Selling or buying a vehicle in West Virginia? If the purchase price is less than 50% of the NADA Clean Loan value, a notarized bill of sale is required — otherwise sales tax will be based on the full book value.
This free template is formatted for West Virginia’s requirements and works alongside the Certificate of Title at any West Virginia DMV office.
Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.
For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →
On this page:
- What Is a West Virginia Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
- Is a Bill of Sale Required in West Virginia?
- West Virginia-Specific Requirements
- Free West Virginia Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
- How to Fill Out the Template
- How to Transfer a Car Title in West Virginia
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a West Virginia Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A West Virginia motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.
West Virginia’s official form is Form DMV-7-TR (DMV Bill of Sale). The bill of sale is required alongside the completed title assignment when applying for a new certificate of title. The title must include the buyer’s name and address, odometer reading (for vehicles less than 20 years old), and both buyer and seller signatures.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in West Virginia?
West Virginia requires a bill of sale alongside the title assignment when applying for a new certificate of title. A notarized bill of sale is specifically required when the purchase price is less than 50% of the current NADA Clean Loan Book value. Without a notarized bill of sale in that situation, sales tax will be calculated on the full NADA book value rather than the actual purchase price.
West Virginia-Specific Requirements
1. ⚠️ Notarized Bill of Sale for Below-Value Sales
If the purchase price is less than 50% of the NADA Clean Loan Book value, a notarized bill of sale (Form DMV-7-TR or equivalent) is required. If you submit a notarized bill of sale, you must also submit a copy of both the seller’s and buyer’s driver’s licenses. The price on the bill of sale must match the sale price listed on the title certificate.
2. Title Assignment Requirements
The title must be completed on the back with the buyer’s name and address, an odometer reading (for vehicles less than 20 years old), and signed by both the previous owner and the new owner. The price on the bill of sale must match exactly what is listed as the sale price on the title certificate.
3. Sales Tax
West Virginia charges sales tax on private vehicle purchases. Tax is calculated on the purchase price or the NADA Clean Loan Book value — whichever is higher (without a notarized bill of sale for below-value transactions). Tax is paid at the DMV at the time of title transfer.
4. Form DMV-1-TR Required
The buyer must complete Form DMV-1-TR (Application for Certificate of Title) and submit it to the West Virginia DMV along with the completed title, this bill of sale, proof of West Virginia auto insurance, payment for the title fee, and applicable sales tax.
5. Price Must Match on Both Documents
The sale price on the bill of sale must match exactly the sale price listed on the title certificate. Any discrepancy between the two documents will cause the DMV to reject the application.
6. Notarization for Standard Sales
For standard private party sales where the price is at or above 50% of the NADA Clean Loan value, notarization is not required for the bill of sale. Notarization is required specifically for below-value transactions. It is always optional but recommended for high-value sales.
Free West Virginia Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.
How to Fill Out the Template
Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title. Enter the buyer’s name and address exactly as they want it on the new title.
In Section 3, copy the VIN character by character. Enter the full agreed purchase price in Section 4 — this must match the price listed on the title certificate exactly. If the price is below 50% of NADA Clean Loan value, both parties must sign before a notary.
Both parties sign Section 11. For below-value sales, also sign Section 13 (Notary Acknowledgment) in the presence of a notary and include copies of both parties’ driver’s licenses.
For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →
How to Transfer a Car Title in West Virginia
For the Seller
Complete the assignment section on the back of the title with the buyer’s name and address, sale price, and odometer reading. Ensure the sale price matches what you put on the bill of sale. Provide the buyer with this signed bill of sale.
For the Buyer
Visit any West Virginia DMV office with the completed title, this bill of sale (notarized with driver’s license copies if price is below 50% NADA Clean Loan value), Form DMV-1-TR (Application for Certificate of Title), proof of West Virginia auto insurance, valid West Virginia ID, and payment for the title fee and applicable sales tax.
Lost Title
Complete Affidavit of Duplicate Title (Form DMV-4-TR) and submit with a copy of your driver’s license and the replacement title fee. Contact the West Virginia DMV at dmv.wv.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
When the purchase price is less than 50% of the current NADA Clean Loan Book value. In that case, a notarized bill of sale is required and you must also submit copies of both the seller’s and buyer’s driver’s licenses. Without it, sales tax is calculated on the full NADA book value.
The West Virginia DMV will reject the application if the sale price on the bill of sale does not match the sale price listed on the title certificate. Both documents must show the exact same purchase price. Any discrepancy will cause the application to be rejected.
Form DMV-1-TR (Application for Certificate of Title) is the standard form the buyer completes to apply for a new West Virginia title. It is submitted to the DMV along with the completed title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, valid ID, and payment for title fees and sales tax.
Not if the purchase price is at or above 50% of the NADA Clean Loan Book value. Notarization is only required for below-value transactions. For standard private party sales, notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
West Virginia does not publish a specific statewide deadline, but delays in completing the title transfer may result in sales tax penalties and interest. Complete the transfer as soon as possible after the sale.
Yes. West Virginia’s official form is DMV-7-TR, but any bill of sale that includes the required information — seller and buyer details, VIN, purchase price (matching the title), date of sale, and signatures — is acceptable. If the price is below 50% of NADA Clean Loan value, the bill of sale must be notarized and driver’s license copies included.
This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Contact the West Virginia DMV at dmv.wv.gov to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.