Register & Title a Motorcycle in West Virginia

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This page will cover the street legal requirements and registration and title process in West Virginia and provide some tips on how to register if you bought the motorcycle without a title.

West Virginia Title & Inspection Requirements for Old Motorcycles

• Does West Virginia have an equipment/safety inspection?
  • Periodic inspection required.
• Does West Virginia require VIN Inspections for motorcycles bought out of state?
  • Not required.
• Does West Virginia require a title for old motorcycles?

• Titles required for all motorcycles.

How to Title and Register a Motorcycle in West Virginia

To register and title your bike in West Virginia, you’ll need:

• Signed over title.
  • Bill of sale and old registration if bought in a state that doesn’t issue titles.
• Notarized bill of sale.
• Application for Certificate of Title
• Title and registration fees.
• Sales tax.

Notarization Required on the following documents in West Virginia:

• Bill of sale.

How to Register a Motorcycle with no title in West Virginia

Option 1: Bikes from WV

Before sale is complete, ask previous owner to get a duplicate title:

• Application for Duplicate Title

Option 2: Bikes from outside West Virginia 

If the motorcycle was bought in a state that requires titles:

• Have the previous owner request a duplicate title in that state.
• Find motorcycle registration and title details for all states here.

Option 3: Register in a No-Title State

Register the bike in a non-title, no residency requirement, mail-in registration application state, such as Vermont.

• Follow the registration requirements in Vermont.
• Transfer your registration to your own state.

West Virginia Street Legal Motorcycle Equipment Requirements

WV requires street legal motorcycles to have:

• Rearview mirror.
• Handlebars no higher than 15” above seat.
• Passenger footrest when riding with passenger.
• Turn signals required for motorcycles manufactured after 1972.
• Odometer required.
• Daytime headlights.

This information was correct at the time of writing it, but state laws are subject to change.

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