How To Sign Your West Virginia Title
This resource provides all the guidance you need to correctly sign and complete your West Virginia vehicle title so your donation goes through smoothly from beginning to end. Step-by-step directions, along with clear visuals, show you exactly where to write and sign your name. You’ll also learn how to handle titles with single or multiple owners, including when only one or both signatures are required based on how the names are listed. To prevent delays, stick to blue or black ink, avoid stray marks, and be sure your signature matches the name printed on the title. We’ve included official links and phone numbers to help you find additional forms, details, or county office information if needed. By carefully following each instruction, you’ll ensure your title is valid and ready for transfer. And if you ever run into questions, Title Clerks are available by phone to guide you through the process. With these tools, you can feel confident that your paperwork is in order and your donation will be accepted without any setbacks.
The person (or persons)* listed on the front of the title must follow these steps, unless otherwise noted:
- Print your name (or names)* on the title where it says “Hand Printed Name(s) by Seller(s)”.
- Sign your name (or names)* on the title where it says “ Signature(s) of All Seller(s)”.
To help with your donation, we have showcased the various West Virginia vehicle titles below as well as annotated on each title where to print and sign your name. To enlarge an image, simply click on the image. Questions? Give one of our friendly Title Clerks a call at (866) 233-8586.
Note: Actual title designs may vary slightly from the images shown above.
Official West Virginia Government Links & Contact Info
These official links help you finish your title transfer quickly. If you reside in Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown or anywhere else in West Virginia, look up your local West Virginia DMV, check details about your automobile, learn how to handle abandoned cars and find answers to common title questions. You’ll also get useful forms to download, saving time with everything in one place.
- County Title Offices
- Obtain Vehicle Specific Information
- Unclaimed/Abandoned Vehicles
- Vehicle Title FAQs
- Vehicle Title Forms
Contact the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles – Motor Vehicles Division: 1-304-558-3900
Contact the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles – Title Division: 1-304-558-3900
West Virginia Vehicle Titles: How To For Multiple Owners
If there is more than one owner listed on the title, one or both must sign it depending on how the names appear. See the below chart for details.
Remember, the name used to sign the title must match the name shown on the title exactly. Therefore, always remember to print/sign your name exactly as it is shown on the title.
|
John Doe OR Jane Doe |
If “OR” is present between the names, only one of the owners must sign the title. |
|
John Doe AND/OR Jane Doe |
If “AND/OR” is present between the names, both owners must sign the title. |
|
John Doe AND Jane Doe |
If “AND” is present between the names, both owners must sign the title. |
|
John Doe Jane Doe |
If there is nothing present between the names, both owners must sign the title. |
Please take note to adhere to the below instructions so as not to void your title.
- Do not use markers or pencils. Only blue or black pen are allowed.
- Do not cross out or strikethrough any text or writing.
- Do not use white-out or similar substances.
- Do not rip, tear, or tape the title.
- Do not doodle on the title.
Still Have Questions? Find Your Answer Below!
Why Is Correctly Signing a Vehicle Title So Important?
Signing your West Virginia vehicle title correctly is essential because it proves legal transfer of ownership from one person to another. Without accurate signatures in the proper locations, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) cannot process the transfer, leaving the seller still responsible for the vehicle. If the title is incomplete or incorrect, you may face delays in registration, potential legal liability for accidents or violations, and problems claiming tax deductions if donating your vehicle.
What Common Mistakes Can Cause a Title to Be Rejected?
Some of the most frequent mistakes include forgetting to print names clearly, leaving the odometer disclosure blank, or using correction fluid or cross-outs that invalidate the document. Another common error is not having all listed owners sign when more than one name appears on the title. Failing to have signatures notarized when required also leads to rejection. Even small errors can cause setbacks, so carefully follow all instructions on the title and double-check before submission.
What Extra Steps Are Needed If You Still Owe Money on Your Vehicle?
If your vehicle still has a lien, you’ll need to resolve it before transferring ownership. Once the loan is paid off, the lienholder provides a lien release that must accompany the title. In some cases, the lienholder may send the title directly to the DMV once the balance is satisfied. Without this release, the DMV cannot process the transfer, so it’s important to confirm that the lien is fully cleared before proceeding with a sale or donation.
What Should You Do If Your Title Is Lost or Damaged?
If your West Virginia title has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you’ll need to apply for a duplicate before completing the transfer. To do this, submit a completed Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (Form DMV-4-TR) along with the required fee to your local DMV office. The duplicate title will then be issued, allowing you to sign and transfer ownership as usual. Attempting to transfer a car without a valid title is not permitted.
If you need help with the process of signing or transferring your West Virginia vehicle title, Goodwill Car Donations is here to support you. Contact us today with any questions, and our team will guide you through each step to ensure your donation – no matter if it’s a car, pickup truck, SUV, sedan, sports car, van, RV or other – goes smoothly.
Last Updated: September 29th, 2025