Selling or junking a car in West Virginia

How do I sign over a car title in West Virginia?

The seller signs the back of the WV title and the buyer signs too. If owners are joined by 'and', both sign; if by 'or' or 'and/or', either can sign. The seller records the exact mileage in the assignment section, or on Form DMV-TM-1 if there is no space. W. Va. Code §17A-4-2 requires the seller to endorse an assignment and warranty of title with a statement of all liens, verified under oath, and deliver the title within 60 days, except for a vehicle sold as scrap or to be dismantled. If the price is below 50% of NADA clean loan value, the buyer needs a notarized bill of sale signed by both parties, or tax is charged on book value.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in West Virginia?

§17A-4-2 exempts vehicles sold as scrap or to be dismantled from the duty to deliver the title to the buyer. But anyone who buys a vehicle as salvage or scrap must surrender to DMV within 45 days the title, nonrepairable or salvage certificate, or a statement of cancellation signed by the seller (§17A-4-10(g)).

How do I get a duplicate title in West Virginia?

Affidavit of Duplicate Title (Form DMV-4-TR), with a copy of your driver's license, your current registration card if available, and a $15.00 fee. If a lien was ever recorded, the lender must release it first.

Do I need to file a release of liability in West Virginia?

When you transfer the title, the registration expires, and W. Va. Code §17A-4-1 requires you to immediately notify the DMV commissioner of the transfer.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in West Virginia?

Plates stay with the seller. The original owner keeps them and may apply within 60 days to transfer them to another vehicle of the same class (§17A-4-1).

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in West Virginia?

An owner who scraps, crushes, dismantles or destroys a vehicle without selling it must surrender the title, nonrepairable certificate or salvage certificate to DMV for cancellation within 45 days (§17A-4-10(f)). Buyers of salvage or scrap have the same 45-day surrender duty (§17A-4-10(g)). Nonrepairable certificates are issued at no charge. Salvage certificates cost $22.50 (application Form DMV-SV-1).

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in West Virginia?

Before taking an abandoned or junked vehicle from private property, an enforcement agency must give the property owner and vehicle owner 30 days' notice by registered or certified mail (§17-24A-3). Only licensed WV towing companies, dealers, repair facilities, auto auctions and salvage yards may apply for abandoned-vehicle titles (Forms DMV-100-TR, DMV-130-TR, DMV-131-TR); vehicles valued over $9,500 go through a sheriff's sale instead. Private property owners may claim abandoned antique vehicles (25+ years old) under a separate procedure with a 30-day waiting period.

Official sources

1. WV DMV - Titles
2. W. Va. Code §17A-4-1
3. W. Va. Code §17A-4-2
4. W. Va. Code §17A-4-10
5. W. Va. Code §17-24A-3
6. WV DMV Form DMV-130-TR Affidavit for Possession of a Junked or Abandoned Motor Vehicle
7. WV DMV Abandoned Vehicle Procedure

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV) before you sell.