How to Renew Your West Virginia Driver's License

West Virginia driver's license renewal happens through the DMV, either in person or by mail depending on your situation

West Virginia allows you to renew your driver's license by mail if you meet certain conditions, or you can renew in person at any DMV office. The mail route is faster and requires no appointment, but it only works if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical conditions that need review, and your address hasn't changed. If any of those don't explore to you, you'll need to visit a DMV office in person.

Your license is valid for five years from the date of issue. West Virginia sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, though that notice is informational only—you don't need it to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, which means you can start the process as soon as you receive the notice.

Key Takeaways

Mail renewal works only if your license expires within one year, your address hasn't changed, and you have no medical restrictions that need updating.
In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
West Virginia charges $20 for a five-year license renewal, payable by check or money order for mail renewal or cash, check, or card at an office.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Renewing by mail: documents and steps

To renew by mail, you need your current West Virginia driver's license, a completed process for Operator's License or Instruction Permit (Form DMV-14), and a check or money order for $20 made payable to the West Virginia DMV. You can read Form DMV-14 from the West Virginia DMV website or request it by calling the DMV at 304-558-0069.

Mail your license, the completed form, and payment to the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV 25305. Your renewal should arrive within two to three weeks. During that time, you can still drive using your current license. Do not mail your license in a regular envelope without tracking—use certified mail or a service like UPS or FedEx so you have proof of delivery.

Mail renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you've moved and need to update your address, if you wear corrective lenses and need to update that information, or if you have medical conditions that the DMV needs to review. In any of those cases, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Visit any West Virginia DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of your current address, and payment of $20. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment; offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring your license and documents to the counter. A DMV employee will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives.

If you need to update your address, correct your name, or add or remove corrective lens restrictions, tell the DMV employee before they process your renewal. These changes require the in-person visit and may add a few minutes to the process, but they are handled at the same time as your renewal.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and $20. The DMV will process your renewal the same way as a current license renewal.

If your license expired more than three years ago, the DMV may require you to retake the written knowledge test before issuing a new license. Call your local DMV office before you visit to ask whether a test is required for your situation. If a test is required, you'll take it at the office during your visit at no additional cost.

DMV office locations and hours

West Virginia has DMV offices in most counties. The main office is in Charleston at 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East. Regional offices operate in Beckley, Bluefield, Clarksburg, Huntington, Lewisburg, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Parkersburg, and Wheeling. Hours vary by location but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations offering limited Saturday hours.

You can find your nearest office, current hours, and current wait times on the West Virginia DMV website. Some offices are busier than others; visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than late afternoon or Friday.

Payment methods and fees

A five-year license renewal costs $20. At a DMV office, you can pay by cash, check, or debit card. For mail renewal, you must send a check or money order. West Virginia does not accept credit cards by mail.

If you need a duplicate license (for example, if yours was lost or stolen), the cost is also $20 and you must renew in person. A duplicate is a new license with a new expiration date five years from the date you request it, not a replacement of your current license's expiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I just moved to West Virginia?

If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can renew it by mail if it hasn't expired and you have no medical restrictions. However, if you are now a West Virginia resident, you should obtain a West Virginia license instead. You'll need to visit a DMV office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency in West Virginia, and $20. The DMV will issue you a new West Virginia license.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name and issue a new license with your current name. Bring your current license, proof of address, proof of name change, and $20.

Can I renew online?

West Virginia does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a DMV office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online renewal and takes about two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your documents.

What if I wear glasses or contacts and need to update that on my license?

You must renew in person. Tell the DMV employee that you need to add or remove a corrective lens restriction. They will update your license during the renewal process. Bring your current license, proof of address, and $20.

How long can I drive after my license expires while waiting for my renewal?

You can drive using your current license until it expires, even if you have already submitted a renewal process. Once your current license expires, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. Plan to renew at least two to three weeks before your expiration date to avoid this gap.

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.