West Virginia License Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driver's License in West Virginia
You renew your license through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). WV licenses last 5 years from the date of issue. They expire on your birthday. For a general overview of renewal rules across all states, see our driver's license renewal guide. Here are your options and steps.
Ways to Renew
- Online — the fastest way to renew. Visit the DMV renewal portal.
- In person — go to a DMV office. First-time REAL ID, vision tests, and new photos all need an in-person visit.
Steps to Renew
- Check eligibility — Visit the WV DMV website. Check if you can renew online. Your license must not be expired over 6 months.
- Gather documents — Have your license, SSN, and payment ready. For REAL ID, bring your birth certificate and proof of WV residency.
- Complete the renewal — Use the online portal or visit a DMV regional office. Review your info and submit payment.
- Pass the vision test — In-person renewals require a vision screening. Bring your glasses or contacts.
- Receive your license — Get a temp license at the office. Online? Your card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
West Virginia Driver's License Renewal Fees
| Standard renewal fee | $7.50 |
| Duplicate/replacement license | $7.50 |
| Motorcycle endorsement | $7.50 |
| Name change | $7.50 |
| Address change (new card) | $7.50 |
| Valid for | 5 years |
The fee is $7.50 for a 5-year license. WV has one of the cheapest renewal fees in the U.S.
What to Bring
Bring these docs when you renew:
- Current or expired West Virginia driver's license
- Social Security number
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport for REAL ID)
- Proof of WV residency (for REAL ID)
- Renewal fee payment
Who Can Renew Online
You can renew online if you meet these rules:
- Your license is not expired more than 6 months
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Your license is not suspended or revoked
- You do not need a vision retest
- You are not getting a REAL ID for the first time
WV requires in-person renewal with a new photo at least every other cycle.
Go to DMV online renewal portalWhat Happens If Your West Virginia License Expires
West Virginia has no formal grace period. Driving on an expired license is a misdemeanor.
- Before expiry — Up to 30 days before expiration
- After expiry — Up to 6 months after expiry without retaking tests
- Long-lapsed penalty — Over 6 months expired? Retake the written and road tests. Driving expired is a misdemeanor in WV.
If you also need to update your vehicle registration, see our car registration renewal guide.
Important: You cannot drive with an expired license in West Virginia. The window only affects how you renew. It does not let you drive past your expiry date.
Vision Test & Health Rules
- Vision test — Yes, at every in-person renewal. A vision screening is required.
- In-person visits — WV requires in-person renewal with a new photo at least every other cycle.
- Wait time — In-person renewals issue a temp license right away. Your card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Common West Virginia License Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes:
Assuming the low fee means low enforcement
WV charges only $7.50 but treats driving expired as a misdemeanor. Don't let the cheap fee make you complacent.
Waiting more than 6 months after expiry
Past 6 months, you retake the written and road tests. WV has a shorter window than many states.
Not visiting a regional office for REAL ID
Not all WV DMV locations offer REAL ID. Check which regional offices process them before you go.
Missing the 30-day renewal window for online
WV only opens online renewal 30 days before expiry. Plan ahead or go in person.
REAL ID Info for West Virginia
WV offers REAL ID at no extra charge. Visit a DMV regional office with your birth certificate or passport, SSN, and proof of WV address.
You need a REAL ID (gold star) to board U.S. flights. You also need one to enter federal buildings. This started May 7, 2025. Get one at your next in-person visit. See our full REAL ID deadline guide for costs and next steps.
What Makes West Virginia Different
WV has one of the lowest renewal fees in the U.S. at $7.50 for 5 years.
WV treats driving on an expired license as a misdemeanor, not just a traffic violation.
WV lets you renew online through the my.wv.gov portal.