How to Renew Your West Virginia Driver License

Step-by-step guide for renewing your West Virginia license through WV DMV. Covers online, mail, and in-person options, fees, and what to bring.

Validity 5 years

Standard fee $25

After expiration 30-day grace period for licenses expiring on the licensee's 18th or 21st birthday

Step 1 — Check if you can renew online

Available to non-commercial drivers age 21 or older who are U.S. citizens with a license in good standing. Requires a renewal notice with 4-digit PIN. No name, address, or driver-info changes can be made online.

Start your online renewal at WV DMV →

Step 2 — Check what to bring

A straightforward renewal usually needs your current West Virginia licence and the fee. What else WV DMV asks for depends on whether you are also upgrading to REAL ID, changing your name or address, or renewing after a lapse — and those requirements differ by state. Check the current list on the WV DMV renewal page before you go.

Step 3 — Pay the renewal fee

WV DMV charges $25 for a standard non-commercial license renewal valid for 5 years. CDL and motorcycle endorsement renewals cost extra; check the official fee schedule for exact amounts.

Step 4 — Take a vision test (if required)

Most in-person renewals include a vision check at the counter. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. If you fail, you'll need a doctor's note before the license can be issued.

Step 5 — Receive your new licence

Most agencies issue an interim credential you can drive on while the printed card is produced, then post the card separately. How long the interim lasts and how long the card takes are both set by WV DMV and published on its renewal page. Plan around the dates it gives rather than a general estimate.

REAL ID upgrade in West Virginia

WV issues "Not For Federal Use" and "REAL ID/For Federal Use" (gold star) cards; the REAL ID option carries an additional $10 fee.

Common pitfalls

Don't forget address updates. If you moved since your last renewal, update the address before renewing — many states won't mail to a non-matching address.
REAL ID upgrade requires originals. Photocopies of your birth certificate or passport will be rejected. Bring the originals or certified copies.
Book ahead where you can. Walk-in waiting times vary by office and time of year and we do not track them, but an appointment removes the question — see the West Virginia office list for locations and contact details.

Find your nearest West Virginia office

Use our West Virginia DMV office finder to locate the closest WV DMV location with addresses, hours, and turn-by-turn directions.