West Virginia Bill of Sale Forms

A West Virginia bill of sale form endows the new owner with the name of “titleholder,” thereby releasing the previous owner’s liability. If the item does not have a title, the buyer instead goes by the name of “rightful possessor.” By holding this label, the individual becomes responsible for repairs, damages, and other legal matters relating to the personal property.

Summary

Boat, car, and trailer bill of sale forms require notarization.
Private merchants can sell guns to buyers without permits.
The state requires a trailer bill of sale form for registration and titling.

Types (5)

Boat Bill of Sale – A document that contains facts about how and when a seller transferred possession of a vessel to an interested party.

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Firearm Bill of Sale – Demonstrates the legal trade of a gun from one person to another.

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General Bill of Sale – Meets the criterion for proving ownership after acquiring a personal belonging from someone else.

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Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale – An avouchment of the new owner’s automobile possession following a deal with the previous owner.

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Trailer Bill of Sale – This form characterizes the buyer as the primary possessor and the seller as the past titleholder.

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Signing Requirements

Bill of Sale Type	Buyer Signature	Seller Signature	Notarization
Boat	Required	Required	Required
Firearm	Required	Required	Not required
General (others)	Required	Required	Not required
Motor Vehicle	Required	Required	Required
Trailer	Required	Required	Required

What is a West Virginia Bill of Sale?

A West Virginia bill of sale exhibits the credentials of a buyer and seller concerned in the re-allocation of personal property. The document makes it possible to contact either party if any inquiries or concerns arise after the sale. It also correctly classifies the item by its make, model, year, color, mileage, identification number, and other applicable identifiers.

The state provides residents with a multi-use official document for boat, car, and trailer transactions. Upon registering the personal property, the buyer must present this completed and signed form to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Items that do not need registration still profit from a bill of sale as it summarizes and validates the reassignment of ownership.

State law requires the notarization of vessel, vehicle, and trailer bill of sale forms. The DMV does not accept registration documents without a notary seal, stamp, or signature on the bill of sale. The seller must schedule an appointment with a local certified individual to carry out this task, which can occur through eSign.com for $25.

Registration Forms: Boats

Vessel owners must provide registration documents and payment to a regional office.

Bill of Sale (DMV-7-TR) – Reassigns ownership of a watercraft.
Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Boat (Form MB-6) – To apply for a title and registration. Not needed if the owner has a West Virginia boat title.
Hull Number Certification (Form DMV-1-B) – For boats that do not have a title.
Payment – Based on boat length and registration period.
Registration & Title – For boats previously registered and titled out-of-state or used vessels from a West Virginia owner.
Identification – A photo ID issued by the state or government confirming the owner’s identity.

Additional (Optional) Documents

Affidavit of Builder (Form MB-11-TR) – For homemade boats only.
Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin – New boats purchased from a dealer only.
Owner and Purchasing Affidavit (Form MB-12/13) – For previously owned boats without a title or registration.

Registration Forms: Firearms

West Virginia does not require the registration of guns. To ease the restrictions on concealed carry, however, residents can apply for a concealed pistol or revolver license. If they meet the standard requirements, they must send the applicable documents to their local sheriff’s office.

Application for Concealed Pistol / Revolver License (Form MVSP 44A) – For individuals twenty-one (21) years or older to provide the state with the necessary information to obtain a concealed carry license. Requires notarization.
Application for Concealed Pistol / Revolver License (Form MVSP 44C) – For residents between eighteen (18) and twenty (20) years of age to apply for a concealed carry permit.
Payment – Fees depend on the applicant’s age.
Proof of Handgun Safety Course – The individual must provide an affidavit from the instructor or another certifying document proving they attended and completed a gun training class.
Fingerprints – For the state to conduct an official background check to verify the applicant is not a felon and does not have a concerning mental health history.

Registration Forms: Vehicles

Car registration must occur at a DMV regional office.

Bill of Sale (DMV-7-TR) – To validate the car’s change of possession.
Application for Certificate of Title (Form DMV-1-TR) – For the title and registration of a car.
Payment – The owner must pay according to the type of vehicle they own and the registration length.
Insurance (Mandatory Limits) –
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $25,000 per incident
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage: $25,000 per incident
Inspection – All vehicles must undergo inspection unless cars have previously been inspected in reciprocity states (i.e., LA, MS, MO, NH, NY, OK, TX, UT).
Identification – Provides evidence of U.S. and West Virginia residency.

Additional (Optional) Documents

Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form DMV-TM-1) – Only for titled cars ten (10) years or newer without an odometer reading.
West Virginia Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney – A form for providing an individual with temporary decision-making powers over a vehicle.

Registration Forms: Trailers

Trailer owners must apply for registration through a DMV office.

Bill of Sale (DMV-7-TR) –
Application for Certificate of Title (Form DMV-1-TR) – To obtain a trailer registration and title.
Payment – Depends on the trailer’s class and registration period.
Identification – For proving the owner’s name, address, and photo ID.