Expired Registration in West Virginia
A valid registration is mandated by West Virginia law for all vehicles operated on its public roadways. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) administers all vehicle registration processes throughout the state. At the same time, the West Virginia State Police enforces registration laws on West Virginia's roads and highways.
State Code Provisions in West Virginia
West Virginia's vehicle registration framework is governed by West Virginia Code Chapter 17A, titled "Motor Vehicle Administration, Registration, Certificate of Title, and Antitheft Provisions." Article 3 specifically addresses the original and renewal of registration, including application procedures, expiration dates, and penalties for operating unregistered vehicles. Article 9 covers offenses against registration laws and establishes penalties for operating vehicles without valid registration evidence.
Registration Terms and Expiration in West Virginia
Registration Renewal System
West Virginia operates a staggered annual registration system for Class A motor vehicles (standard passenger vehicles). Under West Virginia Code § 17A-3-16, vehicle registrations are valid for twelve consecutive calendar months, with expiration dates distributed throughout the year. Registration expires at midnight on the last day of the designated expiration month.
Standard Vehicle Registration:
- Class A motor vehicle registrations expire after twelve months from the registration start date
- Registration expiration occurs at midnight on the final day of the designated month
- Example: A vehicle registered with an expiration month of March will expire at midnight on March 31
Two-Year Registration Option
West Virginia also offers an optional two-year registration system under West Virginia Code § 17A-3-16(b). Vehicle owners may elect to register their vehicles for twenty-four consecutive calendar months. When selecting this option, all annual fees are multiplied by two.
Example: A vehicle owner choosing two-year registration in April will have registration valid until April 30 two years later, with all applicable annual fees doubled at the time of registration renewal.
Grace Period for Expired Registration
West Virginia does not provide a grace period for expired vehicle registration. Once registration expires at midnight on the last day of the designated month, the vehicle may not legally be operated on public roads until registration is renewed.
Special Vehicle Categories:
- Class C Trailers: These trailers are registered for the duration of the owner's interest and do not expire until sold or permanently removed from service
- Class T and R Vehicles: Registered for maximum periods of three years with expiration dates designated by the commissioner
Penalties for Expired Registration in West Virginia
West Virginia imposes criminal penalties for operating vehicles with expired registration. The state does not assess separate administrative late fees specifically for renewing expired registration at the DMV.
Administrative Penalties
West Virginia does not impose administrative late fees for renewing expired vehicle registration. Vehicle owners who renew expired registration pay the standard registration fees and any applicable personal property taxes, but no additional penalty is assessed for the lateness of renewal itself. The penalties in West Virginia apply exclusively to operating a vehicle on public highways with expired registration.
Traffic Violations
Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration on West Virginia roadways constitutes a criminal misdemeanor under state law.
Violations and Criminal Classification:
| Statute | Violation | Classification | Maximum Fine | Maximum Imprisonment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W.Va. Code § 17A-3-1(b) | First offense - Operating without valid registration | Misdemeanor | $500 | None |
| W.Va. Code § 17A-3-1(b) | Second or subsequent offense | Misdemeanor | $500 | Up to 6 months |
| W.Va. Code § 17A-9-2(c) | First offense - Operating without registration card/plates displayed | Misdemeanor | $500 | None |
| W.Va. Code § 17A-9-2(c) | Second or subsequent offense | Misdemeanor | $500 | Up to 6 months |
Government Agencies Contact Information
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
5707 MacCorkle Avenue SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: 1-800-642-9066 (West Virginia residents only)
Phone: 304-558-3900 (Out-of-state callers)
Official Website: West Virginia DMV
West Virginia State Police
725 Jefferson Road
South Charleston, WV 25309
Phone: 304-746-2100
Official Website: West Virginia State Police
