West Virginia Address & Name Change

By Javier Marín, Editor·Last reviewed September 2026·How we check this

Updating your West Virginia driver license, vehicle registration, and certificate of title after a move, marriage, or divorce is straightforward — but the address and name updates run on different rules. Address changes can usually be completed online; name changes require an in-person visit and supporting documentation. The state allows 30 days to update either after the change occurs.

Address change — driver license

When you move within West Virginia, you must update your driver license address with the WV DMV within 30 days. The change is free, and you can complete it through:

Online: The WV DMV's online services portal accepts address changes for licenses that are not suspended, revoked, or expired.
By mail: A signed Change of Address form mailed to the WV DMV in Charleston.
In person: At any WV DMV regional office. The clerk updates the record and issues a paper certificate of address change to carry with the license until the next renewal.

Most online address changes do not result in a new card being issued. The change is reflected in the WV DMV record, and the existing card remains valid until expiration. If you want a new card showing the new address, you can order one for an additional fee.

Address change — registration

Vehicle registration in West Virginia is tied to the registered owner's address on file. When you move within West Virginia, update the registration address through the WV DMV's online services portal at the same time as the license update. The personal property tax for the prior year is owed to the county where the vehicle was principally garaged on July 1 of that year; if you moved between counties mid-year, the prior county's tax bill is the one that applies. Going forward, the new county assesses the personal property tax. Visit the new county's assessor to begin the new cycle.

If you move out of West Virginia, your registration must be cancelled by surrendering the plates at any WV DMV regional office. Plates not surrendered remain on the registered owner's record and can incur late fees.

Address change — title

The certificate of title for your vehicle does not need to be updated for an address change — the address on the title is the address at the time of issuance, and only changes at the next title transaction. Insurance carriers, however, must be notified of the address change immediately because rates are calculated on the principal garaging address.

Name change — driver license

A name change on a West Virginia driver license requires an in-person visit to any WV DMV regional office. Bring:

Your current driver license.
Proof of the legal name change: certified marriage certificate, divorce decree showing restoration of maiden or prior name, or court order.
Identity document if not already on file: U.S. birth certificate or valid U.S. passport.
Your Social Security card showing the new name (the SSN record must match the new name on the license — you typically update SSA before the WV DMV).
Two West Virginia residency documents from two different sources, dated within the last 60 days (REAL ID applicants only).

The WV DMV updates the record, takes a new photo, and issues a temporary paper license. The permanent card with the new name arrives by mail in 2-3 weeks. The duplicate fee is approximately $5; a full renewal is approximately $28.50 for the 5-year cycle if the renewal cycle is approaching.

Name change — registration and title

The registration update is processed at the same regional office visit. The WV DMV records the new name on the registration, and the title is updated at the next title transaction (sale, refinance, or duplicate request). The title itself is not reissued for a name change alone — the next time the title moves, the name on the new title will reflect the updated record. If you want the title reissued in the new name, you can request a duplicate title under the new name with the original title surrendered; see title replacement.

Voter registration and other linked records

Updating your driver license address through the WV DMV does not automatically update your voter registration. Use the West Virginia Secretary of State's voter portal or visit your county clerk to update voting records separately. Insurance, lender records, and Social Security must also be updated separately.

Out-of-state moves

If you've moved to West Virginia from another state, you must transfer your out-of-state license to a West Virginia license within 30 days of establishing residency. The transfer typically requires a vision screening and waives the road test if your prior license is current and not expired by more than 90 days. The same 30-day window applies to your vehicle registration.

If you've moved out of West Virginia, no formal cancellation of the West Virginia license is needed — your new state's licensing agency notifies the WV DMV through the Driver License Compact when you obtain a new license. Surrender any specialty plates at a regional office to release them and avoid future renewal notices, and visit your county assessor to remove the vehicle from the personal property tax rolls.