How to renew your West Virginia driver's license
You can renew your West Virginia driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew by mail or online without taking a new test, but you will need to visit an office in person if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you want to change your photo.
West Virginia licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. The DMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires.
Key Takeaways
- West Virginia driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew up to one year before the expiration date.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need to update your photo or address.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license and a completed form to the DMV.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you want a new photo.
- You will need to pass a vision test at any DMV office, but you do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license was suspended or revoked.
Renewing online through the West Virginia DMV website
Online renewal is the quickest way to renew if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your photo or address. You will go to the West Virginia DMV website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. The fee for a five-year renewal is $20 for a standard license.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to update your photo, or if you have an out-of-state address.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but works if you cannot visit a DMV office or prefer not to renew online. You will need to fill out Form DMV-43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), include a copy of your current license, and mail both to the West Virginia DMV along with the $20 renewal fee. You can pay by check or money order.
The DMV will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you within two to three weeks. Mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year. You should mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving on an expired license.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you want to update your photo, or if you need to change your address or name. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your West Virginia residency (such as a utility bill or lease). You will also need to pass a vision test.
The DMV office will take a new photo, process your renewal, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the office location. There is no written test or road test required for renewal unless your license was suspended or revoked. The renewal fee is $20 for a five-year license.
What happens if your license expires
If your license expires, you cannot legally drive in West Virginia or any other state. If you are pulled over while driving on an expired license, you can face a fine. However, you have a grace period: if you renew within 30 days after your license expires, you will not face penalties for driving during that time.
If your license has been expired for more than 30 days, you will need to renew in person at a DMV office and may face additional fines. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will not be able to renew by mail or online and must go to an office in person.
Updating your address or name during renewal
If you have moved or changed your name since your last license was issued, you can update this information during renewal. If you are renewing online or by mail, you can update your address but not your name. To change your name, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
If you move to a different state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state. West Virginia will not renew your license if you no longer live in the state, so you should contact your new state's DMV to find out how to transfer your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my West Virginia license if I live out of state?
No. Online and mail renewal are not available if you have an out-of-state address. You will need to renew in person at a West Virginia DMV office or get a license from your current state of residency.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license. You will need to go to a DMV office in person to report it lost and renew at the same time. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of residency.
Do I need to take a new written or road test to renew?
No. Renewal does not require a written test or road test. You will only need to pass a vision test. A written or road test is only required if your license was suspended or revoked.
How much does it cost to renew in West Virginia?
The renewal fee is $20 for a five-year standard driver's license. You pay this fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You will need to contact the West Virginia DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you must take to restore it before you can renew.