Free West Virginia Vehicle Bill of Sale

A West Virginia vehicle bill of sale documents the transfer of a car, truck, or motorcycle, and Form DMV-7-TR is West Virginia's official version. Because WV's 6% titling tax is figured on the declared price only when that price is at least 50% of NADA Clean Loan Book value (below that, only a notarized bill of sale keeps tax off book value, and a non-dealer vehicle 2 years old or newer is always taxed on book value), the bill of sale is a key piece of the tax calculation — but it does not cap your tax exposure on its own.

West Virginia Requirements: A notary is needed only in some situations. West Virginia sets no fixed day count: register and apply for title before driving; the buyer may drive up to 10 days on the seller's registration with written consent. 6% sales tax.

Seller Information

Full Name *

Street Address *

City *

State *

ZIP Code *

Phone

Buyer Information

Full Name *

Street Address *

City *

State *

ZIP Code *

Phone

Vehicle Details

Year *

Make *

Model *

VIN *

Color *

Mileage *

License Plate

Odometer reading is accurate to the best of my knowledge

Lien Holder (if applicable)

Sale Information

Sale Price ($) *

Payment Method *

Date of Sale *

County of Sale (if known)

Applicable Taxes Paid By

Condition & Warranty

Sold AS-IS (no warranty)

Warranty Details (if applicable)

Free PDF includes a light diagonal watermark. Go Pro to remove it. Already subscribed? Sign in.

Transferring any motor vehicle? Our guide covers VIN verification, title transfer timelines, payment safety, and the eight things to do before handing over the keys — applicable to any car, truck, or SUV. Read: Car Bill of Sale: Complete Guide →

West Virginia Vehicle Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Primary Form

DMV-7-TR

Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle, Trailer, or Boat

Agency

WV DMV

West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles

Primary ID Field

VIN

Sales Tax

Title Required

Yes

WV title must be signed by the seller in the assignment block. If a lien is recorded, the lienholder must release it on the title (or provide a notarized lien release letter) before the WV DMV will transfer ownership — buyers should never accept a title still showing an open lien.

Inspection

Required

Sales Tax Details

WV charges a 6% titling tax (its consumers sales tax on vehicles) on motor vehicle purchases. The DMV taxes the declared SALE PRICE if it is at least 50% of NADA Clean Loan Book value; below that, a notarized bill of sale signed by both parties must accompany the application or tax is assessed on book value. A vehicle 2 years old or newer not bought from a registered dealer is always taxed on book value.

Exemption: Family transfers: ask the WV DMV whether the transfer qualifies for a titling tax exemption and which form it requires before assuming no tax is due.

Inspection Requirements

WV requires a mandatory safety inspection once every two years (since January 1, 2024) at a state-certified inspection station. The current sticker must be displayed on the windshield — driving without a valid sticker can lead to a citation.

Registration

Registration for this vehicle type is handled by West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV) — not the same agency that handles cars in West Virginia. Plan for separate filings.

West Virginia Vehicle Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

Buyer and seller full legal names, addresses, driver license numbers
Year, make, model, body style, full 17-character VIN, and odometer reading
Sale price, sale date, and method of payment
WV title signed by seller in the assignment block, with any lien released
Form DMV-1-TR (Application for Title), plus a notarized DMV-7-TR (Bill of Sale) if the price is below 50% of NADA Clean Loan Book value
Proof of WV insurance meeting state minimums
Current valid safety inspection sticker (or schedule one within DMV deadlines)
Any family-transfer exemption form the WV DMV requires, if claiming an exemption

Common Pitfalls

Writing a low sale price on the bill of sale to dodge tax — below 50% of NADA Clean Loan Book value WV needs a notarized bill of sale or taxes on book value, so it does not work
Accepting a title that still shows an open lien without a written lien release from the lienholder
Skipping the two-year safety inspection — no valid sticker means a citation and registration headaches
Assuming a family transfer is tax-free without confirming the exemption and its paperwork with the WV DMV
Forgetting to remove plates — WV plates stay with the seller, not the vehicle

Pro Tip

Bring DMV-1-TR, a notarized DMV-7-TR if the price is below 50% of NADA Clean Loan Book value, the signed WV title with lien released, proof of insurance, and any family-transfer exemption form the DMV requires to any WV DMV regional office to complete the transfer.

West Virginia Vehicle Bill of Sale — FAQs

Is the 6% I pay at the WV DMV sales tax?

Yes. The 6% "titling tax" is West Virginia's consumers sales tax applied to motor vehicle sales, including casual sales between individuals. It is collected by the WV DMV at the time of titling on the declared price if that price is at least 50% of NADA Clean Loan Book value. Below 50%, a notarized bill of sale signed by both parties must accompany the application, or tax is assessed on book value — and a vehicle 2 years old or newer not bought from a registered dealer is taxed on book value regardless of price.

What if there is still a lien showing on the WV title?

Do not complete the sale until the lien is released. WV DMV will not transfer a title that still shows an open lienholder. The seller must either obtain a fully released paper title from the lienholder or provide a notarized lien release letter on the lienholder's letterhead. If you pay the seller and later discover the lien was not cleared, the lienholder can repossess the vehicle from you even though you paid the seller in full.

Do I need a safety inspection to register a used car in WV?

Yes. WV requires a safety inspection every two years (since January 1, 2024), performed at a state-certified inspection station, and the sticker must be displayed on the windshield. When you buy a used car, check the sticker date — if it is expiring or expired, schedule an inspection promptly. Driving without a current sticker is a citable offense, and inspection failures (brakes, lights, tires, exhaust, glass) must be repaired before the station will issue a sticker.

Can I avoid the titling tax by transferring to a family member?

Ask the WV DMV before counting on it. Whether a transfer to a family member qualifies for a titling tax exemption — and which relationships and forms apply — should be confirmed with the DMV before titling. Otherwise the 6% titling tax applies on the declared price or, where the below-50% or 2-years-or-newer rules apply, on book value.

Other West Virginia Templates

Car Bill of Sale Used Car Bill of Sale Motorcycle Bill of Sale Boat Bill of Sale Trailer Bill of Sale Horse Bill of Sale ATV Bill of Sale Gun / Firearm Bill of Sale RV Bill of Sale General Bill of Sale Free Printable Bill of Sale Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale As-Is Bill of Sale Gift Bill of Sale

Vehicle in Other States

Texas Florida Georgia Missouri Utah Oregon Alabama Colorado Connecticut Arkansas

How to Fill Out

Step-by-step guide for West Virginia

View Fill-Out Guide →

🇲🇽 En Español

¿Prefiere el formulario en español?

Ver en Español →

Go Pro

Clean, watermark-free PDFs.

View Pricing