What Is the Abbreviation for West Virginia?
The standard abbreviation for West Virginia is WV. This page explains why West Virginia uses WV, how the code fits into the modern USPS system, what older printed abbreviations looked like, and which nearby or similar state codes people commonly confuse with it.
What Is the Abbreviation for West Virginia?
West Virginia is abbreviated WV. Older sources may use W.Va., but the two-letter postal form WV is the modern standard for addresses, forms, databases, and current style guides.
WV is used for West Virginia in mailing addresses, shipping labels, official forms, and database entries.
Why West Virginia Uses WV
West Virginia's USPS abbreviation is WV.
USPS adopted WV for West Virginia in 1963. The older form W.Va. still appears in older publications, but WV is the standard postal abbreviation now.
Old Abbreviation for West Virginia
Before the USPS two-letter system became the mailing standard in 1963, printed reference books and newspapers often used longer abbreviations with punctuation. For West Virginia, that older style was usually W.Va..
That older form still appears in historical texts, archival material, and some legacy style guides, but the modern postal and database standard is WV. If someone searches for old abbreviation for West Virginia, the practical answer is to recognize W.Va. and use WV in current writing and addresses.
How to Write West Virginia in an Address
In standard American addressing, the state line uses the city name followed by the two-letter code and ZIP Code. The abbreviation stays uppercase and does not take periods.
That same format applies in checkout forms, school worksheets, CRM exports, spreadsheets, shipping labels, and government databases — anywhere a two-letter state code is required.
WV Compared With Similar State Codes
WV is often checked against WA, WI, and WY because several W-state abbreviations are visually similar in lists and forms.
Related Abbreviation Questions
These states share a first letter, region, or alphabetical position with West Virginia and are commonly checked alongside it.
Capital, Region, and Context
West Virginia belongs to the South region. Its capital is Charleston, and its postal code WV is used in addresses, forms, and databases throughout the country.
West Virginia entered the Union on June 20, 1863.
FAQ
What is the abbreviation for West Virginia?
The standard USPS abbreviation for West Virginia is WV.
What is the postal abbreviation for West Virginia?
WV is the two-letter postal abbreviation for West Virginia. It is the form used in mailing addresses, shipping labels, forms, and databases.
How do you abbreviate West Virginia?
Abbreviate West Virginia as WV in current USPS, mailing, and database use.
Why is West Virginia abbreviated WV?
West Virginia's USPS abbreviation is WV.
What does WV stand for?
WV stands for West Virginia in the USPS state abbreviation system.
What is the old abbreviation for West Virginia?
Older editorial styles often wrote West Virginia as W.Va.. For mailing and database use, the modern standard is WV.
How do you write a West Virginia mailing address?
Use the city name, then the two-letter postal code WV, then the ZIP Code. For example: Charleston, WV 00000.
What state is WV?
WV is the postal abbreviation for West Virginia, located in the South region. The capital is Charleston.
Test All 50 State Abbreviations
Now that you know WV stands for West Virginia, see how many of the other 49 you can get right. The M-states and I-states trip up most people.