Registration FAQs

Our FAQ section covers a variety of registration information that might not be specifically covered on our other pages. For more detailed information about fees and such, you'll need to visit our main Registration and Titling section or the official West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV) Web site.

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What do I do if I don't get my registration?

Reasons for not getting your registration in the mail vary. Contact the DMV for details specific to your situation.

See below for information about the steps to take if you don't get your registration renewal notice.

I didn't receive a registration renewal notice. What now?

Renewal notices are usually mailed about 30 days before the registration expires. If the DMV doesn't have your current address, or the notice is lost in the mail, you'll need to handle the renewal process yourself. Fortunately, many of the renewal forms are available for download. You can complete them and mail them in, or visit your local DMV office to renew.

How do I get a duplicate title?

The process to get a duplicate title is simple. Send a completed Affidavit of Duplicate Title, along with a copy of your driver's license and a $10 fee, to:

• Department of Transportation

• Division of Motor Vehicles

• Building 3, Capitol Complex

• Charleston, WV 25317

How do I get a duplicate registration?

Obtain a duplicate registration by sending a completed Application for Duplicate Registration Card and a $5 fee to:

• WV Division of Motor Vehicles

• 1800 Kanawha Blvd. East, Building 3

• Charleston, WV 25317

How do I get replacement tags or decals?

Obtaining replacement license plates or registration stickers is similar to obtaining a duplicate registration. Send a completed Application for Duplicate Decal or Plate along with the required fee ($5 for a decal and $5.50 for a new plate) and proof of insurance to the address above.

Who can handle my vehicle's registration and titling?

If you purchase the vehicle new from a dealership, the dealer will usually handle that for you within 60 days. If you purchase the vehicle from an individual you'll need to take car of the registration and titling yourself. Forms for registering and titling, as well as for requesting duplicates of such information, are available online.

My registration was suspended because I didn't have insurance. How can I get it reinstated?

This isn't surprising. Because of the Compulsory Insurance Law, all vehicles in WV must be insured by a company licensed to do business in WV. You'll need to obtain insurance and send proof of that insurance to the DMV. You also must pay a reinstatement fee, which is usually $100 plus an extra $50 if the DMV sent a secure order to the state police.

The insurance department of the DMV sets the reinstatement fee if there are any variables. Contact them at (304) 558-4444 with questions.

Does my vehicle have to be registered before I can order a personalized license plate?

Yes. Your vehicle must be registered and titled in order to purchase a personalized license plate. It must also already have a regular Class A plate.

I just moved to West Virginia. What do I need to do?

Relax. New residents have 30 days after establishing West Virginia residency to register and title their motor vehicles (including motorcycles).

If you're new to WV and own a boat that you purchased in another state, you aren't required to register or title the boat unless there has been a change in ownership.

Do I need to register a leased vehicle?

Yes. The DMV provides a special certificate of title for a leased vehicle. The complete procedures and fees for titling and registering a leased vehicle (including those that are new, out-of-state transfers, and ownership transfers) are provided on the application.

Do I need to complete any forms specific to repossessed vehicles?

Yes. There is an Affidavit for Repossession of a Motor Vehicle (Form DMV-129-TR). The procedure for titling a repossessed vehicle is explained on the form.

I only use my vehicle during hunting season. Must I take any special steps?

Yes, all vehicles must be insured or you run the risk of having your registration suspended. If you only use your vehicle seasonally, you'll need to complete a Seasonal Statement of Insurance (WV-4B) form and submit it to your local DMV.

My car has a valid license plate, but I won't be driving it for a while. Do I need to register it as nonoperational?

All registered vehicles, including those that are non-operable, are subject to insurance verification; therefore, if you choose not to maintain your vehicle's insurance, you must complete a WV-4C form and submit it to your local DMV along with the license plate.

I just moved to West Virginia, and my car is custom built. How do I register it?

If your car was built out of state, you'll register it just like you would register any other vehicle. The only time you need to take special steps with custom-built cars is when they are built in West Virginia. See our registration section covering custom-built cars for more information.

What are these odometer statements I keep hearing about?

Unfortunately, there are dishonest people who will "roll back" a vehicle's mileage before they sell it. As a way to protect consumers, a reading must be recorded on the title when a vehicle is sold or transferred. If there is no section for it on the title certificate, you can download an Odometer Disclosure Statement form or request one from your local DMV.

What happens if a vehicle's registrant dies?

When a registrant dies, the survivor must remove the deceased's name from the vehicle's title and registration. If the survivor's name on the title is joined by "or" with the deceased's name, the survivor must sign the back of the title as the seller and complete the remainder of the title as the seller, and then sign as the purchaser and complete the bottom of the title as the purchaser.

If the survivor's name is joined by "and" with the deceased's name, the survivor must take the same steps, signing as both seller and purchaser.

If the deceased's name is the only name on the title, the administrator or executor of the estate must sign as the seller while the survivor signs as the purchaser.

Then, take or mail to the DMV the completed application for title transfer, the properly signed existing title, court documents, an Odometer Disclosure Statement, proof of insurance, and the current registration card. There is no title-transfer fee as long as the appropriate court documents are present.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.