How To Get a Car Title in West Virginia 2026
West Virginia requires certificates of title for motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, pole trailers, and recreational vehicles operated on public highways, as well as all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles under WV Code §17A-3. Individuals establishing residency in West Virginia must title and register their vehicles within thirty days. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, under the Department of Transportation, administers all vehicle titling services statewide.
Where to Apply for a West Virginia Certificate of Title
West Virginia residents may submit applications for certificates of title through the following authorized locations:
- Regional DMV Offices – Full-service facilities with 25 locations statewide, including Charleston (Kanawha City), Clarksburg, Martinsburg, Parkersburg, Beckley, Fairmont, Huntington, Wheeling, and additional offices in Berkeley Springs, Charles Town, Elkins, Flatwoods, Franklin, Keyser, Lewisburg, Logan, Moorefield, Morgantown, Moundsville, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Spencer, Summersville, Weirton, Welch, and Williamson
- Privately-Owned License Services – Authorized agents operating in most communities throughout the state
- Mail Submission – Applications may be sent to the Division of Motor Vehicles at the Charleston headquarters address
Vehicles with outstanding liens must be processed through regional DMV offices or authorized license services. Lien-free vehicles may be titled in person or by mail.
Required Documents for Title Application in West Virginia
Applicants must submit specified documentation when completing the Application for Certificate of Title (Form DMV-1-TR). All forms must be typed or completed in blue or black ink only.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin or Previous Title | Original certificate with proper assignment to applicant, or manufacturer's certificate/statement of origin for new vehicles never previously titled |
| Application for Certificate of Title (Form DMV-1-TR) | Completed form with full vehicle description including VIN, make, model, year, body style, weight, and odometer reading |
| Proof of Insurance | Certificate of Insurance (Form WV-1) or completed owner's statement of insurance meeting West Virginia liability requirements |
| Driver's License or Identification Card | Valid government-issued photo identification for all registered owners |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Certain transactions or circumstances necessitate supplementary documentation:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Records mileage at time of transfer | Required for Class A, B (under 16,000 lbs), G, H (under 16,000 lbs), J, M (under 16,000 lbs), U, V, and X (under 16,000 lbs) vehicles; Form DMV-TM-1 available if title lacks disclosure section |
| Bill of Sale | Documents purchase price and transaction details | Form DMV-7-TR must be notarized and accompanied by photocopies of buyer's and seller's driver's licenses when purchase price is below 50% of NADA Clean Loan Book value |
| Affidavit of Transfer Without Consideration | Establishes gift transfer status | Form DMV-5-TR required for all no-consideration transfers except parent-child, child-parent, or spouse-to-spouse gifts between West Virginia residents |
| VIN Verification | Confirms vehicle identification number authenticity | Form DMV-1B completed by law enforcement required for certain out-of-state vehicles or vehicles never previously titled |
| Registration Card | Demonstrates previous registration | Required when transferring license plates from another vehicle |
| Lien Release Documentation | Shows satisfaction of security interest | Must be provided by lienholder if lien recorded on previous title |
| Legal Heir Affidavit | Authorizes transfer from deceased owner | Form DMV-185-TR with death certificate required when no executor, administrator, or will exists |
West Virginia Title Fees and Costs
The West Virginia Legislature establishes titling fees and taxes through statute. Revenue collected supports the State Road Fund and highway maintenance projects.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Original Certificate of Title | $15.00 |
| Duplicate Certificate of Title | $15.00 |
| Corrected Title | $15.00 |
| Certificate of Retitle | $10.00 |
| Lien Notation (per lien) | $10.00 |
Additional Processing Fees
Vehicle owners must pay additional charges beyond base title fees:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Titling Sales Tax | 6% of purchase price | Minimum tax of $30.00 applies to vehicles with a net purchase price under $500.00; trade-in credit allowed only for vehicles previously titled in West Virginia with tax paid by applicant |
| Registration Fee – Class A (standard passenger vehicles) | $51.50 annually | Fee doubles for two-year registration; alternative fuel vehicles subject to supplemental fees |
| Hybrid Vehicle Supplemental Fee | $100 annually | Added to standard Class A registration fee for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles |
| Electric Vehicle Supplemental Fee | $200 annually | Added to standard Class A registration fee for battery electric vehicles |
| Alternative Fuel Vehicle Supplemental Fee (Hydrogen or Natural Gas) | $200 annually | Added to standard Class A registration fee for vehicles powered by hydrogen or natural gas |
| License Plate Transfer Fee | $10.50 | Required when transferring registration from another vehicle |
| Duplicate License Plate | $10.50 | Insurance certificate or owner's statement required |
| Registration Fee – Class R (Recreational Trailers) | Varies by registration period | See registration fees brochure for complete schedule |
| Registration Fee – Class T (Trailers) | Varies by registration period | Consult fee schedule for specific amounts |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Acquire Proper Ownership Documentation
Obtain the manufacturer's certificate of origin for new vehicles or the previous certificate of title properly assigned to you for used vehicles. Both seller and buyer must sign the back of West Virginia titles. Out-of-state titles require the previous owner's signature, with the new owner's name and address appearing on the document. Secure lien release paperwork if the vehicle has an outstanding security interest.
Step 2: Complete Application Forms
Fill out the Application for Certificate of Title (Form DMV-1-TR) using blue or black ink or typewriter. Provide complete vehicle identification information, including the VIN (verify this matches the VIN on the physical vehicle), make, model, year, body style, weight, and odometer reading without tenths. Record all owner names exactly as they should appear on the title. Include the complete lienholder name, address, and ZIP code if applicable.
Step 3: Assemble Supporting Documentation and Calculate Fees
Gather proof of insurance (Certificate of Insurance WV-1 or owner's statement), driver's license or state identification, odometer disclosure (if required for your vehicle class), and any additional necessary forms, such as a bill of sale or gift affidavit. Calculate the 6% titling sales tax based on the purchase price minus any applicable trade-in credits. Include the $15.00 title fee, $10.00 lien fee (if applicable), and any supplemental fees if registering a hybrid or electric vehicle. Add registration fees if obtaining or transferring plates. Prepare payment by check or money order only—do not send cash.
Step 4: Submit Application to Division of Motor Vehicles
For in-person submission, visit a regional DMV office or privately-owned license service during business hours. Present all documentation and payment to the agent, who will review materials for accuracy and completeness.
For mail submission, send the completed application, supporting documents, and payment to:
Division of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box 17710, Charleston, WV 25317 (physical office address: 5707 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25304)
Step 5: Receive Certificate of Title
The Division of Motor Vehicles processes applications and issues certificates of title, which remain valid for the life of the vehicle under the same ownership. If a lien is recorded, the title is sent to the first lienholder on record. Clear titles are mailed to the registered owner's address. Processing time varies depending on submission method and application complexity. Applicants may contact the Division at 1-800-642-9066 (in-state) or 304-558-3900 (out-of-state) for status updates.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Certain vehicles and transactions are exempt from West Virginia's certificate of title requirements or associated fees:
- Motor vehicles more than 35 model years old
- Trailers more than 20 model years old
- Utility trailers with empty weight less than 2,000 pounds
- Vehicles registered under apportioned registration (International Registration Plan)
- Vehicles owned and operated by the United States government or federal agencies
- Vehicles purchased by registered West Virginia dealers for resale purposes only
- Vehicles owned by West Virginia or any political subdivision thereof
- Vehicles operated by volunteer fire departments or chartered rescue/ambulance squads incorporated as nonprofit corporations
- Vehicles received through will or direct inheritance when tax was previously paid on the vehicle
- Mobile homes, manufactured homes, and modular homes primarily designed for habitation
- Vehicles operated exclusively for the transportation of intellectually or physically disabled children on a nonprofit basis
- Vehicles leased by West Virginia residents (5% monthly payment tax applies instead)
Contact Information
For questions regarding title applications, required documentation, or fee information, contact the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles.
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
5707 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25304
P.O. Box 17710, Charleston, WV 25317 (mailing address)
Phone: 1-800-642-9066 (West Virginia residents only)
Phone: (304) 558-3900 (out-of-state callers)
Official Website: WV Division of Motor Vehicles
