Special Purpose Vehicles
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)?
A “street-legal special purpose vehicle” (SPV), which includes all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), minitrucks, pneumatic-tired military vehicles, and full-size special purpose-built vehicles (including those self-constructed, built by the original equipment manufacturer, or modified), can be issued a registration if it meets all requirements outlined in West Virginia Code: §17A-13-1.
What equipment does my vehicle need to qualify as an SPV?
To be considered an SPV, the vehicle must be equipped with the following functional items:
- One or more headlamps.
- One or more tail lamps.
- One or more brake lamps.
- A tail lamp or other lamp constructed and placed to illuminate the registration plate with a white light.
- One or more red reflectors on the rear.
- An amber electric turn signal system, with one on each side of the front.
- Amber or red electric rear turn signals.
- A braking system (other than a parking brake).
- A horn or other warning device.
- A muffler and, if required by an applicable federal statute or rule, an emission control system.
- Rearview mirrors on both the right and left sides of the driver.
- A windshield, unless the operator wears compliant eye protection while operating the vehicle.
- A speedometer, illuminated for nighttime operation.
- A seat designed for passengers (for vehicles designed by the manufacturer to carry one or more passengers).
- Tires that have at least 2/32 inches or greater tire tread depth.
How do I obtain an SPV registration and plate?
If the vehicle qualifies as a street-legal SPV, the owner must obtain a certificate of insurance on the vehicle, have it inspected, fill out the Special Purpose Vehicle Certification Form, and submit all necessary documentation—including tax records, title documents (including out-of-state titles if applicable), lien records, and plate/registration fees—to the DMV.
Note: If the street-legal SPV is already titled, the owner must still fill out and provide the Special Purpose Vehicle Certification Form along with the registration fees listed below.
What are the fees for an SPV registration and plate?
| Vehicle Type | Annual Fee Structure |
|---|---|
| Regular Class street-legal SPV plate | $16 |
| Hybrid vehicles | $16 plus an additional fee of $100 |
| Electric or natural gas vehicles | $16 plus an additional fee of $200 |
What limitations are there as to where I can/can't use my SPV vehicle?
An individual may operate a street-legal SPV on West Virginia roadways subject to the following limitations:
- No street-legal SPV may be driven on controlled-access highways, including, but not limited to, interstate systems.
- No street-legal SPV may be driven on roads where prohibited by the county, municipality, or the Division of Natural Resources (DNR).
- No street-legal SPV may be driven on a highway displaying centerline pavement markings for a continuous distance greater than 20 miles.
- No minitruck registered as a street-legal SPV may be driven on a road constructed pursuant to a federal highways program.
- No street-legal SPV may be driven in any area or zone not explicitly open to standard motor vehicle use.
- An individual operating a street-legal SPV on the road must comply with all standard rules of the road and all driver licensing requirements.
Permits & Out-of-State Information
Hatfield-McCoy Trail Permit: Available via the official webpage at: Hatfield-McCoy Trail Permit Application.
Out-of-State Residents: The DMV allows non-residents to obtain an Out of State Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Temporary Registration online for a 14-day period. Visit the Out of State SPV Temporary Registration Portal to apply.
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 application paperwork directly to the division, regardless of whether a lien is being recorded or not.
| Fee Type | Amount / Requirement |
|---|---|
| Title fee | $15 |
| Titling sales tax (vehicles with a net purchase price over $500) | 6% |
| Titling sales tax (vehicles with a net purchase price under $500) | $30 |
| Lien fee (if applicable) | $10 |
| Registration fee and/or registration transfer fee | Required |
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. If the vehicle is purchased from an individual and the purchase price falls below 50% of the current NADA Clean Loan Book value, a notarized bill of sale must accompany the application for title; otherwise, the tax will automatically be assessed on the full NADA Clean Loan Book value.
