The Princeton DMV location and what it handles

The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles office in Princeton is located at 1100 Mercer Street, Princeton, WV 24740. This is a full-service DMV office that handles driver's license renewals, new license applications, vehicle registration, title transfers, and address changes. You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm current hours since they can shift seasonally or due to staffing.

The Princeton office serves Mercer County and surrounding areas. If you live in or near Princeton, this is your local DMV rather than having to travel to Charleston or another regional office. The staff can process most routine transactions on the same day, though complex cases or high-volume periods may require a return visit or follow-up by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • The Princeton DMV is at 1100 Mercer Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but you should call to confirm hours before you go.
  • You can renew your driver's license, register a vehicle, transfer a title, or change your address at this location without traveling to Charleston.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction (such as a bill of sale for a vehicle transfer).
  • Many transactions are completed the same day, but arrive early or call ahead during busy seasons to avoid long waits.
  • If you cannot visit in person, West Virginia offers some services by mail, including certain license renewals and address changes.

What documents to bring to the Princeton office

The documents you need depend on your transaction, but a few items are standard for almost any visit. Bring a current photo ID (your existing driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number. West Virginia requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number for most transactions.

For a driver's license renewal, you will also need your current license. For a new license, bring proof of your date of birth (a birth certificate or passport). If you are registering a vehicle or transferring a title, bring the vehicle's current registration, the title (if you own it), a bill of sale (if you are buying), and proof of insurance. For an address change, your current license and proof of your new address are usually sufficient.

West Virginia also requires a vision test for most new licenses and renewals, so the office will test your vision on site. Bring any glasses or contacts you use while driving. If you have medical conditions that affect your driving, bring documentation from your doctor.

Hours, phone number, and how to prepare for your visit

The Princeton DMV's phone number is (304) 487-8504. Call this number to confirm current hours, ask about wait times, or check whether you need to bring any additional documents for your specific transaction. The office is typically busiest on Mondays and mid-month, so if you have flexibility, visiting on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon may mean a shorter wait.

West Virginia does not currently offer online appointment scheduling for the Princeton office, so you cannot reserve a time slot in advance. Arrive early if you can, especially if you are visiting during peak hours. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If the wait is very long when you arrive, you can ask staff for an estimate of how long you might wait and decide whether to return another day.

Bring all your documents in one folder or envelope so you are not searching through your bag while you wait. Have your documents organized in the order the staff member asks for them. This small step can speed up your transaction and reduce the chance that you will be asked to return because something is missing.

Address changes and out-of-state moves

If you are moving within Princeton or within Mercer County and need to update your driver's license address, you can do this at the Princeton office. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. The fee for an address change on your license is typically $5 to $10, though West Virginia sometimes waives this fee. The new address will be printed on your license, and the change usually takes effect when ready.

If you are moving out of West Virginia, you do not need to update your West Virginia license before you leave. However, you will need to obtain a license in your new state within the timeframe that state requires (usually 30 to 60 days after moving). Your West Virginia license remains valid until its expiration date, but you cannot legally drive in another state on an out-of-state license once you become a resident there.

If you are moving to another state and want to know what documents you will need for your new state's DMV, the Princeton office staff can point you toward resources, but they cannot process an out-of-state license. You will need to contact the DMV in your new state directly or visit their website.

Vehicle registration and title transfers at the Princeton location

The Princeton DMV handles new vehicle registrations, registration renewals, and title transfers. If you are buying a used vehicle in West Virginia, you will need to transfer the title into your name and register it. Bring the current title (signed by the seller), a bill of sale, proof of insurance, and proof of your identity and residency. The staff will process the title transfer and issue new registration plates or a registration sticker for your existing plates.

Registration renewals can often be done by mail or online through the West Virginia DMV website, but you can also renew in person at the Princeton office. If you renew by mail, send your current registration card, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a completed process form to the address provided on your registration notice. Renewing in person takes about 15 to 20 minutes if all your documents are in order.

If your vehicle title has a lien (meaning a bank or lender holds the title until you pay off a loan), the lender must sign off on the transfer before you can register it in your name. Contact your lender to ask how they handle title transfers and whether they will mail the signed title directly to the DMV or to you. This step can add one to two weeks to the process, so plan ahead if you are buying a financed vehicle.

Handling errors on your license or registration

If your driver's license or vehicle registration has an error—such as a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or incorrect address—visit the Princeton office with your current license or registration and proof of the correct information. Bring a document that shows the correct detail, such as a birth certificate for a date-of-birth error or a utility bill for an address error. The staff will correct the error and issue a replacement license or registration, usually at no charge if the error was made by the DMV.

If the error was your fault (for example, you provided the wrong information when you applied), West Virginia may charge a replacement fee, typically $5 to $10 for a license. Ask the staff member before they process the correction so you know what to expect. Corrections usually take the same amount of time as a regular transaction, and you will receive your corrected document before you leave the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my West Virginia driver's license by mail from the Princeton area?

Yes. If your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions or violations that require an in-person visit, you can renew by mail. Contact the Princeton office or visit the West Virginia DMV website to request a renewal form. Mail the form, your current license, and a check to the address provided. Processing by mail usually takes two to four weeks.

What if I do not have a proof of residency document?

West Virginia accepts a range of documents as proof of residency, including utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, insurance policies, and government mail. If you have none of these, ask the Princeton office staff what alternative documents they can accept. In some cases, a letter from your landlord or employer on official letterhead may work, but call ahead to confirm.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Princeton DMV?

No. The Princeton office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not offer appointment scheduling. Arrive during business hours with your documents ready. If you want to know the current wait time before you go, call (304) 487-8504 and ask the staff.

Can I get a Real ID at the Princeton office?

Yes. West Virginia issues REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards at all DMV offices, including Princeton. You will need to bring additional documents, including proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or passport) and proof of your Social Security number. A REAL ID license costs slightly more than a standard license and is required for federal air travel as of May 2025.

What if my vehicle registration has expired?

Visit the Princeton office with your expired registration, proof of insurance, and proof of your identity and residency. You can renew even if your registration is past the expiration date, though West Virginia may charge a late fee. Bring your vehicle's current inspection sticker (if required in your county) or be prepared to have your vehicle inspected before registration is renewed.