What qualifies as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)?
A “street-legal special purpose vehicle” (SPV), which includes all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, minitrucks, pneumatic-tired military vehicles, and full-size special purpose-built vehicles, including those self-constructed or built by the original equipment manufacturer and those that have been modified, can be given a registration if the SPV meets the requirements outlined in West Virginia Code: §17A-13-1:
What does my vehicle need to qualify as an SPV?
To be considered a SPV, the vehicle must have the following equipment:
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One or more headlamps.
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One or more tail lamps.
- One or more brake lamps.
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A tail lamp or other lamp constructed and placed to illuminate the registration plate with a white light.
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One or more red reflectors on the rear.
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Amber electric turn system, one on each side of the front.
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Amber or red electric turn signals.
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A braking system, other than a parking brake.
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A horn or other warning device.
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A muffler and, if required by an applicable federal statute or rule, an emission control system.
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Rearview mirrors on the right and left side of the driver.
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A windshield, unless the operator wears eye protection while operating the vehicle.
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A speedometer, illuminated for nighttime operation.
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For vehicles designed by the manufacturer for carrying one or more passengers, a seat designed for passengers.
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Tires that have at least 2/32 inches or greater tire tread.
How do I obtain an SPV registration and plate?
If the vehicle qualifies as a street-legal SPV, the owner must then obtain a certificate of insurance on the street-legal SPV, have it inspected, fill out the
What are the fees for an SPV registration and plate?
Fees are $16 annually for a regular Class street-legal SPV plate, plus additional fees of $100 annually for hybrid vehicles, and $200 for electric or natural gas vehicles. If the street-legal SPV is already titled, the owner must still fill out and provide the
What limitations are there as to where I can/can’t use my SPV vehicle?
An individual may operate a SPV on roads in West Virginia subject to the following limitations:
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No street-legal SPV may be driven on controlled access highways, including, but not limited to, interstate systems.
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No street-legal SPV may be driven on roads where prohibited by the county, municipality or the Division of Natural Resources.
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No street-legal SPV may be driven on a highway displaying centerline pavement markings for a distance greater than 20 miles.
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No minitruck registered as a street-legal SPV may be driven on a road constructed pursuant to a federal highways program.
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No street-legal SPV may be driven in an area not open to motor vehicle use.
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An individual operating a street-legal SPV on the road must follow the rules of the road and all driver licensing requirements.
How do I obtain a permit for the Hatfield-McCoy trail if I am a WV resident?
How do I obtain a permit to use my SPV in West Virginia if I live out of state?
The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles allows individuals to obtain an Out of State Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Temporary Registration online which allows you to register your SPV for use on the roads of Wild, Wonderful West Virginia for a 14 day period, in accordance with West Virginia State Code 91-25-4. This temporary registration is specifically for SPVs, ATVs, and UTVs. This service is for non-WV residents only. Once application is completed and payment has been made, an email containing temporary registration and temporary tag will be delivered. Visit https://go.wv.gov/dmvoutstatespv to apply.
If I have an out of state permit to use my SPV in WV, do I need a separate permit to operate my SPV on the Hatfield-McCoy trail?
Yes, the permit to use your SPV in WV is for use on roadways and in designated areas. The Hatfield-McCoy trail system has their own permits which must be obtained before you can use your vehicle on their trails. You do not need the out of state SPV permit to ride on the trails, but will if you intend to use your ATV elsewhere while visiting. You can purchase a Hatfield-McCoy trail permit here: https://trailsheaven.com/how-to-get-a-permit/
Where can I find more information regarding SPVs?
For more information regarding SPVs, please find legislation here. Click here for additional information specific to ATVs and UTVs.
Titling Process
New Vehicle Purchases
In West Virginia the dealer is required to collect and remit all of the taxes and fees along with the paperwork to the division, regardless of whether there is a lien or not
If the vehicle is purchased from an out-of-state dealer, the application must be accompanied by an invoice reflecting the purchase price.
West Virginia dealers can certify the price by using the certification on the bottom of the Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle (DMV-1-TR). If this is not completed, a dealer invoice is required.
Fees required to title a new vehicle include a $15 title fee, 6% titling sales tax on vehicles with a net purchase price over $500 or $30 on vehicles with a net purchase price under $500, $10 lien fee (if applicable), and the registration fee and/or registration transfer fee.
If a trade-in is involved, the 6% titling sales tax would be based on the purchase price minus the trade-in (trade-in must be titled in West Virginia and in the applicant's name to receive credit, REBATES are taxable).
Most states do not collect taxes for non-resident purchasers. West Virginia does not charge non-residents the 6% tax since the vehicle is not being titled in WV. However, there are some states that do collect taxes on vehicle purchases. You do not get credit for taxes paid to another state.
Used Vehicle Purchases
If the vehicle purchased is used, you must have the previous owner's title properly reassigned to you whether it is a West Virginia title or an out-of-state title. Both the seller and the buyer must sign the back of the West Virginia title. If it's an out-of-state title the previous owner must sign the title and the name and address of the new owner should appear on the title. The new owner would then submit the out-of-state title along with the Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle (DMV-1-TR).
Fees required to title a used vehicle include a $15 title fee, 6% titling sales tax on vehicles with a net purchase price over $500 or $30 on vehicles with a net purchase price under $500, $10 lien fee (if applicable), and the registration fee and/or registration transfer fee.
If a trade-in is involved, the 6% titling sales tax would be based on the purchase price minus the trade-in (trade-in must be titled in West Virginia and in the applicant's name to receive credit, REBATES are taxable).
Most states do not collect taxes for non-resident purchasers. West Virginia does not charge non-residents the 6% tax since the vehicle is not being titled in WV. However, there are some states that do collect taxes on vehicle purchases. You do not get credit for taxes paid to another state.
If the vehicle is purchased from an individual and the purchase price is below 50% of the current NADA Clean Loan Book value, a notarized bill of sale must accompany the application for title, or the tax will be assessed on the NADA Clean Loan Book value.
If the vehicle is purchased from an individual and the purchase price is above 50%, the tax will be assessed on that price. Any vehicle not purchased from a registered dealer which is two years old or less will be taxed on the current NADA Clean Loan Book value despite the purchase price, a notarized bill of sale will not be accepted.
Titles being submitted listing a purchase price, whether the price has been altered or not, and accompanied by a bill of sale showing another price will not be accepted. The original owner must apply for a duplicate title and begin the process over. If unable to obtain a duplicate title, tax will be assessed on the book value regardless of what price is reflected on the title or bill of sale.
All notarized bill of sales or DMV form Bill of Sale (DMV-7-TR) must be accompanied by a copy of both the buyer and seller's drivers license.