West Virginia Title Transfer Fee Calculator
Transferring a vehicle title in West Virginia costs $15 in title fees — but the real cost of a private-party purchase is usually the tax: 6% titling privilege tax ($30 minimum for vehicles under $500). Your price is accepted if it exceeds 50% of NADA clean loan value; vehicles 2 years old or newer are taxed on book value regardless. Budget the tax on top of the title and plate fees, and transfer within the state's deadline to avoid penalties.
Verified against official West Virginia sources on 2026-07-17. How we verify fees.
Your purchase
- Tax on sale6% titling privilege tax ($30 minimum for vehicles under $500). Your price is accepted if it exceeds 50% of NADA clean loan value; vehicles 2 years old or newer are taxed on book value regardless.$2,100.00
- Title fee$15.00
Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-17. This state's full local formula is not yet implemented; see the notes below the calculator.
What determines title transfer cost in West Virginia?
- Purchase price (tax basis)
- Title fee ($15)
- Tax on private-party sales
- Family/gift exemptions
Frequently asked questions
How much does a title transfer cost in West Virginia?
The title fee itself is $15. 6% titling privilege tax ($30 minimum for vehicles under $500). Your price is accepted if it exceeds 50% of NADA clean loan value; vehicles 2 years old or newer are taxed on book value regardless. Use the calculator above with your purchase price for the full picture.
Do I pay sales tax on a private-party car purchase in West Virginia?
Yes — 6% titling privilege tax ($30 minimum for vehicles under $500). Your price is accepted if it exceeds 50% of NADA clean loan value; vehicles 2 years old or newer are taxed on book value regardless.
Are family transfers or gifted vehicles taxed in West Virginia?
Spouse-to-spouse and parent-child gifts are tax-exempt if the vehicle was already West Virginia-titled and taxed. Other zero-payment transfers need a notarized DMV-5-TR affidavit or pay 6% of book value.
How long do I have to transfer a title in West Virginia?
If you're driving the vehicle, you can operate under the seller's registration for at most 10 days — title and register within that window.
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Official West Virginia resources
Estimates here are informational — the state is the only source of an official quote.
Data last reviewed 2026-07-17.