If you purchased the vehicle from a dealership, generally an employee there will handle both the vehicle registration and titling processes for you; however, if you want to handle the registration yourself – or you purchased the car from a private seller or are relocating to West Virginia – here’s how to register the vehicle.

First-Time Vehicle Registration in West Virginia

First, know that you have a time limit. If you’re a current resident who’s simply purchased a vehicle (or are, for whatever other reason, taking over ownership), you have 60 days to complete the car registration. If you’ve just moved to the state, you have 30 days.

Second, understand that the registration and title transactions usually take place at the same time, and both will take place at your local WV DMV Regional Office. So, in addition to registration fees and paperwork, you’ll be dealing with title fees and paperwork, too.

Vehicle Registration Paperwork

Register car paperwork includes:

• The vehicle’s title, properly completed and including the correct odometer reading (if it’s fewer than 10 years old). If you don't have room on the back of the title, you can use Form DMV-TM-1, the state's Odometer Disclosure Statement.
• A notarized bill of sale (if you haven’t yet transferred the title). Use Form DMV-7-TR.
• Proof of insurance.

Vehicle Registration Fees

In addition to your titling fees, you’ll pay $30 to register a regular passenger car or truck; if you want a scenic, wildlife, vanity, or specialty plate, you’ll pay more.

Required Inspections for Vehicle Registration

The Mountain State doesn’t have much of a smog or emissions problem, so, to date, the DMV doesn’t require any kind of smog check or emissions testing to register a vehicle or renew that vehicle’s registration; however, an annual safety inspection is required.

As far as first-time registration goes, you don’t need to worry about a safety inspection if:

• You purchased the car from a dealership.
• You purchased the car from a private seller or otherwise took over ownership and the vehicle currently has a valid inspection sticker.

You do have to have a safety inspection if:

• You purchased the vehicle from a private seller or otherwise took over ownership and the safety inspection sticker is expired.
• You’re a new resident. (But, if you’re from Utah, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Missouri, or New York and have a valid sticker, you can wait until your sticker expires).

You have 10 days from the date of purchase or after establishing residency to have the vehicle inspected. Vehicle inspection stations must be licensed by the West Virginia State Police, but they’re pretty easy to find. Most auto repair shops can perform inspections. Inspections cost no more than $12 (plus tax).