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West Virginia Driver’s License Renewal: How to Do It!

  • Auto Insurance
  • Gerard Stevens
  • 7 minutes

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Have you got your driver’s license in West Virginia? Obtaining one isn’t difficult if you know how to do it! But it will become a hassle for you if you forget to do your West Virginia driver’s license renewal. Are you done with the renewal process? 

It’s easy to forget, but if you drive with an expired license, you could face serious penalties in WV. To avoid fines and citations, renew your license as soon as possible. Is it time to renew your license in West Virginia? No need to worry; our guide has everything covered you need to know to complete the process smoothly. 

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When is it time for your West Virginia driver’s license renewal? 

Whether you have a REAL-ID or not, you can locate the expiration date under your date of birth or on the right side of the card. You can renew your license up to six months after it expires. You’ll have to attend the tests again if you want to renew your license after six months. 

Ideally, you will get a reminder via mail before your West Virginia driver’s license expires. Even if you do not receive a reminder, you can check the expiration date of your license. The state has implemented a ‘Drive for Five’ program. It means that after 18, you must renew your license in the years that your age is divisible by five. (like 20, 25, 30, 35, and beyond). 

Does WV have a grace period for an expired driver’s license? 

It is illegal to drive with an expired license in the state. In West Virginia, the only grace period for an expired license is 30 days after you turn 21. You can renew your license up to six months after it has expired. After six months, the renewal process becomes will get complex and costly. 

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What do you need to renew your driver’s license in West Virginia? 

For your West Virginia driver’s license renewal, you must provide documentation proving the following. 

  • Identity 
  • Residency  
  • Name change (if required) 

Residents must present a valid US passport, passport card, birth certificate issued by a state or local government, or a certificate of US Citizenship. You may also require documents such as those for naturalization and foreign-born citizens. Non-citizens must show proof of legal status, such as a valid foreign passport, permanent resident ID card, or employment authorization document. 

How to renew your driver’s license in West Virginia 

driver's license in West VirginiaImage courtesy: : https://transportation.wv.gov/

You can do a West Virginia driver’s license renewal in four ways. 

  • Online 
  • In-person 
  • Mail (by invitation) 
  • Kiosks  

In-person renewal is needed if you want to modify details in your license.  

How to renew it online 

You can easily do this using the ‘Skip the Trip’ tool. But you have to meet the following requirements. 

  • You are a citizen of the US 
  • There is no need to change any information like your name, address, or signature 
  • For the first time, you do not need to upgrade to a REAL-ID 
  • You have no unsettled fees or tickets on your record 
  • Your driver’s license hasn’t been suspended or revoked 

Once you fulfill the following requirements, double-check that your information hasn’t changed since the last renewal. Opt for in-person renewal if there are changes. Follow these steps to complete the renewal process. 

Steps to follow  

  • Ensure you have your license number, Social Security Number (SSN), and a valid credit or debit card. 
  • Visit the DMV’s ‘Skip the Line” page. 
  • Follow the steps and double-check that all information is right 
  • Pay the renewal fee 
  • You will then get a temporary paper permit will be available for printing. Print a physical copy to be valid when driving. You will receive the license will via mail within 60 days. 

How to renew in-person  

You must do an in-person West Virginia driver’s license renewal if you fulfill the following conditions.  

  • The last renewal was by another mode 
  • There is a change in your info like name or address 
  • You’re updating your license to a REAL-ID for the first time 

Follow these steps to complete the renewal process. 

Steps to follow  

  • Locate a DMV office near you. It’s better to make an appointment in advance.  
  • Check your driving record to ensure no outstanding fees or citations could obstruct the renewal process. 
  • Gather these documents. It includes your old driver’s license and renewal request form. If you changed your address, you must produce two proofs of residency: a lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement. They must be no older than six months. If you changed your name, bring proof, such as a marriage certificate or adoption papers. You must also provide proof of your SSN if you possess a ‘For Federal Identification’ ID.  
  • You must retake the written and driving exams if your license expires more than 60 days. 
  • Pass the vision test. 
  • Get a new photograph. 
  • You will receive a temporary paper license. You’ll get your new driver’s license via mail to your address within 60 days. 

How to renew it by mail 

Suppose you receive a reminder notice from the West Virginia DMV. It will state whether you can renew by mail or not. You must submit photocopies of the required documents and the appropriate fees to the provided DMV address if eligible.  

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How to renew at a kiosk 

There are kiosks set up at Kroger and Sheetz locations in the state. You must fulfill these requirements to renew the license in a kiosk. 

  • You are a citizen of the US 
  • There is no need to change any information like your name, address, or signature 
  • For the first time, you do not need to upgrade to a REAL-ID 
  • You have no unsettled fees or tickets on your record 
  • Your driver’s license hasn’t been suspended or revoked 

Follow these steps to complete the renewal process. 

Steps to follow  

  • Examine your driving record to ensure that there isn’t any issue that hinders your renewal process. 
  • When you arrive at a kiosk, swipe or enter your driver’s license and follow the instruction. 
  • Check that all of your information is right. 
  • Use a valid debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. 
  • You will receive a temporary paper license. You will get the physical license within 60 days via mail to your registered address. 

How much does a West Virginia driver’s license renewal cost? 

The basic renewal fee is $5 per year, plus 50 cents for fees. So, if you have a five-year license, the total base cost will be $25.50. Expect an additional $5 late fee if your license expires. If your license has been inactive for six months, you must reattend the written and driving tests. Then you should pay an extra $7.50 to attend each test.

If you want your license to get accepted as a federal ID (REAL-ID), you must pay an additional $10 fee. The renewal payment modes and fees may differ by location. So, check the West Virginia DMV website for the most up-to-date information. 

How long do you have to renew your license after it expires in West Virginia? 

You will get a temporary license until your new license arrives when you renew your driver’s license in the state. Ensure to keep a printed copy if you renew it online. You will receive your permanent license within 60 days. Renewal by mail takes longer when compared to other renewal modes! 

Do you need a REAL-ID in West Virginia? 

Yes. Remember that a standard driver’s license will no longer be accepted as a federal ID from May 3, 2023. So you’ll need a passport, a REAL-ID, or any other form of federal identification for the following.  

  • Board a domestic flight. 
  • Enter a military installation or government buildings 
  • Access to nuclear plants 

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