How to Gift a Car in West Virginia in 2026
Gifting a car in West Virginia represents a transfer of motor vehicle ownership without the exchange of monetary consideration or other goods or services. Unlike sales, gifts require specific documentation and completion of notarized affidavits rather than standard title reassignment forms. The state titling law governs all motor vehicle ownership transfers, including those accomplished through gift transactions, and the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) administers the titling and registration process.
How Does Gifting a Car in West Virginia Work?
When a vehicle is transferred as a gift, both the donor and recipient must complete an Affidavit of Transfer of Ownership Without Consideration (DMV-5-TR), which must be notarized. The affidavit must certify that no monetary payment, service, goods, or other consideration was exchanged for the vehicle. The form must be completed in its entirety and accompanied by the original vehicle title, properly assigned by the donor to the recipient.
Once the affidavit and title are completed, the recipient applies for a new certificate of title with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles. The transfer is processed through the state's titling system, and upon approval, the recipient receives a certificate of title bearing their name as the sole owner.
The recipient must then apply for vehicle registration and obtain liability insurance before the vehicle may be legally operated on West Virginia roadways. Registration includes compliance with state vehicle inspection requirements and the payment of applicable registration fees and taxes.
West Virginia Car Gifting Rules You Should Know
Title Status
Every motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer, and recreational vehicle operated on a West Virginia highway must be titled and registered. A gift of a vehicle requires compliance with all applicable title requirements for the vehicle class. The Division of Motor Vehicles does not accept applications that contain discrepancies between the purchase price listed on the title and any documentation indicating the vehicle was actually transferred as a gift. If a purchase price appears on the face of the title and an affidavit of gift is submitted alongside it, the application will be rejected.
Taxes and Fees
For gifts between spouses or between parents and children, the recipient is exempt from the privilege tax if the tax was previously paid when the vehicle was originally titled in West Virginia by the transferor. The exemption does not apply if the prior tax was not paid. For all other gifts, the recipient must pay a privilege tax equal to 5% of the present market value of the vehicle at the time of transfer. If the market value cannot be established, the Division may assess tax based on the current National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) guide value.
A base title fee of $15.00 applies to all new titles. If the vehicle has a lien, an additional lien recording fee of $10.00 is charged. When the vehicle is registered, registration fees vary by vehicle class, ranging from $16.00 annually for motorcycles to substantially higher amounts for trucks and commercial vehicles.
The recipient must also pay the annual personal property tax assessed by the county assessor before initial registration and before each registration renewal. Proof of payment or an affidavit from the county assessor is required before the DMV issues a registration plate.
Step-By-Step Process To Gift a Car in West Virginia
Step 1: Obtain the vehicle's current title and verify ownership names.
The donor must locate and review the existing certificate of title to confirm that the donor's name matches the registered owner information. If the title is in multiple names, confirm whether they are joined by "and," "or," or "and/or," as this determines the number of signatures required for the gift transfer.
Step 2: Verify the vehicle's odometer reading and condition.
The donor should record the vehicle's current odometer reading. If the vehicle is not exempt from odometer disclosure, the donor should note whether the reading represents actual mileage or if there are any known discrepancies.
Step 3: Complete the Affidavit of Transfer of Ownership Without Consideration (DMV-5-TR).
The donor and recipient must complete the Affidavit of Transfer of Ownership Without Consideration (DMV-5-TR) together, unless the gift qualifies for an exemption under West Virginia law (spouse-to-spouse or parent-to-child transfer with prior tax payment). The form requires the full legal names, addresses, and identification numbers of both parties. Both parties must sign the affidavit and have their signatures notarized. If both parties are present at the same time and location, a single notary certification may be used; otherwise, separate notarizations are required.
Step 4: Assign the title to the recipient.
The donor must sign the back of the existing vehicle title in the assignment section, entering the recipient's name exactly as it appears in official identification. The odometer reading must be recorded on the title in the appropriate section, along with the date of transfer and the donor's certification of the mileage status.
Step 5: Obtain liability insurance.
Before registration can be completed, the recipient must obtain a motor vehicle liability insurance policy meeting West Virginia's minimum requirements: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $25,000 property damage liability. A certificate of insurance or statement of insurance must be provided to the Division.
Step 6: Submit documents to the Division of Motor Vehicles.
The recipient may submit the completed affidavit (if required), assigned title, odometer disclosure information, and proof of insurance to the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles by mail or by visiting a regional DMV office. The Division's mailing address is P.O. Box 17710, Charleston, WV 25317.
Step 7: Obtain a vehicle inspection within 10 days.
After the title is received, the recipient must have the vehicle inspected at an official inspection station licensed by the West Virginia State Police within 10 days of the date the title is acquired. A valid inspection sticker must be displayed on the vehicle.
Step 8: Complete vehicle registration.
The recipient must submit proof of personal property tax payment or an affidavit from the County Assessor along with the applicable registration fee to complete the registration process. Personal property tax must be paid annually and is assessed by the County Assessor. The recipient will receive a license plate and a registration card valid for the selected registration period.
Documents Needed for Gifting a Car in West Virginia
The following documents are required to complete a gift transfer in West Virginia:
- The original vehicle title, properly assigned by the donor to the recipient
- Affidavit of Transfer of Ownership Without Consideration (DMV-5-TR), notarized and signed by both donor and recipient (not required for spouse-to-spouse or parent-to-child transfers if prior tax was paid)
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form DMV-TM-1) or odometer reading recorded on the back of the title, if required
- Valid motor vehicle liability insurance certificate or statement of insurance
- Proof of personal property tax payment from the County Assessor or Affidavit of Assessor (DMV-178-TR)
- Original vehicle identification documents if the vehicle was not previously titled in West Virginia
- Copies of both the donor's and recipient's government-issued identification
| Document | Purpose | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Original Title | Proof of current ownership | Yes |
| DMV-5-TR (Affidavit) | Certification that transfer is without consideration | Yes (except spouse-to-spouse or parent-to-child if prior tax paid) |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Federal requirement for mileage certification | Yes (if not exempt) |
| Insurance Certificate | Proof of liability coverage | Yes |
| Personal Property Tax Receipt | County tax compliance | Yes |
| Government ID | Verification of identity | Yes |
Applicable Fees and Taxes When Gifting a Car in West Virginia
| Fee Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Title Fee | $15.00 | Base fee for all titles |
| Lien Fee | $10.00 | Only if vehicle has a lien |
| Privilege Tax | 5% of market value | Exemptions apply only for spouse and parent-child gifts if prior tax was paid |
| Registration Fee (Class A) | $51.50 annually | Varies by class and weight |
| Registration Fee (Class G) | $16.00 annually | Standard motorcycle rate |
| Personal Property Tax | Varies by county | Required annually before registration |
The cost of gifting a vehicle in West Virginia includes several components. The base title fee of $15.00 applies to all certificate of title issuances. If the vehicle carries a lien, a $10.00 lien fee is added.
For gifts between spouses or between parents and children, the recipient is exempt from the privilege tax only if the transferor previously paid the tax when the vehicle was titled in West Virginia. If this condition is not met, or for all other gifts, the recipient must pay a privilege tax equal to 5% of the vehicle's present market value at the time of transfer.
Registration fees vary substantially by vehicle class and are charged annually or for multi-year periods:
- Class A (passenger cars and light trucks to 10,000 pounds gross weight): $51.50 annually
- Class G (motorcycles): $16.00 annually
- Class B (trucks over 10,000 pounds): Fees range from $34.50 to $1,132.75 annually depending on gross vehicle weight
- Class R and T (trailers): Registered on three-year cycles; Class R costs $39.00 per three-year period, Class T costs $27.00 per three-year period
The recipient must also pay the annual personal property tax assessed by the County Assessor and collected by the County Sheriff. The amount varies by county and vehicle value. A valid personal property tax receipt or affidavit from the Assessor must be submitted before registration can be completed. Personal property tax is required for initial registration and for each annual or multi-year registration renewal.
Contact Information
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
5707 MacCorkle Avenue, SE, Charleston, WV 25317
Phone: 1-800-642-9066 (West Virginia residents); 304-558-3900 (out-of-state)
Official Website: West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
