Changing Your Address

Moving can be such a fun experience, but there are also quite a few details to which you must pay attention. Aside from unloading boxes and sifting through suitcases, one of the first things you do when you move is call everyone you know and make sure they know your new address. This includes family members, friends, employers, credit card companies, and magazine subscriptions.

But do you know how important it is to change your address with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles?

If you are a resident of West Virginia and are moving to another location in the state, you must notify the WV DMV, in writing, within 20 days of your address change. You may also go to your local DMV office with your license or ID, one proof of West Virginia Residency (the same type of proof you would take when applying for a new license or ID card), and the $5 replacement fee. Failure to do so can bring consequences in the form of fines or even imprisonment.

Notifying the U.S. Post Office may seem sufficient, but it won't update your record with the DMV or allow important DMV mail to be forwarded to you. Failing to change your address with the DMV directly could cause you to miss notifications of the renewal date of your license, or even have your driving privileges suspended or revoked unnecessarily, so make sure to notify your local DMV office of your address change.

For more information regarding changing information on your driver's license or ID card, check out our Other License Information section.