Renew your West Virginia driver's license by mail, online, or in person
West Virginia sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew by mail, through the DMV website, or at a DMV office. Mail and online renewals take about two weeks; in-person renewals are usually completed the same day. You'll need your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order if renewing by mail.
The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed and how quickly you need the new license. If you've moved, you must renew in person or update your address online before mailing in your renewal. If your license is already expired, you can still renew by mail or online, but you cannot drive legally until the new license arrives.
Key Takeaways
- West Virginia mails renewal notices 60 days before expiration, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation.
- Mail renewal costs $20 for a five-year license and takes about two weeks; you'll need your current license and a check or money order.
- Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest option if your address hasn't changed and you have a valid credit or debit card.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires proof of residency and takes one to two hours, but you leave with a temporary license the same day.
- If your address has changed, you must update it in person or online before renewing by mail.
Renew by mail with your renewal notice
The easiest method for most people is mail renewal. When your renewal notice arrives, fill out the form that comes with it, sign it, and mail it back with your current license and a check or money order for $20 (five-year license) or $30 (eight-year license). Do not send cash. Include the envelope that came with your notice—it has the correct DMV address printed on it.
Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to account for postal delays. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you've moved since your last renewal, do not use mail renewal—update your address online or in person first, or your new license will go to your old address.
Renew online through the DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your address hasn't changed. Go to the West Virginia DMV website, select "Renew Driver's License," and enter your license number and date of birth. You'll answer questions about your current address, medical conditions, and whether you've had any traffic violations since your last renewal. Pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card.
The DMV will mail your new license within two weeks. You can renew online even if your license is expired, as long as it expired within the last five years. If your address has changed, you must update it through the DMV website before renewing, or call the DMV at 1-304-558-0238 to update it by phone.
Renew in person at a DMV office
Visit a DMV office if your address has changed, if you need a new photo, or if you want to leave with a temporary license the same day. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and payment. The DMV accepts cash, check, money order, or card. Processing usually takes one to two hours depending on how busy the office is.
You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within two weeks. Find your nearest DMV office and check its hours on the West Virginia DMV website. Some offices require you to schedule an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead if you're unsure.
What to do if your license is already expired
You can renew by mail or online even if your license is expired, as long as it expired within the last five years. The process is the same: mail in your renewal form and old license, or renew online. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before it arrives, you must renew in person to get a temporary license the same day.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DMV office in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
Renewal fees and what they cover
A five-year West Virginia driver's license costs $20 to renew by mail or online, or $25 to renew in person. An eight-year license costs $30 by mail or online, or $35 in person. The difference in cost between mail and in-person renewal reflects the cost of the temporary license you receive on the spot. Payment methods vary by renewal type: mail renewal requires check or money order, online renewal requires credit or debit card, and in-person renewal accepts cash, check, money order, or card.
Your renewal fee covers a new license card and a new photo if you renew in person. If you renew by mail or online, your photo from your previous license is used unless you request a new photo at a DMV office.
Update your address before or during renewal
If you've moved, update your address before renewing by mail. You can update your address online through the DMV website, by phone at 1-304-558-0238, or in person at a DMV office. If you update online or by phone, your new address will be on your renewed license when it arrives. If you forget to update your address before mailing in your renewal, your new license will go to your old address and you'll need to contact the DMV to have it reissued.
Updating your address in person at the same time you renew is the safest option if you've recently moved. Bring proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than five years?
No, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DMV office in person and may be required to retake the written and vision tests. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
What if I don't receive my renewal notice?
You can still renew without the notice. Renew online through the DMV website, or visit a DMV office in person. If you want to renew by mail, call the DMV at 1-304-558-0238 to request a renewal form.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?
The DMV typically mails renewed licenses within two weeks of receiving your process. Mail delivery adds another few days, so plan for three weeks total. If you don't receive your license within four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.
Can I renew my license if I've had traffic violations?
Yes. When you renew, you'll be asked about traffic violations since your last renewal. Answer honestly. Traffic violations do not prevent renewal, but they may affect your insurance rates or driving record.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment.