West Virginia DMV: The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the WV Department of Transportation is the state organization tasked with handling vehicle registration, driver licensing, and the distribution of license plates and titles. It upholds adherence to state laws and regulations concerning motor vehicles and maintains multiple branch offices across West Virginia to ensure accessibility for residents. Essential services encompass vehicle registration, issuance of titles, driver’s license testing and renewal, as well as the provision of driving records.

The WV DMV is located at 5707 MacCorkle Avenue, SE, Charleston, WV 25304. Contact the agency by phone at 1-304-558-3900 or toll-free at 1-800-642-9066 for West Virginia residents. For hearing-impaired individuals, the number is 1-800-742-6991. For inquiries via email, you can contact them at [email protected]​ or [email protected]​. License Plate Design and Format: In West Virginia, license plates display a reflective white background with embossed dark blue serial numbers and the state outline as a separator. At the top, a dark blue bar features “West Virginia” in gold lettering, with a thin gold stripe between the bar and the serial number. The plates proudly bear the state slogan “Wild, Wonderful.” The serial format follows the pattern 12A 345.

Displaying a WV License Plate: Registration plates must be affixed to the rear of the vehicle, except for truck tractors and road tractors designed to tow trailers or semitrailers, where the plate is mounted on the front. Each plate  must be securely fastened horizontally to the vehicle, where it is clearly visible and readable.

Types of License Plates: West Virginia offers various types of special license plates categorized under Associations and Organizations, Colleges and Universities, General Interest, and Military. Personalized plates are available for Class A vehicles upon meeting specific criteria and can be transferred within the original registrant’s name or between spouses.

West Virginia Vehicle Registration and Renewal: Vehicle owners in the Mountain State must register and title their vehicles to drive them legally on public roads. To register a vehicle, obtaining a license plate and registration card, which must be kept with the vehicle along with proof of current insurance. New residents must complete vehicle titling and registration within thirty days of establishing residency in the state. Annual renewal of registration is also required.

License Plate Transfer: In West Virginia, the plate can be transferred to another vehicle if the new vehicle is titled and registered in your name. This process can be completed online through the West Virginia DMV service center, requiring proof of auto insurance.

WV License Plate Replacement: Applications to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged West Virginia license plate are handled through the DMV Online Services. Once reported lost or stolen, the same plate number cannot be reused, and immediate notification to the West Virginia State Police is required for stolen plates.