A West Virginia DMV bill of sale may prove to be a crucial piece of evidence in a sales transaction of a motor vehicle. The details included in a properly completed bill of sale form are generally necessary for resolving any potential legal disputes that may arise between the seller and the purchaser over the vehicle’s ownership. A vehicle bill of sale in WV displays information that pertains to the parties involved in the sales transaction and the vehicle on sale.

A bills trade credential is required for the purposes of car title transfer procedures in West Virginia under certain circumstances. Thus, possessing a valid bill of sale PDF document as supporting evidence of a vehicle sale under any circumstance may prove to be very helpful in the absence of the key documentation for such procedures, including a WV certificate of title or an out-of-state title document.

Another situation whereby this legal document may be necessary is when calculating the corresponding vehicle taxes. For more detailed information about how to complete a sample bill of sale template or where to get one in West Virginia, continue reading the sections below.

When is a bill of sale necessary in West Virginia?

A West Virginia bill of sale PDF or printout may be necessary in several instances. A printable copy of this document may often be used as a key piece of evidence in resolving any potential disagreements between the parties transferring the vehicle’s ownership.

Since a car bill of sale in WV includes the legal signatures of the involved parties in the transaction, it can easily confirm who the current and rightful owner of the vehicle is. This often proves to be of great benefit to the seller, as he or she can avoid any future liability associated with the vehicle sold. Furthermore, a notarized bill of sell credential for auto purchases and sales may be a necessary tool for determining the applicable state taxes.

Failure to submit a notarized auto bill of sale in such instances will result in purchasers being taxed at the full NADA Clean Loan Book value. The state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires individuals submitting a notarized bill of sale form to provide copies of both the seller and the purchaser’s driver’s licenses, as well. Though some state motor vehicle agencies may require individuals to present a title change receipt along with salvage title applications, this is not a requirement in West Virginia.

Note: Contact the WV Division of Motor Vehicles to find out whether there are other official uses of the vehicle receipt of sale.

Who needs a West Virginia bill of sale?

Since a DMV bill of sale is often considered an important part of a vehicle sales transaction, it is in the best interest of both the seller and the buyer to have it in their records. By presenting this completed document during the process of buying a car in WV, the purchaser can confirm he or she is now the legal and rightful owner of the vehicle in question, and that payment for the agreed purchase price has been provided.

A printable bill of sale PDF can also protect sellers in various situations. For example, if the buyer fails to apply for a title transfer, thus changing the ownership status of the vehicle in question in due time, the seller may still be held accountable for any traffic incidents or penalties accrued by the purchaser. When the seller presents a simple bill of sale that contains the purchaser’s signature, he or she can avoid any liability related to the vehicle sold.

How to Complete a Bill of Sale Form in West Virginia

When filling out a vehicle bill of sale template in West Virginia, both the seller and the purchaser must ensure they complete the entire document and have the form notarized. Such a bills trade receipt may not be valid if it has not been notarized.

The involved parties in the sales transaction must note, however, that a change in ownership will not be completed until the purchaser applies for and receives a title certificate. A sample bill of sale will require the input of the following information:

  • Details about the motor vehicle, such as:
    • Vehicle identification number (VIN) and title number.
    • Year.
    • Make/manufacturer.
    • Model.
    • Body type and color.
  • The seller’s name, street address, city, state and zip code.
  • The buyer’s name, address, city, state and zip code.
  • Date of purchase and selling price.
  • An odometer disclosure statement, if required.
  • The legal signatures of the seller, purchaser and notary public.

Since the information required in a DMV bill of sell must be accurate, a prudent step prior to filling it out is to order a vehicle history report.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.