How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in West Virginia in 2026
West Virginia does not provide a dedicated online cancellation system for vehicle registration. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires vehicle owners to physically surrender registration plates to conclude their vehicle registration when transferring ownership or discontinuing vehicle operation. Residents complete this process through in-person visits to regional DMV offices, by mail submission, or at county sheriff's offices authorized to handle vehicle registration matters.
Surrendering your registration plates removes your vehicle's operational authorization on West Virginia roadways and protects you from liability for violations or charges that may occur after you relinquish control of the vehicle. Under West Virginia Code § 17D-2A-3, vehicle owners must return plates when insurance is cancelled or registration is no longer needed.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
West Virginia vehicle owners must surrender their registration plates under multiple circumstances:
- Transferring vehicle ownership through a private sale transaction
- Trading your vehicle to a licensed dealership
- Gifting your vehicle to family members or charitable organizations
- Moving your permanent residence to another state
- Returning a leased vehicle at the conclusion of the lease term
- Delivering your vehicle to a salvage yard or scrap processor
- Receiving a total loss determination from your insurance provider
- Filing a stolen vehicle report with law enforcement without subsequent recovery
- Storing your vehicle for extended periods without active insurance
- Transferring vehicle ownership through estate administration
- Withdrawing a vehicle from operational use permanently
- Disposing of a vehicle through authorized wrecking facilities
Cancellation Process
West Virginia concludes vehicle registration through physical plate surrender rather than electronic cancellation. The Division of Motor Vehicles provides several methods for returning plates and ending registration.
In-Person Plate Surrender
Visit any West Virginia DMV regional office during regular business hours to surrender your registration plates directly to DMV staff. Regional offices are conveniently located throughout the state and process plate surrenders immediately.
Process:
Bring both license plates to a regional DMV office. DMV personnel will accept your plates and provide a receipt confirming surrender. This receipt serves as proof that you returned your plates and terminated your registration.
Advantages: Immediate processing, instant confirmation receipt, ability to address questions directly with DMV staff, and immediate protection from future liability.
Appointment Information: Most regional offices accept appointments for various services. While walk-ins are welcome, scheduling an appointment may reduce wait times. Contact the DMV at 1-800-642-9066 (West Virginia residents) or 304-558-3900 (out-of-state callers) to schedule appointments or verify office hours.
County Sheriff Offices
West Virginia county sheriffs handle vehicle registration matters in addition to DMV regional offices. Contact your local county sheriff's office to confirm they accept plate surrenders and verify their hours of operation.
Mail-In Plate Surrender
Send your registration plates through the postal system to the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Mailing Address:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 17700
Charleston, WV 25317
Instructions:
Package both plates securely to prevent damage during transit. Include a written statement providing your name, address, vehicle identification number, plate number, and reason for surrender. Keep a record of your mailing date and tracking information if available.
Processing Time: Mail-in surrenders typically require several weeks for processing. The DMV will not provide an automatic confirmation receipt for mailed plates, so maintain your mailing documentation as proof of surrender.
Petition for Refund of Registration Fees
West Virginia allows refunds for specific situations involving unused vehicle registration fees. The Division of Motor Vehicles evaluates refund requests according to established policies governing when refunds are permitted.
Refund Eligibility
The DMV grants refunds only under limited circumstances as specified in official policy.
Refund Qualifications:
Refunds are issued exclusively for unused registration decals and unused plates when the registration card, decal, and plates are all returned to the DMV. Duplicate payments qualify for refunds when both cash receipts and copies of both cancelled checks are provided.
Time Limitation: All refund applications must be submitted to the Division of Motor Vehicles within six months following the transaction date. Applications received after the six-month deadline will not be processed.
Non-Refundable Items: Registration fees for periods already begun typically do not qualify for refunds unless a specific error or unusual circumstances apply. Partial-year refunds generally are not available once the registration period has commenced.
Refund Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Application Form
Download and complete the Application for Refund (Form DMV-38-AB) from the DMV website or obtain a copy at any regional office.
Step 2: Complete Required Information
Provide all requested details on the application form:
- Name to receive refund
- Complete mailing address with city, state, and ZIP code
- Driver's license number with expiration date
- Date of birth
- Plate number (include spaces as shown on plate)
- Vehicle identification number, make, model, year, weight
- Title number
- Detailed explanation of the refund reason
- Requested refund amount
- Your signature certifying the request
- Date of request (must be within six months of transaction date)
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documentation
All refund requests must include copies of cancelled checks, showing both the front and back, and/or applicable transaction receipts. Without proper documentation, the DMV cannot process refund applications.
For unused registration items, return the actual unused decals, plates, and registration card with your application.
Step 4: Submit Application
Mail your completed application with all supporting documentation to:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 17700
Charleston, WV 25317
Credit Card Refunds: If you paid by credit card and wish to receive your refund on the same card, provide the card type and last four digits on the application. Credit card refunds are processed only to the original card used for the transaction.
Processing: DMV supervisory staff review refund applications to verify eligibility. Approved refunds are issued by warrant (check) and mailed to the address shown on the application. Processing time varies based on application volume and complexity.
Governing Laws and Regulations
West Virginia vehicle registration and plate surrender procedures are established through state statutes and regulations:
- West Virginia Code § 17D-2A-3 establishes requirements for vehicle registration, plate issuance, and surrender obligations when registration is no longer needed or insurance is cancelled
- West Virginia Code § 17A-9-7 addresses surrender of vehicle registration evidence and establishes reinstatement fees for registrations cancelled, suspended, or revoked for failure to maintain required motor vehicle insurance
- West Virginia Code § 17A-4-10 establishes procedures for certificate of title surrender by insurance companies following total loss claims and damaged vehicle dispositions
Government Agencies
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 17700, Charleston, WV 25317
Phone: 1-800-642-9066 (West Virginia residents) or (304) 558-3900 (out-of-state)
Official Website: West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
DMV Regional Offices in Major Cities
West Virginia operates regional DMV offices throughout the state where residents can surrender license plates in person and complete other vehicle registration transactions. Most regional offices accept appointments and walk-in customers during regular business hours.
Kanawha City Regional Office (Charleston)
5707 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: 1-800-642-9066 (in-state only) or 304-558-3900
Official Website: Kanawha City Regional Office
Huntington Regional Office
801 Madison Avenue, P.O. Box 880, Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: 1-800-642-9066 (in-state only) or 304-558-3900
Official Website: Huntington Regional Office
Parkersburg Regional Office
601 Lubeck Avenue, Parkersburg, WV 26101
Phone: 1-800-642-9066 (in-state only) or 304-558-3900
Official Website: Parkersburg Regional Office
Morgantown Regional Office
1525 Deckers Creek Blvd, Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: 1-800-642-9066 (in-state only) or 304-558-3900
Official Website: Morgantown Regional Office
Martinsburg Regional Office
38 Severna Parkway, Martinsburg, WV 25403
Phone: 1-800-642-9066 (in-state only) or 304-558-3900
Official Website: Martinsburg Regional Office
Beckley Regional Office
107 Pinecrest Drive, Beckley, WV 25801
Phone: 1-800-642-9066 (in-state only) or 304-558-3900
Official Website: Beckley Regional Office
Clarksburg Regional Office
153 West Main Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301
Phone: 1-800-642-9066 (in-state only) or 304-558-3900
Official Website: Clarksburg Regional Office
Fairmont Regional Office
2600 Middletown Commons, Suite 174, White Hall, WV 26554
Phone: 1-800-642-9066 (in-state only) or 304-558-3900
Official Website: Fairmont Regional Office
Winfield Regional Office
116 Liberty Square, Hurricane, WV 25526
Phone: 1-800-642-9066 (in-state only) or 304-558-3900
Official Website: Winfield Regional Office
Charles Town Regional Office
24 Ruland Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430
Phone: 1-800-642-9066 (in-state only) or 304-558-3900
Official Website: Charles Town Regional Office
