The bill amends the West Virginia Code to enhance the management of vehicle titles and liens, particularly for totaled vehicles. It requires financial institutions that record five or more liens annually to use the Division of Motor Vehicle's electronic lien and title system for all lien actions. The legislation also reduces the waiting period for insurance companies to apply for a title certificate after paying a total loss claim for vehicles not retained by the owner. Additionally, it corrects agency designations, specifies the format for issuing title certificates, and allows electronic records to serve as evidence.

Moreover, the bill introduces new provisions for salvage and cosmetic total loss titles, including adjustable fees based on the Consumer Price Index, and outlines the process for obtaining salvage or nonrepairable vehicle certificates when the original title is unavailable. It emphasizes compliance with branding requirements for totaled vehicles and establishes penalties for false information in title applications. Starting July 1, 2025, all qualifying financial institutions must utilize the electronic system, and the division is not required to issue paper titles once the system is fully operational, although requests for paper documents can still be accommodated. Overall, the bill aims to modernize the vehicle title process and improve lien management efficiency in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17A-4A-1, 17A-4A-2, 17A-4A-2a
Committee Substitute: 17A-4A-1, 17A-4A-2, 17A-4A-2a
Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 17A-4-10, 17A-4A-2, 17A-4A-2a
Engrossed Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 17A-4-10, 17A-4A-2, 17A-4A-2a
Enrolled Version: 17A-4-10, 17A-4A-2, 17A-4A-2a