How to Renew Your West Virginia Driver's License

Renew in person at a DMV office or by mail, depending on your license type and how long it has been expired

West Virginia lets you renew your driver's license through the mail if your license is not expired or has been expired for less than two years, and you have no medical or legal restrictions on your driving record. If your license expired more than two years ago, you have medical conditions to report, or you need to update your address or name, you must renew in person at a West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.

The mail route takes about two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. In-person renewal at a DMV office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is. You can find your nearest DMV office and check current wait times on the West Virginia DMV website.

Key Takeaways

Mail renewal works only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical restrictions or legal holds on your record.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need to change your address or name, or you have medical conditions to report.
The mail process costs the same as in-person renewal and requires a completed form, payment, and a new photo if your license is more than five years old.
You will need your current or expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for either renewal method.
West Virginia does not offer online renewal, but you can check your license status and find DMV locations on the state DMV website.

What documents you need for mail renewal

To renew by mail, send the West Virginia DMV a completed process for Driver's License or Instruction Permit (Form DMV-14). You can read this form from the West Virginia DMV website or request it by mail. Include your current or expired driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee (which varies by license type and validity period), and proof of your Social Security number if your license does not already show it.

If your license is more than five years old, you must also include a new photo. The photo must be a color passport-style image, 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. Mail your completed process, documents, and payment to the address listed on the DMV website. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

What to bring for in-person renewal at a DMV office

Bring your current or expired driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

The DMV will take a new photo during your visit, so you do not need to bring one. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them for your photo. Bring your payment method — cash, check, or debit card, depending on which DMV office you visit. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods that specific office accepts.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

West Virginia driver's license renewal fees depend on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The exact fee amounts change periodically, so check the West Virginia DMV website or call your local DMV office for current pricing before you send in your process or visit in person.

Your new license will be valid for either four or eight years from the date of renewal, depending on which option you choose when you pay. If you renew by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the DMV. If you renew in person, you will receive your new license at the DMV office before you leave, or it will be mailed to you within one to two weeks if the office is processing a backlog.

When you cannot renew by mail and must go in person

You must visit a DMV office in person if your license has been expired for more than two years. You also must renew in person if you have any medical conditions or restrictions that need to be reviewed by DMV staff, such as vision problems, hearing loss, or mobility issues that affect your ability to drive safely. If you have an active suspension, revocation, or other legal hold on your driving record, you cannot renew until that issue is resolved.

If you are changing your name or address and want to update your license at the same time, you can do either by mail or in person. However, if you are changing your name, bring the certified document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to avoid delays. Some DMV offices may ask you to renew in person if they cannot verify your identity through the mail process, so watch for any requests from the DMV after you submit your process.

How to find a DMV office and schedule an appointment

The West Virginia DMV website has a location finder that shows all DMV offices across the state, their hours, and current wait times. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available for the day and time you want to visit.

If your local office does not offer online scheduling, you can call the DMV directly to ask about appointment availability. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but you may wait longer during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), check whether your office handles CDL renewals, as some smaller offices do not.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your driving record shows a suspension or revocation, you cannot renew your license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the West Virginia DMV directly to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This may involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

Once your suspension or revocation is cleared, you can renew by mail or in person using the same process as a standard renewal. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the DMV or check your license status on the West Virginia DMV website before you begin the renewal process. This will save you time and prevent you from submitting an process that will be rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my West Virginia driver's license online?

No, West Virginia does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired or expired less than two years, or you can renew in person at a DMV office. You can check your license status and find DMV locations on the state website, but the actual renewal must be completed by mail or in person.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must visit a DMV office in person to report it and renew. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The DMV will issue you a replacement license with a new number. You can request a duplicate if you straightforward want a copy of your current license without changing the number.

How long does it take to get my renewed license if I renew by mail?

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. Processing time can be longer during busy periods. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the DMV. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a DMV office to receive it the same day or within one to two weeks.

Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?

You need a new photo only if your current license is more than five years old. If your license is newer than five years, you can renew by mail without submitting a photo. If you do need a new photo, it must be a color passport-style image, 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months.

What if my address changed since my last license was issued?

You can update your address during renewal by mail or in person. For mail renewal, include your new address on the process form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The DMV will print your new address on your renewed license.

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.