What you need to renew in West Virginia
West Virginia lets you renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office or online through the state's website, depending on your situation. Most people can renew online if their license is not expired and they have no medical restrictions or address changes. If your license is already expired, you have to renew in person.
The state charges a fee based on how long you want your license to be valid — typically $20 for a five-year license or $35 for an eight-year license. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method if you renew online.
Key Takeaways
- West Virginia offers online renewal for valid licenses without medical restrictions or address changes, which takes a few minutes from home.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired, you have medical conditions, or you are changing your address.
- Renewal fees range from $20 for five years to $35 for eight years, and you pay at the time of renewal.
- You will receive your renewed license by mail within two to three weeks of completing the process.
- West Virginia requires a Real ID-compliant license for federal purposes like flying domestically, which you can obtain during renewal.
Renewing online through the West Virginia DMV website
To renew online, go to the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address and any other details on file.
Online renewal works only if your license is still valid, you have no medical restrictions listed, and your address has not changed. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, the system will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead. Payment is made by credit card or debit card at the end of the process.
After you complete the online renewal, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. This typically takes two to three weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing in person at a West Virginia DMV office
If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you are changing your address, bring documents showing your new address.
You can schedule an appointment online through the West Virginia DMV website or call your local DMV office to find out walk-in hours. Appointments are recommended because wait times vary by location and time of day. When you arrive, tell the staff member you are renewing your license, and they will direct you to the correct line.
The DMV will take a new photo and verify your information. You will pay the renewal fee at the counter. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks, and you can drive on your current license until it arrives.
Real ID compliance during renewal
West Virginia offers Real ID-compliant driver's licenses, which are required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner. If your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you want one, you must renew in person.
To obtain a Real ID license, bring the documents listed above plus one additional document proving citizenship or legal residency — such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. The fee is the same as a standard renewal. You can also choose to keep a standard (non-Real ID) license if you prefer, though you will need a passport for domestic flights.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year
If your West Virginia license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office and includes a written knowledge test and a driving test. You will also need to provide proof of residency, Social Security number, and citizenship or legal residency documents.
The process takes longer than a renewal and costs more. Contact your local DMV office to schedule an appointment for a new license process, as walk-in service for new licenses is often limited or unavailable.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) in West Virginia
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online in West Virginia. You must visit a DMV office in person, bring your current CDL and the documents listed above, and pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner. The medical certificate must be current or you will not be able to renew.
CDL renewal fees are higher than standard license renewal — typically $50 or more depending on the endorsements you hold. You will also need to provide proof of your medical examination results. Schedule an appointment in advance, as CDL renewals require more time than standard renewals.
Replacing a lost or damaged license during renewal
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at the same time you renew. If you are renewing online, you cannot request a replacement — you will need to visit a DMV office in person. Tell the staff member that you need both a renewal and a replacement, and they will process both requests together.
You will pay one renewal fee, not two separate fees. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and keep a copy of the report for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my West Virginia license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. West Virginia requires you to have a current address within the state to renew your license. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a resident, contact your local DMV office to discuss your options.
What if I do not receive my renewed license within three weeks?
Contact the West Virginia DMV office where you renewed your license and provide your confirmation number or license number. They can check the status of your renewal and reissue the license if it was lost in the mail. Keep your old license until the new one arrives.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?
Appointments are not required but are strongly recommended. You can schedule one online or by phone. Walk-in service is available at some offices, but wait times can be long. Check your local DMV office's website to see current hours and appointment availability.
Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?
No. West Virginia mails all renewed licenses directly to the address on file. You cannot pick up a renewed license at the DMV office. If you need to change the mailing address before your license is sent, contact the DMV when ready after you complete your renewal.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online renewal will not work if your name on file does not match your current legal name.