Salesperson License

Application Deadlines

All West Virginia vehicle salespersons must be licensed by January 1, 2008.

Instructions for people employed before June 8, 2006 are included in the Motor Vehicle Salesperson License Application.

Instructions for people employed after June 8, 2006 are outlined below.

Application Process

The application process for the vehicle salesperson license consists of seven fairly straightforward steps:

1. Request fingerprint cards from any of the WV DMV Regional Offices or the Office of Dealer Services. Submit two complete sets of fingerprints before testing, and have valid picture identification in order to be fingerprinted.
2. Download and complete the Motor Vehicle Salesperson License Application. Or, pick one up from your nearest WV DMV Regional Office. Make sure your employer completes the required sections.
3. Take your fingerprint cards, your valid picture identification, and your completed application to your local WV DMV Regional Office.
4. Pay $7 per each year you'll be licensed. The number of years depends on your birthday, but will always be between three and seven years. This fee covers one chance at the exam, which you must pass with a score of no less than 70%. (See below for more information about the exam.)
5. If you pass, pay the $25 fee for a background investigation.
6. Receive your temporary Salesperson License Photo Identification Card. This card is valid for 90 days, during which time you should receive the results of your background investigation.
7. Wait for your background investigation results. Once they're in, the DMV will notify you and your temporary status will automatically change to permanent status.

Note that your employer―the dealer for whom you are working―can help you contact the local inspector should you need to at any point.

The Vehicle Salesperson Exam

As mentioned above, your license fee covers the cost of one exam. That fact, coupled with the fact that you can only take it once a week until you pass, makes it extra important to pass on your first try, right?

Prepare yourself! The WV DMV provides a Salesperson Study Guide online. Of course, DMV.ORG also provides important information regarding dealer-related code and the WV Lemon Law.

Salesperson License Renewal

After your initial renewal period, you'll renew your license every five years for $10. Add $5 to that if you let it expire for less than six months. If it's expired for more than six months, you'll have to go through the entire application process again.

Duplicate Salesperson License

If you lose your license, or it becomes stolen or damaged, you must pay $5 for a duplicate.

Transferring Salesperson Licenses

If you move to a new dealership, you have 10 days within the end date and hire date to notify the division, using the Salesperson Notification of Change, and you must pay a $5 transfer fee.

Send the completed form and fee to:

• Division of Motor Vehicles

• Office of Dealer Services

• 1615 Washington St., East

• Rm. 303

• Charleston, WV 25317

Note that you'll need the signatures of both your former employer and your new employer.