West Virginia driver's license renewal: the basic process
In West Virginia, you can renew your driver's license in person at any DMV office or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and costs $20 for a five-year license or $35 for an eight-year license. Online renewal is faster — usually when ready — but only works if your license is not expired, you have not had any address changes, and you have a valid payment method.
Your current West Virginia license must still be valid or expired no more than one year to renew online. If your license expired more than a year ago, you must go to a DMV office in person. The state does not mail renewal forms, so you cannot complete the process by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the West Virginia DMV website costs $20 for a five-year license and takes minutes, but only works if your current license is not more than one year expired.
- In-person renewal at any West Virginia DMV office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment, and takes about 30 minutes.
- West Virginia does not offer mail-in renewal, so expired licenses more than one year old require an office visit.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you renew in person; online renewal produces an when ready digital license you can use when ready.
- If your address has changed, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address.
Online renewal: what you need and how it works
To renew online, go to the West Virginia DMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the date of birth on your license, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will verify your information against DMV records and, if everything matches, issue you a digital license when ready that you can use right away.
The digital license appears on your phone and is legal for driving in West Virginia. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not have to wait for the card to drive legally — the digital version is valid the moment you complete the online transaction.
Online renewal is not available if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you need to change your name or address, if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you are renewing a motorcycle endorsement. In any of those cases, you must visit a DMV office.
In-person renewal at a West Virginia DMV office
To renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address. If you have moved and your license shows an old address, bring proof of your new address.
You do not need an appointment at most West Virginia DMV offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the West Virginia DMV website.
After you complete your renewal in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on the temporary license while you wait for the card.
Cost and payment methods
A five-year West Virginia driver's license costs $20. An eight-year license costs $35. These are the standard fees for renewal; there are no additional charges unless you are adding endorsements or making other changes to your license.
At DMV offices, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. If you pay by check in person, make it payable to the West Virginia DMV.
What happens if your license has expired more than one year ago
If your West Virginia license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you will need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at a DMV office. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
Reapplication is more expensive and time-consuming than renewal. You will pay the full fee for a new license and must schedule an appointment at a DMV office. The process typically takes longer than a standard renewal because of the testing requirement.
If your license expired within the last year, you can still renew it through the standard process, either online or in person.
Real ID and West Virginia driver's licenses
West Virginia offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025.
When you renew, you can choose which type you want. If you want a Real ID license, you must bring additional documents: a passport, passport card, birth certificate, or other federal identity document, plus proof of residency. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license ($20 for five years or $35 for eight years).
If you are renewing online, you cannot upgrade to a Real ID — online renewal only renews your current license type. To get a Real ID license, you must renew in person and bring the required identity documents.
Renewing a license with a suspended or revoked status
If your West Virginia license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or through a standard in-person renewal. You must contact the West Virginia DMV directly to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges. Suspensions and revocations have different causes — unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, medical issues, or failure to maintain insurance — and each has its own restoration process.
In most cases, you will need to pay outstanding fines, complete a required course or evaluation, or provide proof that the underlying issue has been resolved. Only after your status is restored can you renew your license. Contact the West Virginia DMV at 1-304-558-0098 or visit a local office to learn what you need to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my West Virginia license if I live out of state?
No. West Virginia requires in-person renewal if you have moved out of state, because you must provide proof of your current address. You will need to visit a West Virginia DMV office in person or contact the DMV to discuss other options. If you have moved permanently, you may need to transfer your license to your new state instead.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online renewal does not allow name changes. Bring your current license, the name-change document, proof of residency, and payment.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date you renew in person. Your permanent plastic card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but if it does not, you can drive legally on the temporary license until it arrives. If you need a replacement before the card arrives, contact the DMV.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your West Virginia license up to one year before it expires. Early renewal is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date five or eight years from the date you renew.
What if I lost my current license?
If you lost your license, you cannot renew it — you must get a replacement. Go to a West Virginia DMV office with proof of identity and residency, and pay a $5 replacement fee. A replacement license is not the same as a renewal and does not extend your expiration date.