Selling or junking a car in West Virginia, step by step
- Find your title (or replace it). If the title is lost or damaged, request a duplicate from the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles using Affidavit of Duplicate Title (DMV-4-TR).
- Pay off any loan. If a lender is listed on the title, it must release the lien before the car can change hands. See our guide to junking a car with a lien.
- Sign the title over at pickup. The seller writes the exact mileage in the title's assignment section and signs the back of the title. If owners are joined by 'and' both must sign; 'or' lets either owner sign.
- Deal with your plates. Ask the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles whether you keep, transfer or return your plates.
- Tell the state and your insurer. West Virginia has no separate seller notice that we could confirm. Keep a copy of the signed title and receipt, then cancel your insurance and registration.
How to sign over a title in West Virginia
The seller writes the exact mileage in the title's assignment section and signs the back of the title. If owners are joined by 'and' both must sign; 'or' lets either owner sign.
Official page: dmv.wv.gov. For general tips on avoiding mistakes, see how to sign over a car title.
Lost title? Getting a duplicate in West Virginia
The owner submits Form DMV-4-TR with a copy of their driver's license and, if available, the registration card; an existing lien must be released first.
- Form: Affidavit of Duplicate Title (DMV-4-TR) — download
- Official page: dmv.wv.gov
More background: how to get a duplicate title before junking.
License plates after you sell
We couldn't confirm West Virginia's plate rule on an official page. Ask the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles before pickup, and see plates and insurance when junking a car.
Junk and salvage titles in West Virginia
WV DMV's guide states that a vehicle branded junk or non-repairable can never be reconstructed, and a salvage-titled vehicle cannot be driven on public roads until inspected and retitled.
Official page: webapps.transportation.wv.gov. Background: salvage vs. rebuilt vs. junk titles.
Selling a car without a title in West Virginia
We didn't find an official West Virginia page describing a no-title option, so the safest route is to request a duplicate first. Our guide to junking a car without a title covers the general options buyers may accept.
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West Virginia title questions
How do I replace a lost car title in West Virginia?
The owner submits Form DMV-4-TR with a copy of their driver's license and, if available, the registration card; an existing lien must be released first. The form is Affidavit of Duplicate Title (DMV-4-TR).
Do I need to notify West Virginia when I sell my car?
We couldn't confirm a separate notice-of-sale form for West Virginia. Keep a copy of the signed title and bill of sale, cancel your registration if required, and check with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles.
What happens to my license plates when I sell a car in West Virginia?
Check with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles; plate rules vary by state.
Can I junk a car without a title in West Virginia?
It depends on the car and the buyer. The simplest route is usually to request a duplicate title first. Our guide to junking a car without a title explains the general options.
Official sources
- West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles — homedmv.wv.gov
- Selling or transferring a vehicle titledmv.wv.gov
- Affidavit of Duplicate Title (DMV-4-TR) formwebapps.transportation.wv.gov
- Junk and salvage vehicleswebapps.transportation.wv.gov
Summarized from official West Virginia government websites in October 2026. Fees and procedures change; always confirm with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles before you sell. This guide is general information, not legal advice.