Whether you’re a new resident of the Mountain State or just moving down the road in your hometown, you can complete your West Virginia change of address paperwork at your local DMV. If you’re moving in-state, you also have the option to change your address online.

Moving can be a tedious and unpleasant ordeal, especially if there are any kind of stairs involved. Once the last box is unpacked and the

U-Haul

has been returned, you probably want nothing less than to fall to your knees and sing Hallelujah. Well, before you flex those golden pipes, there’s one last thing you need to do: officially change your address.

We’ll guide you through everything you need to know about the West Virginia change of address process.

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How to change your address on a West Virginia driver’s license

Going to the DMV might not fit most people’s idea of a good time, but it’s important if you want to keep legally driving. Fortunately, those moving in-state should be able to change their address online.

If you’re moving within West Virginia

Once you establish your new residency, West Virginia law requires that you update your driver’s license within 20 days for in-state moves.

Luckily, you have the option of going online to fill out the paperwork, which you can access with this

link

. There is no fee necessary to fill out the form, but you will need the following:

West Virginia driver’s license

Your updated address

Two

proofs of residency

Vehicle registration card(s)

Handicap placard number (if necessary)

After the online form is completed and processed, you have the option to apply for new duplicate documents, which you can do by going

here

. If you want a new driver’s license with your updated address, it will cost you $7.50.

You could also print out the

physical form

and either bring it to your nearest

DMV location

or mail it to the following address:

WV DMV Records Section, P.O. Box 17150, Charleston, WV 25317

In addition to your driver’s license, you will have 20 days to update the address on your vehicle registration, which you can complete by following this

link

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If you’re moving to West Virginia from another state

If you’re moving to West Virginia from another state, then the process is a little more complicated, and there isn’t an online option, unfortunately. Once you get moved in, you have 30 days to apply for a West Virginia driver’s license.

To do so, you’ll have to visit a DMV location in person and bring the following with you:

Your old driver’s license or a certified driving record from the previous state

Proof of identity and citizenship

Two proofs of West Virginia residency

Proof of social security (social security card or W-2 form)

The fee of $20.50 (gets you a five year, non-commercial license)

Only the original version of the documents can be used, so no copies. You won’t have to take a driving test as long as your old license was valid, but you will have to pass a vision exam and a short alcohol awareness course.

You will also have 30 days to register your vehicle in West Virginia, which you will also have to do in person at a DMV location. You will need:

Your out-of-state title and registration

Valid proof of West Virginia liability insurance

A completed

Application for Certificate of Title

The $51.50 registration fee, $15 titling fee, and 6% titling sales tax fee (you are exempt from this if the vehicle is already titled in your name)

Make sure to bring any dealer invoices or lease agreements, if necessary. Your car will also be subject to a safety and emissions inspection.

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Other steps for a West Virginia change of address

Another government agency you should remember to notify when you move is the US Postal Service. You don’t want to miss any important packages or correspondence, so make sure you

fill out this form

as soon as possible!

How to notify your insurance company of your West Virginia change of address

Last one, we promise, but you will also need to notify your insurance provider of your new address so that your policy stays intact. This is typically as easy as calling your agent and telling them about your move, but there are often online options, as well.

It’s extremely important that you keep your insurer updated. Otherwise, you could lose coverage or even have your policy lapse. Say you were to get pulled over by a police officer, only to find that you don’t have enough

liability insurance

for the state of West Virginia. You could easily be fined or have your driving privileges suspended for such an infraction.

This is important because insurance providers use your ZIP code to determine your rates by studying local driving trends and possible risks. You could even be charged with fraud if you move without telling your insurer.

Key Takeaway Before you move, tell your insurance company where you’re going to avoid catastrophically raising your rates for the foreseeable future.

MORE:

The 8 places you need to notify when you’re moving

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