A West Virginia vehicle registration is documentation that connects Mountain State residents with the forms of transportation they lease or own, such as motor vehicles, motorcycles, and boats.
Registering a Vehicle in West Virginia
Vehicles must be registered in person with the WV DMV at the local branch. Residents of West Virginia need to bring their title, driver’s license, completed application form (available below), and payment for the registration fee.
New residents to West Virginia should bring the current registration certificate, as well as proof of residency in the state.
The state of West Virginia requires all resident vehicles to be registered with the WV Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles. Individuals who move to the state or purchase a new or used vehicle will have to register it. Individuals will also title the vehicle at the same time as they register it.
Residents who already have a vehicle that is registered in West Virginia can visit the registration renewal page to see how to keep their registration current.
New to West Virginia?
Individuals who are moving to West Virginia need to register and title their vehicle at their local WV DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
To complete the registration and titling of your vehicle, West Virginia residents need to submit:
- The out-of-state title and registration.
Residents who have a loan on their vehicle need a photocopy of the title, or printout of an electronic lien, and a letter from the lienholder showing they have the title.
- Proof of residency (mortgage/lease/rental agreement, utility bills, etc.)
- An Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle (form DMV-1-TR), which will be used for both title and registration.
- Auto insurance information.
- Payment for all registration and titling fees and taxes (see “Vehicle Registration Fees” below).
Note West Virginia residents will have 10 days from the day they register/title their vehicle to complete a vehicle inspection. See “WV Vehicle Inspections” below for more information.
How to Register a Car in West Virginia
The WV vehicle registration process is different depending on whether you are purchasing a vehicle from a dealership or a private party. WV residents need to make sure they have an active car insurance policy when registering their vehicle.
Purchasing from a WV Car Dealer
West Virginia car dealerships are required to submit all registration and titling paperwork, as well as collect all fees and taxes. Residents who are trading in a WV-titled vehicle may be eligible for a tax credit on the purchase price of the new vehicle.
Purchasing from an Out-of-State Car Dealer
Some out-of-state dealers will be able to submit the paperwork for WV registration, but if they do not offer this service, visit a WVDOT office and submit:
- The vehicle statement of origin.
- An invoice showing the purchase price of the vehicle.
WV residents who are trading in a WV-titled vehicle may be eligible for a tax credit on the purchase price of the new vehicle. Present the trade-in information to see if you qualify for this tax credit.
- A completed Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle (form DMV-1-TR).
Residents who have a loan on their vehicle need a photocopy of the title, or a printout of an electronic lien, and a letter from the lienholder showing they have the title information.
- Payment for all registration fees, titling fees, and taxes (see “Vehicle Registration Fees” below).
West Virginia does not have any reciprocity agreements with any other states. Residents of this state will be required to pay WV taxes even if they have already paid sales tax in another state. Individuals must also have the vehicle inspected within 10 days of arriving to the state (see “Vehicle Inspections” below for details).
Purchasing a Vehicle from a Private Party
Individuals will be required to complete all paperwork when purchasing a vehicle from a private party. Once residents have purchased the vehicle from the previous owner, they will need to go to their local WVDOT office and submit:
- The vehicle title properly signed over to you by the previous owner.
- Both the seller and buyer must sign the back of the title.
- If the seller is from out-of-state, his/her address must be on the title.
- WV residents must have an odometer reading (if the car is less than 10 years old).
- A completed Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle (form DMV-1-TR).
Vehicles up to 10 years old will need the odometer disclosure statement completed by the seller on the application.
- Payment for all required fees and taxes (see “Vehicle Registration Fees” below).
If the vehicle does not have an inspection sticker affixed, residents must also have the vehicle inspected within 3 days of titling and registering (see “Vehicle Inspections” below for details).
Vehicle Registration Fees
Registration fees, titling fees, and taxes will be collected when West Virginia residents apply for title and registration. Purchases from a West Virginia car dealership will have these fees included in the total price of the vehicle:
- Registration (includes litter and insurance fees):
- Standard plate: $51.50.
- Standard motorcycle plate: $16.
- Truck: varies by weight.
- Duplicate plate decal/registration card: $10.
- Duplicate license plate: $10.50.
West Virginia does not have any reciprocity agreements with any other states. Residents of this state will be required to pay WV taxes even if they have already paid sales tax in another state.
West Virginia Vehicle Inspections
There are no inspections required before residents register their vehicle with the WV DMV, but West Virginia does require vehicle inspections after registration to keep the vehicle legal.
Safety Inspections
West Virginia requires an annual safety inspection for all vehicles. There are different requirements depending on when and where individuals obtained their vehicle.
New West Virginia Residents
Individuals who are new to the state of West Virginia have 10 days after registering their vehicle to have a safety inspection completed at a WV State Police licensed inspection station. WV residents who previously completed an inspection from any of the following states, will be honored by West Virginia until the inspection expires:
- Louisiana.
- Mississippi.
- Missouri.
- New Hampshire.
- New York.
- Oklahoma.
- Texas.
- Utah.
- Wyoming.
Vehicles Purchased Out-of-State
Individuals who buy their vehicle in another state and register it in West Virginia will have 10 days after getting the registration to have the safety inspection completed.
Vehicles Purchased in West Virginia
Residents of West Virginia who purchase a vehicle in WV that do not have a current, valid safety inspection sticker must have a safety inspection performed within 3 days after registering the car/truck.
Current, valid safety inspection stickers will continue to be legal until the expiration date on the sticker, regardless of a change of ownership. Individuals need to make sure they know when the safety inspection expires, so it does not lapse.
Emissions Inspections
West Virginia does not require emissions inspections. However, residents of this state should always make an effort to be conscious about their vehicle’s emission output.
Replacing a Lost Registration or License Plate
Persons who lose a registration certificate, decal, or license plate, or they are damaged or destroyed, will need to get a replacement as soon as possible. WV residents should also report a lost or stolen license plate to the West Virginia State Police immediately.
Residents of West Virginia can apply for a replacement online, or go into a WV DMV office and fill out the Application for Duplicate Registration, Decal, or Plate & Change of Address (Form DMV-32-TR). Individuals need to provide proof of auto insurance in order to receive a duplicate license plate.
Replacement Fees
The replacement fees in West Virginia are as follows:
- Duplicate registration certificate or plate decal: $10.
- Duplicate license plate: $10.50.
Registration Renewal in West Virginia
In West Virginia, residents of this state will be required to renew their vehicle registration with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The state allows its residents to renew by mail or in person.
WV Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice
The West Virginia DMV mails a registration renewal notice approximately 30 days from the expiration date listed on the registration. This notice will contain pertinent information about the renewal, including the renewal date and the fee residents will be required to pay.
Didn’t Receive a Renewal Notice?
In West Virginia, residents of this state are required to renew their registration whether they receive their renewal notice. However, if individuals do not have one, they may use their old West Virginia registration document to renew.
Renewing A WV Vehicle Registration
Before the registration is set to expire, individuals can renew their registration online, by mail or in person at a West Virginia DMV regional office or any county sheriff’s office. WV residents who’ve already renewed their vehicle’s registration can check the status of their order by contacting the WV DMV.
How to Renew Registration By Mail
West Virginia residents can renew their West Virginia registration by mail by:
- Filling out the Registration Renewal Notice (DMV-44-TR), and enclose:
- Providing a copy of your insurance information.
- Presenting the personal property tax receipt.
- Submitting an expiring registration card, if you did not receive a renewal notice.
Individuals can make out a check or money order to pay their West Virginia registration renewal fees (see “West Virginia Registration Renewal Fees” below). To pay by mail, place everything in a stamped envelope and send to the address listed on the form.
How to Renew a WV Registration In Person
To renew a West Virginia registration in person, visit the local DMV Regional Office or the local county sheriff’s office, and provide:
- A completed Registration Renewal Notice (DMV-44-TR).
- The expiring registration card, if individuals do not have a renewal notice.
- A copy of the insurance information.
- The personal property tax receipt.
- Payment for the WV registration renewal fees (see “West Virginia Registration Renewal Fees” below).
West Virginia Registration Renewal Fees
The vehicle registration fees in West Virginia depend on how long residents of this state opt to renew their WV registration.
- 1 year: $51.50.
- 2 years: $103.
- Duplicate registration or license plate decal: $10.
- Duplicate license plate: $10.50.
Acceptable Payment Methods
In person:
- Cash.
- Check.
- Money order.
- Credit card.
By mail:
- Check.
- Money order.
Military & Out-of-State Registration Renewal
Individuals who are a resident currently outside of West Virginia when their renewal approaches – including an active member of the military – can keep their West Virginia vehicle registration current by following the “By Mail” instructions outlined in the section above titled, “Renew a WV Vehicle Registration.”
West Virginia Vehicle Inspections
West Virginia requires safety inspections of all vehicles every 12 months.
Residents of this state do not need to show proof of vehicle inspection to renew their WV registration. However, it is illegal to drive without a valid inspection sticker.
NOTE: Emissions testing is not required in West Virginia.
Motorcycle Registration in West Virginia
All residents of West Virginia are required to register their motorcycles with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Use this guide to learn more about West Virginia motorcycle registration as a new WV resident AND as a current resident who recently purchased a bike.
New West Virginia Residents
Once residents of this state establish WV residency, they have 30 days to register their motorcycle with DMV. Provide the following at a local West Virginia DMV office:
- A completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form DMV-1-TR).
- An odometer disclosure.
- If the motorcycle is on a lien, residents need to submit an Odometer Certification (Form DMV-TM-1).
- The motorcycle’s current out-of-state title and registration.
- If there is a lien on the motorcycle, individuals need to provide a copy of the title OR a letter from the lienholder that includes:
- A statement that they are in possession of the title.
- The resident’s name and address.
- Proof of West Virginia motorcycle insurance, which can be obtained from your insurance company.
- Payment for the base motorcycle registration fee of $16 PLUS other applicable fees and taxes.
Remember, titling is usually done at the same time as registration. Residents of WV should have all the necessary documents and fees for a West Virginia title transfer in addition to those above when they visit the DMV.
NOTE: After the motorcycle is titled and registered, residents will have 10 days to complete a safety inspection.
Registering a WV Motorcycle
The process for motorcycle registration with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles can vary depending on whether it was purchased at a dealership or from a private seller.
Dealership Purchases
When individuals purchase a motorcycle from a dealership in West Virginia, the dealership is required to submit all the necessary registration paperwork to the DMV.
The fees and taxes will usually be included in the purchase price; for a breakdown of these costs, see our section below. The dealer may provide a temporary registration while residents wait to receive their license plates and official motorcycle registration in the mail.
Private Purchases
When residents buy a motorcycle from a private party, they’ll need to register the bike themselves by presenting the following at your local West Virginia DMV:
- The current title for the motorcycle signed by the buyer and seller.
- If the seller is out of state, his or her address must be listed on the title.
- A completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form DMV-1-TR).
- Proof of WV motorcycle insurance from the resident’s auto insurance provider.
- An odometer disclosure, if the motorcycle is under 10 years old.
- The odometer disclosure can be written on the title by the seller OR on an Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form DMV-TM-1).
- The motorcycle’s purchase price.
- This can either be listed on the title OR on a Bill of Sale (Form DMV-7-TR).
- The $16 registration fee plus any other applicable fees and taxes.
If the motorcycle does not have a current inspection sticker, residents will have 10 days from the date it is registered to get a safety inspection. If the motorcycle’s inspection sticker is valid, individuals need to have it inspected once the current sticker expires.
West Virginia Motorcycle Registration Fees & Taxes
Individuals may be required to pay the following fees and taxes when registering their motorcycle with the WV Division of Motor Vehicles. Residents will pay additional fees when registering and titling their motorcycle at the same time. Residents of West Virginia can expect to pay these fees:
- Initial motorcycle registration: $16.
- New plate price: $16.
When registering for the first time, residents can register their motorcycle for 2 years by paying the new plate fee AND the initial registration fee.
- Personalized plates: $31.
- Veterans plates: $26.
- Vertical motorcycle plates: $41.
- Title:$15.
- Lien recordation: $10.
- Sales tax: 6% of the purchase price.
If the purchase price is under $500, a $30 fee will be assessed instead.
- County taxes: Varies—contact your local DMV office branch for specifics.
Boat Registration & Licenses in West Virginia
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) enforces all boat regulations in the state, while the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) processes all applications for vessel titles and registrations.
On this page, we’ll teach individuals the basics of WV vessel titles and registrations, as well as outline the legal requirements to operate watercraft in the Mountain State.
Boats to Title & Register in West Virginia
The West Virginia DNR requires all motorized vessels, including personal watercraft (e.g. jet skis) to be registered.
Additionally, West Virginia residents are required to title and pay the privilege tax for any motorboat purchased in West Virginia.
Exceptions to the Division of Natural Resources’ registration and titling requirements include:
Non-motorized boats:
- Canoes.
- Kayaks.
- Rowboats.
- Sailboats.
- Boats documented with the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Motorboats participating in West Virginia races.
- Watercraft from other countries temporarily using West Virginia’s waters.
- Boats registered in another state and not kept in West Virginia for more than 60 consecutive days.
- Lifeboats.
Residents who are not sure about whether they’ll need to titled and/or register their boat can call the DNR at (304) 558-2771 for assistance.
Apply for a WV Boat Title & Registration
To title and register a boat in West Virginia, residents of this state need to gather the following:
- A completed Application for a Certificate of Title for a Motor Boat (Form DMV-MB-6).
A document to prove ownership for:
- Brand new boats: Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
- Used boats: WV title OR out-of-state title assigned in the resident’s name.
Residents who purchased the boat for less than 50% of its most recent NADA Guides value, a notarized bill of sale is required for taxation purposes. The DMV provides a Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle, Trailer, or Boat (Form DMV-7-TR) that residents can use.
- Payment for all applicable vessel title and registration fees.
Then, individuals can drop their completed application off at any Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office OR mail it to:
WV DMV
P.O. Box 17710
Charleston, WV 25317
In West Virginia, all boat registrations begin on April 1st and ends on March 31st of the cycle’s final registration year. The registration fees will depend on when in that cycle residents apply for a West Virginia boat registration.
West Virginia Boat Title & Registration Fees
The boat registration and renewal fees vary based on the boat’s length and the year in which residents register. Consult the West Virginia DMV for details and exact fees.:
- WV boat title: $15.
- Per lien added: $10.
- Replacement:
- Boat title: $15.
- Vessel decals OR registration card: $10.
- Sales tax (due with title application):
- State: 6% of the purchase price.
- Local: Different in each West Virginia municipality—check out the WV municipal sales and use tax rate chart for specifics.
- Personal property tax (due with registration renewal): This fee varies by county.
The fees for an original boat registration can be confusing! WV residents who are having trouble calculating how much they’ll owe can call the WV Division of Motor Vehicles at (304) 558-3900 for help.
West Virginia Boat Renewals & Replacements
All West Virginia boat registrations are valid during a universal cycle, lasting up to 3 years. At the end of the vessel registration cycle, the WV DMV will mail residents a renewal notice.
When individuals renew their registration, they are required to show proof you paid personal property tax on the vessel (i.e. a personal property tax receipt). Luckily, certain West Virginia counties allow residents to pay these taxes online. Otherwise, individuals can pay (and ask any additional questions) at their local county assessor’s office.
West Virginia residents can renew their watercraft’s registration by submitting:
- A completed renewal notice OR Application for Boat Renewal, Duplicate Decal, Duplicate Registration, and Change of Address (Form DMV-14-TR).
- Proof of personal property tax paid (i.e. a personal property tax receipt).
- The necessary registration renewal fees.
Then, individuals can mail the items above to:
WV DMV
P.O. Box 17710
Charleston, WV 25317
Replacement WV Boat Title & Registration
Sometimes boat titles can be lost or damaged. Don’t stress! Residents of West Virginia can easily request replacements by following the instructions below.
Replacing a Boat Title
To request a duplicate vessel title send:
- A completed Affidavit of Duplicate Title for a Vehicle or Watercraft (Form DMV-4-TR).
- Payment for the $15 replacement title fee.
Mail the items for a replacement title to:
Receiving and Processing
P.O. Box 17710
Charleston, WV 25317
Replacing a Boat Registration
Individuals who need to request a duplicate registration card and/or decals can provide:
- A completed Application for Boat Renewal, Duplicate Decal, Duplicate Registration, and Change of Address (Form DMV-14-TR).
- The $10 fee per replacement decal/registration card.
Then, mail the items above to:
Receiving and Processing
P.O. Box 17710
Charleston, WV 25317
WV residents who have questions regarding vessel registration renewals or replacements can call the WV Division of Motor Vehicles at (800) 642-9066.
West Virginia Boater Requirements
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources requires all residents born on or after December 31, 1986, to complete a state-approved boater education course.
Additionally, the WV DNR imposes the following age-based restrictions when it comes to boating on state waterways, which it outlines on its Boating Regulations guide.
To fulfill the DNR’s boater education requirement, West Virginia residents need to complete a boating education course by any of the following methods:
- Online—See the DNR’s page on boating safety programs for a list of approved providers.
- In the classroom—Find a time and location most convenient for your schedule.
Residents who have additional questions regarding boater education classes in West Virginia can call any member of the Division of Natural Resources’ boating safety staff for assistance.
Accepted Forms of Payment
The West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles accepts the following forms of payment:
- Cash
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Check
West Virginia residents need to make sure they have a proper form of payment before visiting their local WV DMV office to avoid late fees, and other penalties.