Paperwork When Buying a Car in West Virginia

The paperwork you'll need when buying a car depends on the type of transaction.

From Dealers

If you're buying from a dealer, you'll find that the dealer can handle all procedures and paperwork for you, as well as collect all applicable registration and title fees.

To title a leased vehicle, or to transfer the ownership if you buy your leased vehicle, use the Application for Certificate of Title for Leased Motor Vehicle.

From Private Sellers

The paperwork you'll need when buying from a private seller varies a bit according to a few factors, such as the age of the car. But, the following should cover most situations:

• Bill of sale

• Odometer Disclosure Statement

• Title

For more online forms, visit Applications and Forms. And, for details on the paperwork needed for other scenarios, see the Division of Motor Vehicle's (DMV) main vehicle license page.

Buying or Selling Without Paperwork

The DMV warns against buying a vehicle if the seller can't produce the title. Without the previous title, you won't be able to get a new title in your name and register the car. The registration information is handy to get from the seller, too, although you don't need the registration to complete a sale or title and register the vehicle in your name.

If the seller can't find the title, suggest that the seller obtain a duplicate title by following the steps outlined on our replacing a lost title page.

Bill of Sale

A bill of sale is needed in most situations (visit our Car Registration page for more information on this). If needed, you can easily download a copy from our Bill of Sale page.

Your Opinion Matters To Us!