Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in West Virginia? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. West Virginia transfers ownership through the assigned title and the title application (Form DMV-1-TR) at the DMV, and a notarized bill of sale (Form DMV-7-TR) is part of the paperwork — it locks in the price, the exact handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tolls, tickets, or accidents once the keys change hands.
West Virginia requirements
Is a bill of sale required in West Virginia?
Yes. The buyer applies for title with Form DMV-1-TR, and a bill of sale is part of the paperwork. A notarized bill of sale (Form DMV-7-TR) is specifically required when a vehicle is sold for less than 50% of its NADA value, so the DMV can confirm the actual purchase price.
Does it need to be notarized?
Yes. West Virginia's bill of sale (Form DMV-7-TR) calls for the buyer's and seller's signatures to be notarized. This is strictly required when the sale price is below 50% of the vehicle's NADA value, and notarizing is the safest way to finalize any private sale.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must apply for a new title (Form DMV-1-TR) at the West Virginia DMV within 30 days of the sale. Applying late triggers a penalty added to the titling fees.
Motor vehicle sales tax
West Virginia charges a 6% titling privilege tax, paid by the buyer at the DMV. It's based on the sale price or the vehicle's NADA value, whichever is greater; vehicles with a net price under $500 pay a flat $30.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the West Virginia county where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign before a notary — then the buyer files Form DMV-1-TR at the West Virginia DMV within 30 days.
Ready to create your West Virginia bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
West Virginia bill of sale by vehicle type
The same West Virginiabuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Confirm the details with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
West Virginia bill of sale FAQ
Does a West Virginia motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Yes. West Virginia's bill of sale (Form DMV-7-TR) calls for the buyer's and seller's signatures to be notarized. It's strictly required when the sale price is under 50% of the vehicle's NADA value, and notarizing is the safest way to finalize any private sale.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in West Virginia?
Yes — a bill of sale is part of the title application paperwork at the DMV, and a notarized DMV-7-TR is required when the price is below 50% of NADA value. It also proves the price, the date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle.
Where do I transfer the title in West Virginia?
At a West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regional office. The buyer brings the assigned title, a completed Form DMV-1-TR, a notarized bill of sale, proof of WV insurance, and payment for the title fee and 6% titling tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in West Virginia?
The buyer has 30 days from the date of sale to apply for a new title at the DMV. After 30 days, West Virginia adds a penalty to the titling fees, so don't wait.
How much is sales tax on a used car in West Virginia?
6% — West Virginia's titling privilege tax, calculated on the sale price or the vehicle's NADA value, whichever is greater. Vehicles with a net price under $500 pay a flat $30. The buyer pays it at the DMV, so an accurate sale price on your bill of sale matters.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale before a notary, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in West Virginia?
It can be, but the DMV expects the buyer's and seller's signatures to be notarized — so the document still needs the key details and a notary's acknowledgment. A complete, typed form like this one is cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the DMV.
Is this West Virginia bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.