Moving houses is a significant life event, but overlooking the requirement to notify the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can quickly turn a simple traffic stop into a legal complication. In West Virginia, state law mandates that you update your address with the DMV within 20 days of moving. Failure to comply with this statute (WV Code §17B-2-13) risks more than just a fine; it can lead to you missing critical mail, such as license suspension notices or vehicle registration renewals.
This comprehensive guide clarifies the essential distinction between simply updating your record—which is free and satisfies the legal requirement—and obtaining a new physical card, which is optional but often necessary for identification purposes.
How to Update Your West Virginia Driver’s License Address
When you move, you have two distinct objectives: fulfilling the mandatory legal requirement of informing the state of your new residence, and optionally, acquiring a new physical driver’s license that reflects this change.
Option 1: Update Your WV DMV Address on File Only (Free)
To ensure your official correspondence from the DMV reaches you, you must update your address in the state’s internal database. This process is free and can be completed instantly online via the WV DMV Self-Service Portal. Alternatively, you can submit a written request or the official Change of Address form by mail to the DMV office in Charleston. This action satisfies the 20-day legal requirement.
Option 2: Get a New Driver’s License with Your Updated Address
If you require a driver’s license that displays your current home address—a necessity for many transactions like banking, voting, or air travel—you will need to visit a Regional Office to obtain a duplicate license.
| Feature | File-Only Update (Mandatory) | New Card Update (Optional) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $7.50 for a duplicate license [3] |
| Method | Online or By Mail | In-Person at a Regional Office |
| Physical License | Shows Old Address | Shows New Address |
| Proof of Residency | Not required for online update | Two proofs of residency required |
| Purpose | Satisfies legal requirement; ensures mail delivery | Provides valid photo ID with current address |
When applying for a new card, you must present two proofs of residency, such as a utility bill or a signed lease agreement. If the necessary documents are not yet in your name, you may need to use the West Virginia DMV affidavit of residency form, which allows you to use a housemate’s proof along with a notarized statement.
How to Update Your Vehicle Registration Address in West Virginia
It is a common and costly mistake to assume that changing the address on your driver’s license automatically updates your vehicle’s registration. These are often treated as separate records within the DMV system, and failing to update both can result in your renewal decal being sent to your old address.
To secure your vehicle’s record, you must submit Form DMV-32-TR (Duplicate Registration, Decal, Plate, or Change of Address).
- Select “Change of Address” on the form.
- Submit the form via mail to the Charleston office or in person at a local DMV.
If you only need the file updated to ensure future mailings go to the correct place, there is no charge. However, if you require a new paper registration card that displays the updated address, a $10.00 fee is required.
Moving Within West Virginia vs Moving From Another State
It is crucial to distinguish between moving within West Virginia and moving to West Virginia from another state, as the deadlines and processes are entirely different.
- Moving Within WV: You have 20 days to update your existing driver’s license and vehicle records.
- Moving From Out of State: You have 30 days to transfer your entire license and vehicle registration to West Virginia. This is a far more complex process that typically involves a full vision test and a vehicle inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you can write your new address on the back for your personal reference, this action has no legal standing. Official identification, such as that checked by law enforcement or the TSA, relies on the printed data on the front of the card. For your license to be valid as proof of residence, you must pay the $7.50 fee for a reprint.
No. The USPS mail forwarding service is a temporary convenience and does not update your official state government records. Relying on mail forwarding will only delay the inevitable; eventually, the DMV mail will stop being forwarded, and you risk your registration or license lapsing without your knowledge.
If your county or municipality has changed your address (e.g., converting “Rural Route 4” to a standard street address like “123 Maple Lane”) but you have not physically relocated, you are still required to update the DMV. In this specific scenario, if you bring the official notification letter from the county, the DMV will often update your license and registration records fee-free, as the change was not initiated by you.
Conclusion
The legal requirement is clear: you must update your address within 20 days of moving. The most efficient way to meet this requirement is to update your file online immediately. Once your driver’s license record is secure, your next priority is ensuring your vehicle’s paperwork is equally tidy. If the move has caused you to misplace your vehicle’s ownership documents, you should immediately file for a West Virginia DMV duplicate title to prevent complications when you eventually sell or trade your car.
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