How to Renew Your West Virginia Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in West Virginia

West Virginia lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew by mail or online because it takes less time and you don't have to leave home. You can renew online if your license is not expired yet and you haven't changed your address, name, or medical information. If any of those things have changed, or if your license is already expired, you'll need to renew in person or by mail.

Your West Virginia license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. The DMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, so watch for that in the mail. If you miss the notice, you can still renew — you just have to take the next step yourself.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the West Virginia DMV website is the fastest option if your address and name haven't changed and your license isn't expired yet.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and works if your license is still valid and your personal information hasn't changed.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired, you've changed your address or name, or you need to update medical information.
You'll need your current license, proof of residency, and a completed process form for any renewal method.
West Virginia licenses cost $20 for a five-year renewal, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your method.

Renewing online through the West Virginia DMV

The West Virginia DMV website at sos.wv.gov/dmv has an online renewal system. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. The system will walk you through a few screens to confirm your information, take a new photo using your computer's camera, and collect payment.

Online renewal works only if your license hasn't expired, your address is the same as what's on file, and you haven't changed your name. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, the system will tell you that you need to renew in person or by mail instead. Payment is by credit or debit card, and your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, you'll need to fill out Form DMV-14 (process for Renewal of Driver's License) and mail it to the West Virginia DMV with your current license, a check or money order for $20, and proof of your current address. You can read Form DMV-14 from the DMV website or call your local DMV office to request it by mail.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — it's the Charleston DMV office. Processing takes about two to three weeks, and your new license will arrive by mail. This method works as long as your license is still valid and your name and address information is current.

Renewing in person at a West Virginia DMV office

You must renew in person if your license is expired, you've changed your name or address, or you need to update medical information like vision or hearing restrictions. Find your nearest DMV office on the West Virginia Secretary of State website — there are offices in most counties. You can call ahead to ask about wait times, though walk-ins are accepted.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and you'll pay $20 by cash, check, or card. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is expired

If your West Virginia license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to a DMV office in person. The DMV treats this as a new license process rather than a renewal, which means you'll need to pass the written test and the road test again. Bring the same documents you would for an in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the standard renewal process — you won't have to retake the tests. The key date is how long ago your license stopped being valid, not how long ago it was issued.

Renewing a commercial driver's license in West Virginia

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and a completed Form DMV-14. You'll need to pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner — the DMV can provide a list of examiners near you. The cost is $20, and you'll receive a temporary license on the spot with your permanent license arriving by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

If your CDL has been expired for more than one year, you'll need to retake the written and road tests for the class of vehicle you drive, in addition to the medical exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my West Virginia license if I've moved out of state?

No. If you've moved out of state, you need to surrender your West Virginia license and get a license from your new state. You cannot renew a West Virginia license if you no longer live there. Contact your new state's DMV to start the process of getting a license there.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

If your license is lost or stolen, you need to replace it rather than renew it. Go to a DMV office in person with proof of residency and your Social Security number. The DMV will issue you a replacement license with the same expiration date as your original license. The cost is $20.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

After you renew online or in person, your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks total from the time the DMV receives your packet. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, the DMV will give you a temporary paper license at the office or you can print one from the website after online renewal.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

West Virginia does not block license renewal because of unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if you have an active warrant or suspension on your license, the DMV will not renew it. You'll need to resolve the suspension first by contacting the DMV or the court that issued it.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name. You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.