Where to renew your West Virginia driver's license
You can renew your West Virginia driver's license in person at any DMV office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is fastest and handles most situations. The mail route works only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your name and address have not changed since your last license was issued.
West Virginia's DMV offices are located in most county seats. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the official West Virginia DMV website. Some offices are busier than others — calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip during peak hours.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew in person at any West Virginia DMV office or by mail if your license is not expired and your information has not changed.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or birth certificate to renew in person.
- In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the DMV, and your new license is issued the same day.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs less, but only works if your license is still valid and you have no address or name changes.
- Your new license is valid for five years from the date of issue in West Virginia.
What documents you need to bring
For in-person renewal, bring your current West Virginia driver's license, one form of proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or birth date. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport all work as proof of identity and Social Security number.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your address has changed, the proof of residency document must show your new address.
If you are renewing by mail, you do not need to gather documents in advance. Instead, you will complete a renewal form and mail it with your current license and the renewal fee.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Walk into any West Virginia DMV office during business hours with your documents. Tell the staff member you are renewing your license. They will check your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
You will pay the renewal fee at the counter. As of now, a five-year renewal costs $20 for a standard license. You will receive your new license on the spot. If the DMV finds an error in your information during the renewal, they will tell you before you leave, and you can correct it when ready.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, you must first confirm that you are may be able to access: your license must not be expired, your name and address must be the same as on your current license, and you must have no medical restrictions or vision corrections that have changed. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person.
Request a renewal form from the West Virginia DMV website or call your local DMV office. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash — use a check or money order. Your new license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks.
One important note: your current license will not be returned to you. The DMV keeps it when they process your renewal by mail. Your new license is your proof of identity once it arrives.
What happens if your license is expired
If your West Virginia license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail — you must renew in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal. The DMV may require you to retake the written test or vision test if your license has been expired for a very long time, though this is not common. Call your local DMV office before you go to ask whether you will need to test.
If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can usually renew it without retesting. The DMV will tell you at the counter if any testing is required.
Timeline and what to expect after renewal
If you renew in person, you leave the DMV with your new license the same day. If you renew by mail, expect your new license to arrive within two to three weeks. Your new license is valid for five years from the date it is issued.
Your old license becomes invalid once your new one is issued. You do not need to do anything with the old license if you renewed in person — the DMV keeps it. If you renewed by mail, your old license was mailed back to the DMV with your renewal form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my West Virginia license online?
No. West Virginia does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at a DMV office or by mail. In-person renewal is the fastest option if you need your license quickly.
What if I moved to a different state since my last renewal?
You cannot renew your West Virginia license by mail if your address has changed. You must renew in person and bring proof of your new address. If you now live in another state, you may want to get a license from your new state instead, since you will need a valid license for your current state of residence.
Do I need to retake the written driving test when I renew?
No. Renewal is not the same as getting a new license. You do not retake the written test or road test unless your license has been expired for an unusually long time or the DMV has a specific reason to require it. Call ahead if you are unsure.
What if my vision or medical situation has changed since my last license?
Tell the DMV staff when you renew in person. If you have a new medical condition or your vision has changed, the DMV may require you to pass a vision test or provide a doctor's note. You cannot renew by mail if your medical or vision status has changed.
How much does it cost to renew?
A five-year renewal currently costs $20 for a standard driver's license in West Virginia. Some DMV offices accept cash, check, or card — call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office takes.