Other West Virginia Vehicle Registrations

By Javier Marín, Editor·Last reviewed September 2026·How we check this

Beyond passenger cars, West Virginia registers trailers, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, antique vehicles, RVs, and farm trucks — each with its own fee schedule and rules. Most use the same WV DMV regional office process, but specifics like inspection requirements, plate categories, and county personal property tax rules differ by class.

Trailers

West Virginia registers all trailers regardless of weight. Trailer registration is annual and renews on the same cycle as the towing vehicle when the two are owned by the same person, or on its own cycle if the owner prefers. The annual registration fee depends on the trailer's gross weight:

Up to 2,000 lbs: $8.
2,001 to 5,000 lbs: $11.50.
5,001 to 8,000 lbs: $25.
Over 8,000 lbs: commercial trailer rate, registered separately.

Trailers under 2,000 lbs gross weight do not require a separate title in West Virginia — registration is sufficient. Trailers over 2,000 lbs require a title, the same as a passenger vehicle. Annual safety inspection is required for trailers used on West Virginia public roads regardless of weight.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles are registered through the standard WV DMV process. The annual registration fee is approximately $8, plus a $15 title fee. Motorcycle riders must hold a West Virginia motorcycle endorsement (Class F) on their driver license, which requires:

A current West Virginia driver license.
Completion of a state-approved Motorcycle Safety Awareness Program (MSAP) — required for applicants under 18, recommended for all new riders.
A passing knowledge test on motorcycle-specific material.
A passing skills test or MSAP course completion.

West Virginia requires helmets for all riders and passengers, regardless of age. Eye protection is required unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen of approved height. Motorcycles must pass an annual safety inspection.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

ATVs in West Virginia are registered for off-road use through the WV Division of Natural Resources, not the WV DMV. The registration is a one-time titling process; there is no annual renewal for off-road-only ATVs. ATVs may not be operated on public roads except where specifically allowed by local ordinance or for short stretches to cross from one trail to another. The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System and other regional trail networks have their own permit requirements that are separate from state registration.

Antique vehicles

West Virginia offers antique plates for vehicles 25 model years old or older that have been substantially maintained in their original condition. Antique-plated vehicles are limited in use to:

Antique-vehicle exhibitions, parades, and shows.
Maintenance and testing drives.
Use during specific organized events.

Antique-plated vehicles are not subject to the standard annual safety inspection but must be safe to operate. The annual registration fee is reduced and there is no Privilege Tax exemption — the 6% Privilege Tax still applies at title transfer. Antique plates carry a one-time fee that does not need annual renewal in some categories; verify with the WV DMV before assuming.

Farm trucks

Vehicles used exclusively for farm operations on agricultural property may qualify for farm registration at a reduced fee. The vehicle must be owned by an active farmer and used principally for transporting farm products, livestock, equipment, or supplies. Farm-registered vehicles are restricted to specific routes and uses; long-distance commercial use is not permitted. The application requires proof of agricultural use, typically a Schedule F from a recent federal tax return or West Virginia Farm Use Permit.

RVs and motor homes

West Virginia registers RVs and motor homes as passenger vehicles using the standard fee schedule. The 6% Privilege Tax applies at title transfer. RVs are subject to the annual safety inspection requirement and the county personal property tax. Travel trailers (towed RVs) follow the trailer registration rules above.

Mopeds and motor scooters

Mopeds with engine displacement of 50cc or less and a maximum design speed of 30 mph or less can be registered as a moped in West Virginia. The annual registration fee is lower than for a motorcycle. Moped operators must hold a West Virginia driver license but do not need a Class F motorcycle endorsement. Helmets are required for moped riders and passengers under age 18. Larger motor scooters (over 50cc) are registered as motorcycles and require the Class F endorsement.

Mobile homes

Mobile homes in West Virginia are titled by the WV DMV but may be taxed as real property by the county once they are permanently affixed to a parcel of land. Owners can apply to "decommission" the title and convert the mobile home to real property after meeting county requirements. The mobile home title process uses the standard title transfer framework with a Privilege Tax based on value. See vehicle registration for the standard process.