How to Renew Your West Virginia Driver's License

Renewing Your West Virginia License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your West Virginia driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $20 for a five-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about an hour and is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to add a Real ID star.

West Virginia calls its DMV the Division of Motor Vehicles, and you can start an online renewal at sos.wv.gov/dmv. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive in the mail within two weeks.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the West Virginia DMV website costs $20 and takes about 10 minutes, but only works if your license is not expired and you haven't changed your name or address.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs $20, and requires you to send in your current license along with a completed process form.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a Real ID, or if you've changed your name or address since your last renewal.
West Virginia licenses expire on your birthday and are valid for five years; you can renew up to six months before expiration.
A Real ID star costs an extra $15 and requires proof of citizenship, a Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

Online renewal works only if your license is currently valid (not expired), you haven't moved, and your name hasn't changed. Go to sos.wv.gov/dmv and select "Renew License Online." You'll enter your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against the DMV database.

Once verified, you'll pay $20 by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two weeks. You can renew online up to six months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.

If the online system rejects your information or tells you that you're not may be able to access, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead. Common reasons for rejection include a recent address change that hasn't been updated in the system yet, or a name change that wasn't recorded after a marriage or legal name change.

Mail Renewal: When You Can't Go Online

To renew by mail, read the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DMV-14) from sos.wv.gov/dmv, or call the DMV at 1-304-558-0098 to request one. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any changes since your last renewal.

Mail the completed form along with your current driver's license to the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV 25305. Include a check or money order for $20 made out to the "State of West Virginia." Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you've changed your name since your last renewal, if you've moved to a new address, or if you want to add a Real ID star. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $20 in cash or card.

Find your nearest DMV office at sos.wv.gov/dmv under "Office Locations." Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours vary by location. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times can be long during lunch hours and late afternoon. Arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait.

The renewal process at the office takes about an hour from check-in to photo. You'll fill out a form, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. Your new license will be printed on the spot, though it may take a few minutes. You can drive home with your temporary paper license and use it until your permanent card arrives in the mail if there's any delay.

Adding a Real ID Star to Your License

A Real ID is a federal security standard that allows you to use your driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. West Virginia licenses with a Real ID have a gold star in the upper right corner. If your current license doesn't have the star and you want to add one, you must renew in person.

To get a Real ID, bring your current license, proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). The Real ID costs an extra $15 on top of the $20 license renewal fee, for a total of $35.

If you don't add a Real ID when you renew, you can add it later at any DMV office by bringing the same documents and paying the $15 fee. You don't have to wait until your next renewal.

What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than Five Years

If your West Virginia license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This means you'll need to take the written test and the road test again, just as if you were getting your first license. You'll also need to provide proof of citizenship, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Schedule a road test appointment by calling your local DMV office or visiting sos.wv.gov/dmv. The written test can be taken at any DMV office without an appointment. Bring your expired license, proof of citizenship, and proof of your address. The written test costs $5 and the road test costs $10, plus the $20 license fee.

If your license expired five years ago or less, you can still renew it using the standard renewal process — you don't have to retake the tests.

Changing Your Name or Address During Renewal

If you've changed your name since your last renewal (due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you must renew in person. Bring your current license, a document proving your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your current address, and $20.

If you've moved to a new address but kept your name, you can update your address online or by mail during renewal. For online renewal, the system will ask you to confirm your address. For mail renewal, write your new address on the process form. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).

You can also update your address without renewing your license by visiting a DMV office or calling 1-304-558-0098. Address changes are free and take about 15 minutes in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, as long as it expired five years ago or less. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the standard process. If it expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license and retake the written and road tests.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take two to three weeks for your new license to arrive in the mail. In-person renewal at a DMV office prints your license on the spot, though you'll receive a temporary paper license if there's any delay in printing.

What if I need to renew before my birthday?

You can renew your West Virginia license up to six months before your birthday. This is useful if you're traveling or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Your new license will expire five years from the date you renew, not from your birthday.

Do I need a Real ID to drive in West Virginia?

No. A Real ID is only required if you want to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. For driving, your standard West Virginia license is sufficient. You can add a Real ID when you renew or at any time by visiting a DMV office.

What if the online renewal system says I'm not may be able to access?

Common reasons include a recent address change that hasn't updated in the system, a name change that wasn't recorded, or an expired license. Try renewing by mail or visit a DMV office in person. Call 1-304-558-0098 if you're unsure why you were rejected.

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.