West Virginia requires two stickers on your license plate

West Virginia requires a registration sticker and an inspection sticker on your license plate. The registration sticker shows your vehicle is registered with the state; the inspection sticker shows your vehicle passed the annual safety and emissions inspection. Both must be visible on your plate, and driving without them can result in a traffic citation.

The registration sticker goes in the upper right corner of your plate. The inspection sticker goes in the lower right corner. If you have an older plate or the stickers are faded or missing, you can obtain replacements from the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or through your county clerk's office.

Key Takeaways

  • West Virginia law requires both a registration sticker and an inspection sticker on your license plate.
  • The registration sticker is issued when you renew your vehicle registration, which is typically annual.
  • The inspection sticker is issued only after your vehicle passes the state safety and emissions inspection.
  • You can obtain replacement stickers from your county clerk's office or the DMV if yours are missing or damaged.
  • Driving without the required stickers can result in a traffic citation and fine.

How the registration sticker works

When you renew your vehicle registration with West Virginia, the DMV or your county clerk mails you a new registration sticker along with your registration documents. The sticker displays the month and year your registration expires. You must place this sticker on the upper right corner of your license plate before the expiration date.

Registration renewal in West Virginia is typically annual, though some vehicles may have different renewal schedules. The sticker serves as proof that your registration is current. If you move to West Virginia from another state, you will need to register your vehicle and obtain a West Virginia registration sticker within a set timeframe.

How the inspection sticker works

The inspection sticker is issued only after your vehicle passes the West Virginia safety and emissions inspection. This inspection must be performed by an authorized inspection station. The inspection checks your vehicle's brakes, lights, windshield wipers, emissions systems, and other safety components.

The inspection sticker displays the month and year the inspection expires, which is typically one year from the inspection date. You must display this sticker on the lower right corner of your license plate. If your inspection expires, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until you pass a new inspection and obtain a new sticker.

Where to get replacement stickers

If your registration or inspection sticker is missing, faded, or damaged, you can obtain a replacement from your county clerk's office. Most county clerks can issue replacement registration stickers on the spot if your registration is current. Bring your vehicle registration documents and proof of identity.

For inspection sticker replacements, you will need to return to the inspection station where your vehicle was inspected, or visit another authorized inspection station. They can issue a replacement sticker if your inspection is still valid. If your inspection has expired, you will need to have your vehicle inspected again before a new sticker can be issued.

What happens if you drive without the stickers

Driving without the required registration or inspection sticker is a traffic violation in West Virginia. A law enforcement officer can stop you and issue a citation. The fine varies depending on whether you are missing the registration sticker, the inspection sticker, or both, and whether it is a first or repeat offense.

If you have the stickers but they are not properly displayed or are too faded to read, you may still receive a citation. The stickers must be clearly visible on your plate. If you recently renewed your registration or inspection and are waiting for the new sticker to arrive, carry your renewal documents with you to show an officer if stopped.

Transferring stickers when you get a new plate

If you receive a new license plate, you cannot transfer your old stickers to the new plate. You will need to obtain new stickers from your county clerk's office. Bring your new plate, vehicle registration documents, and proof of identity. The clerk can issue a new registration sticker when ready if your registration is current.

For the inspection sticker, you will need to visit an authorized inspection station. If your current inspection is still valid, the station can issue a new inspection sticker for your new plate without requiring a full re-inspection. Keep your old plate until you have the new stickers in place to avoid citations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired registration sticker while waiting for the new one?

No. You must have a current registration sticker on your plate. If you are waiting for a renewal sticker to arrive by mail, carry your registration renewal documents with you. If you need the sticker when ready, contact your county clerk's office—they can often issue one the same day.

What if I lose my inspection sticker before it expires?

Contact the inspection station where your vehicle was inspected. If your inspection is still valid, they can issue a replacement sticker without requiring a new inspection. Bring your vehicle registration and proof of identity. If you cannot locate the original station, any authorized inspection station can issue a replacement.

Do I need both stickers if I only drive occasionally?

Yes. Both stickers are required by law whenever you operate the vehicle on public roads in West Virginia, regardless of how often you drive. If your vehicle is not driven, you can let the registration lapse, but once you plan to drive it, both stickers must be current.

How long does it take to get a replacement sticker?

Registration stickers are usually issued the same day at your county clerk's office. Inspection stickers can also be issued the same day if you visit an authorized inspection station and your inspection is still valid. If your inspection has expired, you will need to schedule an inspection appointment first.