What You Need to Renew in West Virginia

West Virginia renews driver's licenses by mail or in person at a DMV office. The mail-in route is faster and requires no appointment — you send your current license, a completed form, and a check to the address on the renewal notice. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at any DMV office and lets you update your photo and address on the same day.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains the renewal form (DMV-43), the mailing address, and the exact fee for your license type. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew by going to a DMV office or downloading the form from the West Virginia DMV website.

West Virginia licenses expire on your birthday. Standard licenses last five years; commercial licenses (CDL) last four years. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail — you must appear in person and may need to retake the written test.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail-in renewal requires your current license, the completed DMV-43 form from your renewal notice, and a check sent to the address listed on that notice.
  • In-person renewal at any DMV office takes about 30 minutes and does not require an appointment in West Virginia.
  • Your renewal notice arrives 60 days before expiration and includes the exact fee, which varies by license type and age.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to pass the written test again.
  • West Virginia accepts mail-in renewals only if your license is not yet expired or expired less than two years.

Mail-in Renewal: Step-by-Step

Mail-in renewal is the fastest option if your license is current or expired less than two years. Start by locating your renewal notice — it arrives automatically 60 days before your birthday. The notice includes the DMV-43 form, the mailing address, and your renewal fee.

Complete the DMV-43 form by hand or print it from the West Virginia DMV website and fill it out. Sign and date the form. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on your renewal notice — do not send cash. Place your current license, the signed form, and the check in an envelope and mail it to the address on the notice.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks of approval. If you need your license sooner, do not use mail-in renewal — go to a DMV office instead.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

In-person renewal does not require an appointment in West Virginia. Walk into any DMV office during business hours with your current license, proof of residency, and your renewal fee. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you are renewing a commercial license (CDL), bring your medical certificate as well. The office will take a new photo, update your address if needed, and process your renewal on the spot.

Your new license is printed before you leave the office. The entire process takes 20 to 30 minutes. If the office is busy, wait times can be longer, but West Virginia DMV offices generally move people through quickly.

Fees and License Types

Standard driver's license renewal costs vary by age and license type. A five-year standard license for someone under 62 costs one amount; a license for someone 62 or older costs less. Your renewal notice shows the exact fee for your situation.

Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) cost more and last four years instead of five. Motorcycle endorsements, hazmat endorsements, and passenger endorsements each add to the base fee. If you are renewing a license with multiple endorsements, the notice will itemize each charge.

West Virginia accepts checks, money orders, and cash at DMV offices. For mail-in renewal, send a check or money order only — the DMV does not accept cash through the mail. Credit cards are not accepted for license renewal.

What to Do If Your License Is Expired More Than Two Years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a DMV office and complete an in-person renewal. The DMV will require you to retake the written knowledge test before issuing a new license.

Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or document showing it. You will take the written test in the office — it covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. The test has 40 questions; you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no additional fee for retesting. Once you pass, your new license is printed when ready.

Updating Your Address or Photo

If you moved and need to update your address, mail-in renewal will not change it — you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

Your photo is automatically updated during in-person renewal. If you renew by mail, your photo stays the same. You cannot request a new photo through mail-in renewal; you must visit an office if you want a new photo taken.

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You must renew in person to update your name on your license.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is mailing a renewal packet after your license has already expired by more than two years. Check your expiration date before you mail anything. If your license expired more than two years ago, go to a DMV office instead.

Another frequent error is sending cash in the mail for a mail-in renewal. The DMV will not process your packet if it contains cash. Use a check or money order only.

Do not forget to sign the DMV-43 form. An unsigned form will be returned to you, delaying your renewal by several days. Also verify that you are mailing to the correct address — the renewal notice shows the specific DMV processing center address, which may differ from your local office.

If you are renewing a CDL, remember to include your medical certificate (MCSA-5875 form). Without it, your renewal cannot be processed. The certificate must be dated within the last 24 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my West Virginia license online?

No. West Virginia does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a DMV office. Mail-in renewal is the closest option to online — you send your documents by mail and receive your new license by mail.

What happens if I let my license expire?

You can still renew it, but the process depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or in person. If it expired more than two years ago, you must go to a DMV office and retake the written test.

How long does mail-in renewal take?

The DMV processes mail-in renewals in 7 to 10 business days from the date they receive your packet. Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks of approval. Total time is usually 2 to 3 weeks from when you mail your packet.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No. West Virginia DMV offices do not require appointments for license renewal. Walk in during business hours with your documents and fee. Wait times vary by location and time of day, but most offices process renewals quickly.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew by downloading the DMV-43 form from the West Virginia DMV website. You will need to find out your renewal fee by calling your local DMV office or checking the website. For in-person renewal, you do not need the notice at all — just bring your current license and fee.