Transferring vehicle ownership in West Virginia requires a few specific steps to keep the sale legal and clean. If you are selling to a dealer, check with them first before signing anything on the title.
1. Verify Your Title
Before you begin, ensure that the title is in your name and free of errors. If your title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll need to apply for a duplicate title through the West Virginia DMV before proceeding.
2. Notarization Is Not Required
In a standard private sale, West Virginia does not require notarization of the seller's signature on the title. Both parties simply need to sign the title itself. Notarization is generally only needed in unusual cases, such as when a representative is signing under a Power of Attorney — contact the West Virginia DMV if you're uncertain.
3. Complete the Seller Information on the Back of the Title
Flip the title over to find the seller information section, which needs to be filled out without errors:
- Seller's Signature: Sign in the box labeled for the seller's signature. All owners listed on the title must sign.
- Printed Name of Seller: Print your name exactly as it appears on the title.
- Buyer Information: Provide the buyer's full name and address in the designated section.
- Odometer Reading: Provide the vehicle's accurate mileage at the time of sale, ensuring this information is filled in correctly without errors. It is important to not guess this number, and record an exact mileage number.
Important: Don't use white-out, cross-outs, or any other corrections on the title — even small edits can void the title.
4. Address Liens
Any active lien listed on the title must be cleared before the sale can complete. The lienholder either needs to sign off on the title or supply a lien release letter. Don't attempt to transfer the title until this is resolved.
5. Consider Multiple Owners
Title with more than one name on it? How the names are joined determines who has to sign off on the sale:
- "AND": Both owners are required to sign.
- "OR": Only one owner needs to sign.
Key Takeaways
- Notarization is not required for a standard private sale.
- Ensure all signatures match exactly as they appear on the title.
- Address any existing liens before proceeding.
Follow these steps and your West Virginia title transfer should go through without issue. For full official guidance, visit the West Virginia DMV website.
Verified May 2026