Vehicle owners are required to initiate the West Virginia out of state car title transfer process as soon as they move an out of state vehicle to WV. Car owners must undergo this process if they purchase a nonresident vehicle from an out-of-state seller. However, various motorists are unfamiliar with how to perform an out of state car title transfer in WV.

In order to transfer an out of state car title, you have to submit the necessary documents and fee payments to the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Furthermore, to finalize the WV out of state car title transfer process, you will most likely be required to apply for a vehicle registration as well. Get more information on how to transfer a car title from state to state by reading the sections below.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in West Virginia?

If you would like to understand what a cross state title transfer in WV is, it is important to note how this titling procedure differs from others. Overall, a cross state car title transfer is completed for the purpose of replacing an invalid out-of-state vehicle title with a title certificate issued by the new state’s DMV.

Note that, until you re-title a car on another state DMV’s database, you will be unable to register and legally operate your nonresident vehicle.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in West Virginia?

The requirement to transfer the title of a new vehicle varies depending on whether the dealer sold the vehicle on a title certificate or on a manufacturer’s certificate of origin. Transferring an out of state vehicle title is a mandatory step only if the nonresident vehicle was already titled.

If you would like to know when an out of state car title transfer is necessary in WV, note that you will be required to perform a title transfer only when you move within the state, or obtain a used or new vehicle from outside the state on a certificate of title. Under current law, new state residents have to apply for a new title within 30 days of moving within the state.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out-of-State Title Transfer in West Virginia

To finalize the process of transferring an out of state car title in West Virginia, motorists must meet certain requirements, such as submitting the documents needed for out of state title transfer and paying the applicable DMV fees. Thus, the out of state car title transfer information necessary to title and register a vehicle as a new state resident is outlined in the following list:

In addition to the out of state title transfer paperwork and information outlined above, vehicle owners may be required to furnish additional documents in certain situations. For instance, if you apply to transfer the title of a vehicle purchased from outside of the state, you will need a properly endorsed title with the names and signatures of all sellers, a bill of sale and any applicable lien release forms.

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in West Virginia as a New Resident

In order to request an out of state title transfer in person, West Virginia vehicle owners will be required to submit the appropriate documents and fee payments through a DMV office. Similarly, to complete an out of state title transfer as a new state resident by mail includes collecting the necessary items and mailing them to your local DMV.

As soon as the state division receives and approves your submitted paperwork and fee payments, it will issue a new title certificate. In any case, be mindful that the option to complete an out of state title transfer online in WV has not yet been implemented by the state DMV.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in West Virginia After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

When completing the West Virginia out of state title transfer after buying a car, applicants will be required to abide by the same rules and regulations that apply for new state residents. Therefore, to finalize the process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car, you will need to meet the requirements that apply to your current circumstances and submit an application in person or by mail.

Note that, if you are transferring an out of state auto title after receiving the vehicle as part of an inheritance, you will have to submit additional paperwork that will verify your right of ownership as well.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in West Virginia

In most cases, the price of a cross state car title transfer in West Virginia is a small $15 fee. However, if you are titling a new vehicle, this fee will also include the DMV titling and registration fees. Therefore, in addition to the base cost of transferring an out of state car title, you will be required to pay applicable registration costs. These fees vary based on the type of vehicle you own and the type of license plate you are acquiring.

Furthermore, note that the cross state car title transfer fees will include a tax payment of 6 percent on the vehicle’s market value if a nonresident vehicle has been purchased recently. If you are recording a lien on your title, you will also be required to pay an additional fee.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.