West Virginia motorcycle — quick answer
In West Virginia, a motorcycle bill of sale is situational and notarization of the title transfer is situational. The state form used for titled vehicles is DMV-7-TR. Titling and registration are handled by the West Virginia DMV.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in West Virginia?
Situational. A notarized bill of sale (DMV-7-TR) is required specifically when the purchase price is below 50% of NADA Clean Loan value (for tax).
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers at the WV DMV.
Does a West Virginia motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Situational (situational). Common myth: WV is widely mis-cited as a blanket notary state. Notarization is triggered by the low-price/tax condition (price under 50% of NADA value).
What to include on a West Virginia motorcycle bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and engine size (cc)
- 17-character VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price and date
- Both signatures
How to transfer a motorcycle in West Virginia
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, odometer, and date. Both parties sign and date.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers at the WV DMV.
- 3Register with the West Virginia DMV.
The buyer titles and registers the motorcycle, bringing Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle, Trailer, or Boat. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure when title is transferred for vehicles less than 20 years old. As of 2026 that means model year 2011 and newer; model year 2010 and older are generally exempt. Record the exact mileage — never round it. See the NHTSA rule.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the West Virginia DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
West Virginia Motorcycle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in West Virginia?
A bill of sale is situational in West Virginia. A notarized bill of sale (DMV-7-TR) is required specifically when the purchase price is below 50% of NADA Clean Loan value (for tax).
Does a West Virginia motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Sometimes. Common myth: WV is widely mis-cited as a blanket notary state. Notarization is triggered by the low-price/tax condition (price under 50% of NADA value).
Does a motorcycle bill of sale need a VIN?
Yes. The 17-character VIN uniquely identifies the motorcycle and is required to register it. Our tool checks that the VIN is the correct length.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The title proves and transfers ownership; the bill of sale documents the sale and price. You typically need both to register the motorcycle.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.