In West Virginia, drivers looking to complete a driver’s license renewal have a few different options for submitting an application. All DMV license renewal requests in West Virginia are processed by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by online, mail and in-person applications. To be eligible for a renewed driver’s license, all WV drivers are required to meet some basic eligibility criteria and submit the request with the appropriate processing fee.

The WV DMV recommends submitting a request to renew a driver’s license online for the fastest processing times, but not all drivers qualify for this submission method. Some drivers may be required to visit a WV licensing agency in-person to complete additional application steps. Some WV DMV locations may accept appointments for renewals, so drivers should check with their local DMV beforehand for the most up to date information. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about renewing your driver’s license in West Virginia.

Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in West Virginia

Whether a WV driver chooses to head to a driver’s license office in-person or submit his or her request through another format, the same standard eligibility requirements have to be met. When deciding where to renew a driver’s license in West Virginia, drivers should also note that the same application requirements apply in all DMV locations. Depending on the driver’s history and record with the DMV, he or she may have to provide proof of:

1. Identity, such as a valid U.S. passport or certified copy of a birth certificate.
2. Social Security Number (SSN), such as a SSN card, 1099 form or pay stub.
3. Residency in West Virginia, such as bank statement or insurance policy.
4. Proof of lawful presence in the U.S., such as a passport or permanent resident card.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in West Virginia

Some drivers with an expired driver’s license in West Virginia may not be eligible for a simple renewal process. In these cases, the driver will be required to retake the state’s driving exams to receive a license. Additionally, drivers can still renew their license up to six months after it has expired without undergoing any retesting. Drivers moving from other states cannot renew an expired license in West Virginia, and must, instead, apply for a new license in the state.

West Virginia DMV License Renewal Options

WV residents must submit a driver’s license renewal request once every five years. Initial licenses are valid from three to seven years, depending on the driver’s age at issuance. Drivers registered in West Virginia can choose to renew their licenses online, by mail or in-person at a local DMV licensing agency. All applicants for a license renewal will are required to pass a vision screening.

How to Renew Your Drivers License Online

The process of how to renew a driver’s license through the state’s web portal is relatively straightforward. It is important to note, however, that a driver’s license renewal form cannot be submitted online by any drivers who would like to update their name, address or license photo. In addition, any driver who is younger than 21 years of age, renewing a commercial license or not an American citizen is ineligible for online submission.

To be able to complete the online application, WV drivers need their current driver’s license, the DMV license renewal notice that contains their four-digit access code and a major credit or debit card in order to pay the application processing fee.

1. Head to the online section of the WV DMV web portal. Then navigate to Driver’s License Renewal.
2. Enter your four-digit PIN to access your profile. Complete the application and upload the necessary supporting information.
3. Pay the necessary application fee by credit or debit card.
4. Submit your application. Print your receipt, which will include your photo, to use as a temporary extension of your license while you wait for your permanent documents to arrive in the mail.

How to Renew Your Driving License by Mail

Drivers wondering how much to renew a driver’s license by mail in West Virginia should know that the same application processing fees apply to renewal requests, regardless of how the application is submitted. Instead of choosing where to renew their driver’s license, many WV drivers choose to gather the necessary material and submit their application by mail. Mailed-in requests for renewal must include photocopies of the necessary material and a check or money order with the appropriate application processing fee.  More information about the submission process by mail is provided on the driver’s individual reminder notice.

How to Renew Your Drivers License in Person

How early can you renew your license when you are submitting an application in-person in West Virginia? The same time restrictions exist for drivers submitting applications in any format. In most cases, the same basic driver’s license renewal application materials are required when submitting the application in-person as well, including showing your current driver’s license and providing the application processing fee in an acceptable format. While it is helpful to bring the DMV renewal notice along when submitting the application, the renewal can be processed without it.

A list of driver’s license offices located around West Virginia that accept renewal applications can be requested from the WV DMV. Some locations may accept scheduled appointments for DMV license renewals in-person, so applicants should inquire about a location’s specific policies before submitting the application. Once prepared, the applicant can head to his or her closest VA DMV location to submit the complete application packet and receive temporary proof of the extension until the new license arrives in the mail.

Military & Out of State Renewal in West Virginia

What you need to renew a driver’s license if you are a member of the military is somewhat different. Active duty military personnel and their family members receive an automatic extension on the validity of their license until six months after they have been honorably discharged from the armed forces.

In some cases, military members can complete a driver’s license renewal while out-of-state with special permission from the DMV. In this situation, the driver’s license is renewed and he or she can receive a copy of his or her driving record stating such, but he or she cannot receive a new license until he or she returns to West Virginia. Questions about driver services for military personnel and their families should be directed to the WV DMV.

West Virginia REAL ID Drivers License Renewal

Driver’s license renewal requirements vary based on whether the applicant would like a REAL ID or not. Licenses that are REAL ID compliant meet federal standards and will be accepted as valid I.D. at federally protected locations now and after 2020 (when new federal requirements kick in). In West Virginia, drivers can currently choose to opt into the REAL ID program for an additional $10 charge. However, drivers can still choose to opt out of the program. In this case, the license will not have the gold star which designates federal compliance.

West Virginia Drivers License Renewal Fees

The driving license renewal fee in West Virginia depends on the age of the driver at the time of submitting the application. How much to renew a driver’s license exactly is a function of $5 for every five years of age, plus 50 cents. For example, someone who is 27 years of age would pay an application processing fee of $25.50, while someone who is 42 years of age would pay an application processing fee of $40.50.

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