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 — Gather your documents

For an in-person renewal, bring:

Your current West Virginia driver license.
Proof of identity (passport, certified birth certificate).
Proof of West Virginia residency — utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address (most states require two documents).
Social Security card or W-2.
Payment for the renewal fee (cash, check, or card — varies by office).

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 license

You'll get a temporary paper license at the DMV that's valid for 30-60 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7-14 business days. If your renewal was online, expect 10-21 days mailing time.

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.
Walk-in waits can be 2-4 hours. Book an appointment online at any of West Virginia's DMV offices.

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.

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