 |
| 16,001 - 22,000 lbs | $61.50 |
| 22,001 - 28,000 lbs | $91.50 |
| 28,001 - 34,000 lbs | $116.50 |
| 34,001 - 44,000 lbs | $161.50 |
| 44,001 - 54,000 lbs | $206.50 |
| 54,001 - 80,000 lbs | $251.50 |
Other Vehicle Classes
| Vehicle Class | Registration Fee | Registration Period |
|---|---|---|
| Class C - Trailers/Semi-Trailers | $51.00 | Permanent |
| Class R - Travel Trailers | $13.00 - $39.00 | 3-year cycle |
| Class T - Small Trailers | $9.00 - $27.00 | 3-year cycle |
| Class J - Taxi Cabs | $86.50 | Annual |
| Class M - Mobile Equipment | $18.50 | Annual |
| Class V - Antique Vehicles | $3.50 - $14.00 | 10-year cycle (prorated) |
| Class SPV - Special Purpose Vehicles | $16.00 | Annual |
Notes:
- All fees include mandatory $1.00 litter fee and $0.50 insurance enforcement fee
- Two-year registrations available for Class A and Class G vehicles (fee is 2x the annual renewal rate)
- Prorated fees available for quarterly and semi-annual periods for certain vehicle classes
Certificate of Title Fees
West Virginia requires titling of all motor vehicles driven on its highways.
Title Transaction Fees:
| Service Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title (new or transfer) | $15.00 |
| Lien Recording Fee | $10.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $15.00 |
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
West Virginia imposes a consumer sales tax on motor vehicle purchases, with specific provisions for new residents. The West Virginia Code §11-15-3C governs taxation on motor vehicle transactions.
State Sales Tax on Vehicles
The standard titling sales tax rate is 6% of the vehicle's purchase price. However, new residents transferring vehicles from out-of-state titles in their name are exempt from this tax if specific conditions are met.
Sales Tax Rates:
| Transaction Type | Tax Rate | Minimum Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Purchase (net price over $500) | 6.0% | N/A |
| Vehicle Purchase (net price under $500) | N/A | $30.00 |
Vehicle Inspection Requirements and Fees
West Virginia mandates periodic safety inspections for motor vehicles operated on public highways.
Mandatory Safety Inspection
All motor vehicles registered in West Virginia must undergo a safety inspection every two years. The inspection certificate must display a valid sticker attached to the vehicle's license plate.
Safety Inspection Fees:
| Service Type | Maximum Fee | Coverage Period |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Safety Inspection | $19.00 | Two Years |
The $19.00 maximum fee covers the complete two-year inspection period. Inspections must be performed at facilities certified by the West Virginia State Police.
Government Agencies and Contact Information
The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles administers all vehicle registration, titling, and compliance programs throughout the state.
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
5707 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (800) 642-9066 (in-state) or (304) 558-3900 (out of state)
Official Website: West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
The Division of Motor Vehicles operates 26 regional offices statewide, providing vehicle services, driver licensing, and registration renewal services. All regional offices accept both scheduled appointments and walk-in customers.
West Virginia Regional DMV Offices
Kanawha City Regional Office (Charleston)
5707 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (800) 642-9066
Official Website: Kanawha City DMV
Huntington Regional Office
801 Madison Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: (800) 642-9066
Official Website: Huntington DMV
Morgantown Regional Office
1525 Deckers Creek Boulevard, Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: (800) 642-9066
Official Website: Morgantown DMV
Parkersburg Regional Office
601 Lubeck Avenue, Parkersburg, WV 26101
Phone: (800) 642-9066
Official Website: Parkersburg DMV
Martinsburg Regional Office
38 Severna Parkway, Martinsburg, WV 25403
Phone: (800) 642-9066
Official Website: Martinsburg DMV
Beckley Regional Office
107 Pinecrest Drive, Beckley, WV 25801
Phone: (800) 642-9066
Official Website: Beckley DMV
Fairmont Regional Office
2600 Middletown Commons Suite 174, White Hall, WV 26554
Phone: (800) 642-9066
Official Website: Fairmont DMV
Clarksburg Regional Office
153 West Main Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301
Phone: (800) 642-9066
Official Website: Clarksburg DMV
Weirton Regional Office
Suite 100 Municipal Plaza Route 2 & Cove Road, Weirton, WV 26062
Phone: (800) 642-9066
Official Website: Weirton DMV
Moundsville Regional Office
400 Teletech Drive Suite 100, Moundsville, WV 26041
Phone: (800) 642-9066
Official Website: Moundsville DMV
