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West Virginia Car-Selling Guide

How to Sell a Car Without a Title in West Virginia

Lost, damaged, or never received your West Virginia title? You still have legal ways to sell. Here's how it works in 2026, based on official West Virginia rules — plus the fastest way to just get a cash offer.

West Virginia handles titles through the DMV, and it's one of the states that requires a notarized bill of sale for private sales. Here's how to replace a lost title and sell.

Path 1 — Most vehicles

Get a duplicate title

Complete Form DMV-4-TR (Affidavit of Duplicate Title for a Vehicle or Watercraft) with the $15 fee, by mail to Charleston or in person, plus a copy of your driver's license. If there's a lien, the lienholder completes their section.

West Virginia quirk

Notarized bill of sale to sell

When you sell, West Virginia requires a notarized bill of sale (Form DMV-7-TR) — both buyer and seller sign in front of a notary, and it's especially important if the price is under 50% of the vehicle's value. Afterward, file the Sold Vehicle Notice (Form DMV-1-S) and remove your plates.

Skip the paperwork

Not sure which path fits your car?

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West Virginia Essentials

Selling in West Virginia — the essentials

The quick reference for signing your car over the right way in West Virginia.

Where to sign
Sign the title in the seller section and complete the odometer.
Notary
No — notarization is not required.
License plates
Return your plates to the state to stop registration fees.
Good to know
West Virginia plates should be returned to the DMV when you sell.
Before You Sell

A quick checklist

Three things worth confirming before you hand over the keys.

  • Check for a lien. Any recorded lien must be released before a clean title can issue.
  • Keep a bill of sale. A written record — buyer and seller info, vehicle details, price, and date — protects you.
  • Match the name. The seller's name should match the title record.
Ready when you are

Ready to sell your West Virginia car?

Running or not, title or no title — get a real cash offer in about two minutes, with free towing.

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This guide is general information based on West Virginia rules current as of 2026, not legal advice. Requirements can change and situations vary — confirm details with the official state source (official West Virginia DMV page) before acting.

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