West Virginia Bill of Sale

A West Virginia bill of sale should include information about the vehicle, the seller, and the buyer.
Written by Jacoba Bood
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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West Virginia
notarized bill of sale must have a copy of the driver’s licenses of both the buyer and the seller attached to the document. The bill of sale should include the name, address, and signature of the buyer and seller, car details such as the year and make, vehicle identification number, the date of sale and sale price, and the signature of a notary public. 
If you are conducting a private vehicle sale, filling out a bill of sale is an important step. Some states don’t make it a legal requirement to complete a bill of sale, but it is always a good idea to complete one regardless. That way, you will have an official record of the transaction. 
Whether you want to download a DMV form or create your own document, we've compiled the information you need to help you complete an official West Virginia bill of sale. 

What is a bill of sale?

A bill of sale is basically a receipt to record the transaction in a private vehicle sale. Bills of sale contain important details like the make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the car involved in the sale, and the purchase price agreed upon by buyer and seller. Finally, bills of sale include the signatures and information about both the buyer and seller.
A bill of sale is not the same thing as a
title transfer
, which legally transfers ownership of the vehicle. Only a car’s certificate of title will certify official ownership. But a bill of sale outlines and specifies the terms that both parties agreed to for a private vehicle sale. 
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Is a bill of sale required in West Virginia? 

The state of West Virginia requires a bill of sale for private cars if the vehicle is purchased from an individual and the purchase price is below 50% of the current NADA Clean Loan Book value. If this is the case and you do not complete a bill of sale, you'll be taxed at the vehicle's full NADA Clean Loan Book rate. 
That said, it’s almost always a good idea to fill out a bill of sale if you are involved in a transfer of ownership for a vehicle in a private sale because it will provide proof of the transaction, the date of transfer, and the purchase price. 

What is required in a West Virginia bill of sale? 

If you are buying or selling a car in West Virginia, you can draft your own bill of sale document or download the Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle, or Boat (DMV-7-TR) from the
list of forms on the West Virginia DMV website
.
If you prefer to create your own bill of sale, don’t forget to include the following information: 
  • Make, model, year, and VIN
  • License plate number
  • Date of sale
  • Purchase price
  • Name, address, and signature of the seller(s)
  • Name, address, and signature of the buyer(s)
  • A signature of a notary public
  • An attached copy of the buyer’s driver’s license
  • An attached copy of the seller’s driver’s license
For situations where the car is being gifted to a family member, list the value of the car instead of a purchase price and indicate that you intend to transfer ownership as a gift. 
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What should I do after I get a bill of sale? 

Once the bill of sale for a car has been completed and received, you need to fill out a title transfer to legally complete the sale. This bill of sale is a receipt, but it doesn’t actually transfer ownership of the car.
The process for completing a vehicle sale will vary from state to state, so be sure to follow
West Virginia’s rules for selling a car
. Sellers may have to take additional steps like reporting the sale to the DMV or transferring the old license plates. And buyers will need to register their newly purchased vehicle with the DMV to get new plates. 
Always keep a copy of the bill of sale for your personal records. If you find yourself in a legal dispute regarding the sale, this document will protect you. A bill of sale provides proof of the terms of your agreement and the purchase price agreed upon by the buyer and seller for the vehicle. 

How to find affordable car insurance

If you’ve filled out the bill of sale and completed the transaction at the DMV, the next step is to buy
car insurance
for your new car.
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