How to Get a West Virginia Driver’s License Reinstatement

At the very least, you’ll need to pay a $50 reinstatement fee and submit your original suspension notice to the DMV to reinstate a suspended license in WV.
Written by Amber Reed
Edited by Pat Roache
background
You can get a
West Virginia driver’s license
reinstated after serving your suspension period, taking any required education courses listed on your suspension notice, and paying a $50 reinstatement fee to the WV Division of Motor Vehicles.
  • West Virginia drivers can submit their reinstatement fee, original suspension notice, and driver’s license number online or by mail to initiate their reinstatement process.
  • Drivers with a points-related suspension must also take a West Virginia defensive driving course to satisfy the requirements for their reinstatement.
  • Drivers with a DUI-related suspension must complete a Safety and Treatment Program to reinstate their West Virginia license.

How to get a license reinstatement in West Virginia

Generally speaking, you will need to submit the following to the West Virginia DMV to
reinstate your suspended driver’s license
:
  • $50 reinstatement fee
  • Your original suspension notice
  • Your driver’s license number or social security number
You may need to complete additional reinstatement requirements depending on the reason for your license suspension or revocation. 
How to pay: Call 1-800-642-9066 to double-check the exact amount of fees owed. You can pay your license reinstatement fee by one of the following methods:
  • Online: Login to the
    DMV’s self-service portal
    to pay your fees with a debit or credit card. 
  • By mail: Send your reinstatement fee in cash or check to the following address:
P.O. Box 17030
Charleston, West Virginia 25317
Keep in mind: Drivers who submit online payments can expect to get their driving privileges reinstated faster than those who pay by mail. Contact the West Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT) at 1-304-558-3900 if you have additional questions about your license suspension requirements.

Point suspension license reinstatements

The state of West Virginia issues suspensions for 30 to 90 days to drivers who get 12 or more points on their West Virginia driving record. However, you may be able to rescind your suspension by taking the following steps:
  • Take an
    approved defensive driving course
    to remove three points from your license. 
  • Pay your reinstatement fees.
  • Submit proof of completion of the course before the scheduled end of your suspension period.
Disclaimer: You may be required to take the defensive driving course if you have 14 points or more, but the suspension will stand until the end of your suspension period. 

DUI license reinstatement

West Virginia state law has a
zero-tolerance policy for DUIs
. Your first DUI offense will result in suspension of your license with the following requirements: 
  • A six-month to one-year suspension period
  • Payment of reinstatement and legal fines
  • Completion of a state-authorized Safety and Treatment Program
Expert tip: In some cases, drivers can opt to install an an alcohol interlock device on thier vehicle for a set amount of time to shorten their suspension period.

Why you might need a license reinstatement in West Virginia

Drivers in West Virginia are notified via certified mail if their
license is or will be suspended
. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reserves the right to issue license suspensions for the following reasons:
West Virginia House Bill 4958 ended driver’s license suspensions for unpaid
traffic tickets
and court fees in 2020. You’ll still have to pay your fines, but the program establishes a payment plan that allows you to keep your license.
When in doubt: If you’re not sure if your license has been or is in danger of being suspended, you can check the status of your driving record
online
through the West Virginia DMV. 
MORE: How to find affordable car insurance with a bad driving record
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