On this page
West Virginia car sales tax at a glance
| West Virginia | |
|---|---|
| Tax | motor vehicle sales (titling) tax |
| State rate | 6% |
| Counties and cities add tax | No |
| Trade-in lowers the tax | Yes, tax is on the price minus the trade |
| Leases | Tax on each monthly payment |
Checked on the state's official sources on 2026-11-02. Rates change; the state's revenue department has the last word.
How to work out West Virginia sales tax on a car
Multiply the taxable price by the rate. In West Virginia the trade-in comes off first.
A $30,000 car with a $5,000 trade: $25,000 x 6% = $1,500 at the state rate.
6% titling tax collected by DMV (flat $30 if net price under $500). Municipal sales/use taxes do not apply to motor vehicle sales since 2009 (11-15-3c), so the general combined average (6.60%) does not apply.
Trade-ins
W. Va. Code 11-15-3c: the price is reduced by the value of a traded vehicle on which the purchaser paid this tax; DMV requires the trade to be titled in West Virginia in the applicant's name. Manufacturer rebates are not deducted.
Leasing a car in West Virginia
Tax on each monthly payment. West Virginia: leases over 30 days by WV residents are exempt from the titling tax; instead a 5% tax applies to each monthly payment for the initial term, remitted by the lessor to DMV (W. Va. Code 11-15-3c). The lease calculator uses West Virginia's method when you pick the state.
Dealer doc fees
No cap found.