How to Renew Your West Virginia Driver's License

West Virginia driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office

West Virginia issues driver's licenses that are valid for five years from the date of issue. When your license is about to expire, the state sends a renewal notice to the address on file — usually arriving four to six weeks before the expiration date. You have three ways to renew: by mail using the notice you receive, online through the DMV website if you meet certain requirements, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need to update information, and how quickly you need the new license in hand.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days regardless of which method you choose, except for in-person renewal, which also gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. You can continue to drive on your current license until your new one arrives. The renewal fee is currently $20 for a five-year standard license, though fees can change and Real ID licenses cost more.

Key Takeaways

West Virginia sends renewal notices by mail four to six weeks before your license expires, and you can use that notice to renew by mail or online.
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address, name, or other personal information since your last renewal.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to return the renewal notice with payment, a new photo, and a signature on the back of the new license.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if your license has already expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you did not receive a renewal notice.
You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of West Virginia residency, and payment — the exact documents depend on whether you are renewing by mail, online, or in person.

Renewing online through the West Virginia DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest method if your circumstances have not changed. You can renew online if your current license is still valid, you have not moved, and your name and other personal information remain the same. The West Virginia DMV website has a renewal portal where you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, upload a new photo, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The entire process takes about 15 minutes, and you will receive your new license within 7 to 10 business days.

You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal costs the same as mail or in-person renewal — currently $20 for a five-year license, though fees can change. If you cannot remember your driver's license number or have trouble logging in, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead. The real West Virginia DMV website is sos.wv.gov/dmv — do not use any other website for renewal.

Renewing by mail using your renewal notice

Mail renewal is straightforward if you received a renewal notice from the DMV. Fill out the notice, sign the back of the new license card that comes with it, include a new photo (4 by 6 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last 30 days), and mail everything back with a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Include your renewal notice, the new license card, your photo, and payment in an envelope addressed to the West Virginia DMV — the address is printed on the renewal notice itself.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your renewal notice. If you have moved since your last renewal, you must renew in person instead, because mail renewal does not allow address changes. If you did not receive a renewal notice or lost it, you can still renew by mail by calling the DMV to request a renewal packet, or you can renew in person at any DMV office.

Renewing in person at a West Virginia DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address or name, or if you prefer to walk out with a temporary license the same day. Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been less than two years since expiration), proof of West Virginia residency such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days, and payment. You will also need to provide a new photo or have one taken at the DMV office for a small additional fee.

Visit your local DMV office during business hours — most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. You can find your nearest office and check hours on the West Virginia DMV website. Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What to bring and what it costs

The documents you need depend on your renewal method. For online renewal, you need your current license number, date of birth, and a digital photo file. For mail renewal, you need your renewal notice, a new photo, and payment. For in-person renewal, you need your current or recently expired license, proof of residency, and payment — and you can either bring a photo or have one taken at the office.

Proof of West Virginia residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address, all dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency. The renewal fee for a five-year license is currently $20, payable by check, money order, or debit or credit card depending on your method. If you need a Real ID-compliant license instead of a standard license, the fee is higher — ask the DMV office or check the website for current pricing.

Scam alert: Fake renewal notices and phishing websites

The West Virginia DMV does not contact you by email or text message to renew your license or ask for payment. If you receive an email or text claiming to be from the DMV with a link to renew, do not click it — it is a scam. Scammers create fake websites that look like the real DMV site and steal your personal information and payment details.

The real West Virginia DMV website is sos.wv.gov/dmv. If you received a renewal notice in the mail and are unsure whether it is real, call the DMV directly at the number on your current license or look up the DMV phone number on the official website. Never pay to renew your license through a third-party website or service — the only official channels are the DMV website, mail using your renewal notice, or an in-person DMV office. If you think you have been scammed, report it to the West Virginia Attorney General's office.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires taking a written test and a driving test. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew by going to a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You will not need to retake the written or driving test.

If your license expired more than 30 days ago but less than two years ago, you can still drive on it in West Virginia, though law enforcement may ask you to renew. Once it has been expired for two years, you lose the right to renew and must explore for a new license, which is a longer process. If you are unsure how long your license has been expired, check the expiration date printed on the front of your card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my West Virginia license if I moved to another state?

No. You must have a West Virginia address to renew a West Virginia license. If you have moved out of state, you should explore for a license in your new state instead. You can surrender your West Virginia license to the DMV office in your new state, or you can mail it to the West Virginia DMV with a note.

What if I never received my renewal notice in the mail?

Call the West Virginia DMV to confirm your address on file and request a replacement renewal notice. If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a DMV office. If your address is correct but the notice did not arrive, the DMV can mail you a new one or you can renew in person.

Can I renew my license if my name has changed since my last renewal?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), proof of residency, and payment. You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal.

How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my new one?

In West Virginia, you can drive on an expired license for a grace period, but it is safer to renew before expiration. If you renewed in person and received a temporary paper license, that temporary is valid for 30 days. Once your permanent license arrives, use that instead.

What is the difference between a standard license and a Real ID license?

A Real ID license meets federal security standards and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. West Virginia offers both types. Real ID licenses cost more and require additional documents such as proof of Social Security number and proof of citizenship or legal residency. Ask at the DMV office which type you need.

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.