Replacing a Lost License in West Virginia

Replacing a Lost West Virginia Driver's License

You must replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license if you plan on operating a motor vehicle. Fortunately, replacing a lost driver's license in West Virginia is not a difficult process

Continue reading below for more information about how to get a duplicate driver's license from the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process varies depending on whether you want to replace a REAL ID-compliant license—one which allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities—versus a non-compliant license.

To find out how to replace your CDL, please visit our page about Replacing a Lost CDL.

REAL ID Licenses in West Virginia

The West Virginia DMV has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses, which allow you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings, in addition to non-compliant driver’s licenses, which are used for basic ID purposes only. You can choose to receive a REAL ID upon replacement—details are outlined below.

Obtain a Duplicate License in West Virginia

The steps for replacing both a driver's license that is NOT for federal identification purposes and a license compliant with REAL ID requirements are similar, but each requires different documentation. See "REAL ID Replacements" below for details.

To replace your lost, stolen, or damaged WV driver's license with a non-compliant license, you must go in person* to a West Virginia DMV service location.

Visit a WV DMV location to complete an application, and provide the required documents and fees. You will need:

  • Proof of identity (1 document).
  • Proof of WV residency (bring 2 documents if you have recently changed address).
  • Name change documents (ONLY if you wish to change your name on your license).
  • Payment for fees.
    • The fee to replace a WV driver's license may vary based on your age and current expiration because the DMV is transitioning to licenses valid for 5 years. For more information about driver's license fees in West Virginia, visit the West Virginia DMV website.
  • A school enrollment form, if you are under 18 years old (also known as a driver eligibility form). You can obtain this form at your school or local Board of Education office.

*NOTE: Take a look at the West Virginia DMV website to see if you are eligible to request a duplicate card online or use a DMV kiosk.

REAL ID Driver License Replacements

For a lost, damaged, or stolen driver's license that is compliant with REAL ID regulations, you will need to bring proof of your:

  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • WV residency (2 documents) with your full name and physical address.
  • Name change (if applicable).

The WV DMV provides a complete list of accepted documents that meet REAL ID driver's license requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pay an additional processing fee of $10 to replace your REAL ID driver's license. Contact the WV DMV directly for more information.

Out-of-State License Replacement

If you are out of the state due to work, school, or military duty and your WV driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can contact the DMV:

Report a Missing WV Driver's License

During the process of completing your West Virginia duplicate license application, you will need to select whether your driver's license has been damaged, stolen, or lost. This information is sufficient enough to report the incident to the DMV.

There are no additional steps to take unless you would like to obtain a police record of the incident.

In this case, you must report the lost or stolen driver's license to law enforcement, who will then issue a report. A police report can be helpful if you are the victim of identity theft and fraud.

Changing Your Driver's License Information

If you need a replacement license because you moved or changed your name, see our Changing Your Address in West Virginia or Changing Your Name in West Virginia pages for more information.

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