Car Registration Requirements for New West Virginia Residents

Persons relocating to West Virginia with a motor vehicle from another state must complete the title and registration transfer within the timeframe established by state law.

Timeline for New West Virginia Residents

West Virginia law mandates that new residents register their vehicles within 30 days of taking up residence in the state. All applications must include payment of required fees and submission of documentation confirming ownership and insurance.

Establishing West Virginia Residency

Residency indicators include voter registration in West Virginia, enrollment of children in public schools, receipt of public assistance, continuous presence of more than 30 days, acceptance of employment or engagement in a trade or profession, and filing for a homestead tax exemption.

Required Documentation for Car Registration in West Virginia

New residents must submit documentation to complete the title and registration transfer. The state provides a sales tax exemption when vehicles arrive already titled in the applicant's name from the previous state of residence.

Essential Documents

• Application for Certificate of Title Form DMV-1-TR
• Out-of-state certificate of title in applicant's name showing out-of-state address
• Odometer Disclosure Statement Form DMV-TM-1 for vehicles less than 10 years old
• Proof of West Virginia residency (West Virginia driver's license or documents acceptable for driver's license residency verification)
• Statement of insurance on title application or separate insurance certificate

Vehicles with Lienholder-Held Titles

When the out-of-state title remains with a lienholder, applicants must provide:

• Completed Form DMV-1-TR
• Odometer Disclosure Statement Form DMV-TM-1)
• Copy of out-of-state title or electronic lien printout
• Letter from lienholder confirming title possession, including vehicle information and correct mailing address
• Insurance information

Insurance Requirements West Virginia law requires all registered vehicles to maintain liability insurance issued by companies licensed to sell insurance in West Virginia. Minimum coverage amounts:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person
• $50,000 bodily injury per crash involving two or more injuries
• $25,000 property damage per crash

Sales Tax Exemption Qualifications

The 6% titling sales tax is eliminated for new residents who meet all four standards:

• The applicant was not a West Virginia resident at the time of purchasing or acquiring ownership, as demonstrated by an out-of-state title with an out-of-state address
• Applicant presents evidence of having titled the vehicle in the previous state of residence
• Applicant has relocated to West Virginia and presents evidence of bona fide residency
• Application and all fees are submitted within 30 days of establishing residency

The exemption does not apply to leased vehicles. The exemption applies to registered-only vehicles, including boats, trailers, and all-terrain vehicles.

Application Submission Methods

New residents may submit applications through multiple channels. DMV regional offices accept in-person applications at 26 locations throughout the state. Offices require appointments at most locations. Applicants may also submit documentation by mail to the Division of Motor Vehicles at:

5707 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304

West Virginia Vehicle Inspection Requirements

West Virginia requires routine safety inspection every 24 months. Vehicles may be inspected at any official inspection station licensed by the West Virginia State Police.

New Resident Inspection Timeline

New residents have 10 days from the date of titling to obtain a West Virginia inspection.

West Virginia maintains reciprocity agreements with Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming; valid inspection stickers from these states remain valid until expiration.

Registration Fees and Costs in West Virginia

West Virginia assesses fees based on vehicle classification, weight, and type. New resident fees include a $15 title fee, $10 lien fee if applicable, and regular registration fee.

Standard Registration Fees

• Class A passenger vehicles (≤10,000 lbs) – $51.50 standard plate
• Class A hybrid vehicles – add $100 per year
• Class A electric and alternative fuel vehicles – add $200 per year
• Class G motorcycles – $16.00
• Class B trucks (10,001+ lbs) – fees range from $34.50 to $1,132.75 based on gross weight
• Class C trailers and semi-trailers – $51.00 permanent non-transferable license

Additional Fees

• Title fee – $15.00
• Lien fee – $10.00 if applicable
• Insurance enforcement fee – $0.50

Specialty license plates incur additional charges ranging from $10.00 to $35.00 above the standard plate fee. Two-year registrations receive fee discounts. The 6% sales tax exemption applies when new residents meet all exemption qualifications.

Contact Information

West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
5707 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (304) 558-3900
Toll-free: 1-800-642-9066 (West Virginia residents only)
West Virginia DMV

West Virginia State Police – Motor Vehicle Inspection Section
701 Jefferson Road, South Charleston, WV 25309
WV State Police Traffic Safety