Driver's Licenses and ID Cards

There are TWO types Driver's Licenses & ID Cards

You have the choice between a Not For Federal Use driver’s license or ID card, or a REAL ID/For Federal Use card that contains a gold star, indicating that the card meets full federal requirements for future use at airports and other designated federal facilities and uses nationwide. Details of how Federal Government will implement this requirement have not been released.

Applicants applying for, renewing, or obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card are required to provide specific documents. The documents you need to bring to the DMV depends on what type of card you choose. Due to processing and shipping costs, an additional $10.00 fee is required to obtain a FOR REAL ID/For Federal Use card.

“Not for Federal Identification” Card Requirements

Renewal Applicants for a driver’s license or ID card with no changes are required to provide their current license or ID card, the renewal application, and one proof of West Virginia residency document with name and physical address. Any changes in address since the last card will require two proofs of WV residency documents with name and physical address. Any change of legal name requires proof of legal name change document(s).

Duplicate Applicants If your license has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, you are required to provide one proof of identity document and one proof of WV residency document. Additionally if your legal name has changed from what was listed on your previous license or ID card, you must also provide proof of legal name change document(s). If you have changed your address since the last card was issued, you must provide two proofs of WV residency documents.

New Applicants, Transfers, and Expired License Applicants are required to provide one proof of identity, one proof of Social Security number, two proofs of WV residency with name and physical address, and proof of legal name change document(s) if your name has changed or is different than the provided proof of identity document.

Applicants who have never held a driver's license or ID card, who are transferring a license from out-of-state, or who have a West Virginia license that has been expired for more than six (6) months are considered first-time applicants.
Applicants who are applying for a West Virginia driver's license and are transferring a license from another state, must also submit their current license from the previous state or present a current certified driving record from their previous state, dated 30 days or less from the date of the application. New residents who want to drive in WV must apply for a WV driver's license within 30 days.

“For Federal Identification” (REAL ID) Card Requirements

Renewal and Duplicate Applicants choosing a “For Federal Use” driver’s license or ID card are required to provide one proof of identity document, one proof of Social Security number document, two proofs of WV residency documents with name and physical address, and proof of legal name change document(s) if their name has ever changed or is different than the provided proof of identity document.

Applicants who have never held a driver's license or ID card, who are transferring a license from out-of-state, or who have a West Virginia license that has been expired for more than six (6) months are considered first-time applicants.
Applicants who are applying for a West Virginia driver's license and are transferring a license from another state, must also submit their current license from the previous state or present a current certified driving record from their previous state, dated 30 days or less from the date of the application. New residents who want to drive in WV must apply for a WV driver's license within 30 days.

This card is sent to the applicant's address via USPS in 10-15 business days, but due to an increase in demand, you may experience a delay of up to 30-45 business days. A temporary License is issued at the time the application is accepted at DMV for use during the production and shipping of this card.

Acceptable Proof Documents

Proof of Identity Documents

An original or certified copy of a United States-issued birth certificate (U.S. Department of State and U.S. Military birth certificates ARE acceptable, hospital birth certificates and Bureau of Census records are NOT acceptable)

To obtain a birth certificate, if you were born in West Virginia, contact the Office of Vital Statistics or the County Clerk at the courthouse of the county in which you were born. If you were born in another state, the National Center for Health Statistics has information on how to obtain a birth certificate.

Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or official U.S. Passport card
If foreign born, valid, unexpired Department of Homeland Security (DHS) document(s) or acceptable alternatives as outlined below:

Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) issued by DHS (or INS)
Employment authorization document (EAD) issued by DHS, Form I-766 or Form I-688B
Certificate of Naturalization issued by DHS, Form N-550 or Form N-570
Certificate of Citizenship, Form N-560 or Form N-561, issued by DHS
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the U.S. Department of State, Form FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545
Foreign passport with a valid, unexpired U.S. visa affixed accompanied by the approved I-94 form documenting the applicant’s most recent admittance into the United States

Proof of Social Security Number Documents

Social Security card
Original Wage and Tax Statement (W-2) or payroll stub with the applicant’s employer name and employer ID number, as well as the applicant’s name, address, and Social Security number (a photocopy of a W-2 is not acceptable) (You may use the same W-2 as one proof of WV residency, provided it is not more than 18 months old)
1099 form with applicant’s full Social Security number and name

Please make sure your Social Security records reflect your full legal name, as reflected on your other documents. DMV must be able to establish a name connection between documents, therefore your full legal name must match your name on file with the Social Security Administration. If an applicant is not eligible for a social security number, then the applicant must submit a denial letter from the Social Security Administration. The Division checks every social security number with the SSA. If you have a problem with the SSA, such as name or date of birth does not match with records of the DMV, and SSA then you must have the problem corrected before you can be issued a permit, license, or identification card. Your documents will be scanned and returned to you, which will provide DMV with a historical record, and provide you with additional protection, per the Federal Real ID Act of 2005. Please visit the Social Security Administration website for information about obtaining a Social Security number.

Proof of Legal Name Change Documents

DMV must be able to establish a link between any legal name changes - Please Call 1-800-642-9066 to clarify which proof of name change document(s) you will need to bring in to obtain your license or ID card (you may be required to provide all or some of the following proof below)

Certified marriage certificate (for each marriage if married more than once, Souvenir documents or Minister’s copies are not acceptable)
(If you need to obtain one, contact the county courthouse in the county and state in which you were married (click here for a WV directory)); or
Original or certified copy of a birth certificate with amended legal name

To obtain a birth certificate, if you were born in West Virginia, contact the Office of Vital Statistics. If you were born in another state, the National Center for Health Statistics has information on how to obtain a birth certificate.

Court Order with legal name/name change
Certified divorce decree(s) with legal name/name change
If you are age 50 or over, have satisfied all other documentation requirements, hold a current WV driver’s license or ID card in the name being verified, and have gone through at least one WV license renewal cycle, a signed statement may be submitted in lieu of the name change document such as the marriage certificate or divorce decree

Proof of West Virginia Residency Documents

You will be required to provide TWO proofs of West Virginia residency.
Documents with a PO Box are not acceptable.
Any recurring document cannot be more than 60 days old (such as a utility bill or bank statement).
A termination notice from a utility company cannot be used as a proof of residency document.
You may not use more than one proof of WV residency document issued by the same company.
Married applicants may provide residency documents from this list in their spouse's name when accompanied with a Certified Marriage Certificate.

Acceptable Documents

WV utility bills (not more than 60 days old, cannot be a termination notice, and cannot be two bills issued by the same company)
Tax records with a WV street address
WV mortgage documents, WV homeowner insurance documents for a WV residence, or proof of WV home ownership
WV W-2 form that is not more than 18 months old (you may use the same W-2 as your proof of Social Security number)
WV weapons permit
A valid WV vehicle registration card
WV Voter’s Registration card
Driver’s Eligibility Certificate (required for all applicants who are under the age of 18 that do not present a diploma or other certificate of graduation issued by a secondary high school when applying, can only be used as proof of residency if it has a WV street address)
WV Homestead Tax exemption
Proof of WV public assistance
Residential rental or lease agreement
WV DMV Affidavit of West Virginia Residency
College admissions letter that shows the applicant is an in-state resident
Letter from a WV homeless shelter, hotel, senior citizen's home, rehabilitation center, nursing home, children’s home, orphanage, shelter, battered women’s shelter, or Job Corps, including the facility’s physical address, that explains that the applicant is a resident at their facility (letterhead is preferred, but not required)
Pay check stub from any WV employer that shows a current physical address (cannot be hand written)
Social Security benefits letter
WV Professional License
United States Selective Service card
WV Dealer temporary registration card
Letter from the applicant’s employer stating that all utility and house arrangements are provided by the employer
Letter from the US Post Office that shows a new, physical, WV address assigned by the Post Office for the applicant
WV bank statement
WV auto insurance card
WV hunting license
License plate or Driver’s License renewal form
911 letter

Click here to open a copy of the brochure on the new driver's license and ID card requirements.

Changes to Birth Date, Social Security Number

The license or identification card holder shall substantiate a change of name by marriage with a certified marriage certificate. The license or identification card holder may choose from the following options to display his or her name on the drivers license, However, a court order specifying a change of name supersedes a birth and certified marriage certificate.

Last name, first name then middle name as evidence by the applicants certified birth certificate
Last name of spouse, as evidence by the applicants certified marriage certificate then the first name and middle name as evidenced by the applicants birth certificate
Last name as evidence by the applicants marriage license, first name, then maiden name as evidence by the applicants birth certificate to stand in place of the middle name.
Any change in the birth date requires a certified birth certificate.
Any change or correction of the social security number requires a social security card (non-metal & not a printout from SSA.)
Any change of gender requires the submission of the Gender Designation Form, which must be fully and accurately completed, and signed by a licensed physician.

Click here to visit the Secure Licensing FAQ Section.

Sample Licenses

WV Driver's License "Not For Federal Identification"

Sample shown for citizens over age 21.

These currently arrive at the applicant's address through USPS in approximately 30 to 45 business days.

WV Driver's License for "Federal Identification Use"

Sample shown for citizens over age 21.

These are applied for at all DMV locations, however they currently arrive at the applicant's address through USPS in approximately 30 to 45 business days.

WV Temporary License

Sample shown for citizens over age 21.

Supplied by DMV when an applicant elects a "Federal Identification Use" Driver's License. The expiration is set at 60 days from the issuance date.

WV License Ages 15-17

Sample shown for Level 2 - Intermediate License but "Not for Federal Identification"

See Details on Graduated Driver's Licensing below.

WV License Ages 18-20

Sample shown for under 21 Driver's License and "For Federal Identification"

See Details on Graduated Driver's Licensing below.

Licenses Issued July 2011 - December 2011

The Licenses below were issued July 2011 through December 2011 are currently in circulation, for details click on one of the images below:

Licenses Issued Prior to July 2011

The Licenses below were issued through July 2011 are currently in circulation and are valid until expiration:

Procedures on Driver's Licenses

If you are looking for a Driver's Licensing Handbook, click here.

Who Must Be Licensed?

If you live in West Virginia and want to drive a motor vehicle on the public roads, you must have a West Virginia driver's license, unless you are exempt. You must carry your license with you when you drive.

Who is Exempt?

Any person operating a motor vehicle in the armed services of the United States in the performance of official duties.
A nonresident who is at least 16 years old and has a valid driver's license from another state or country (limited to 90 days in a calendar year).
A nonresident who is attending a West Virginia college or university and has a valid license from another state

Who Must Be Tested?

Individuals with Instruction Permits
Individuals from other States if Driver's License is expired
West Virginia residents whose license have been expired for more than 6 months
Individuals who have obtained a WV Identification Card

Where to Apply?

All types of instruction permits and driving licenses may be obtained at one of the Division of Motor Vehicles Regional Offices or any Division of Motor Vehicles Exam Centers on a rotating schedule. Click here for a list of locations with directions and information.

The WVDMV will make all reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all of its programs, services, and activities. For example, individuals with service animals are welcomed in the WVDMV offices, even where pets are generally prohibited.

Persons who require special assistance with sign language interpreters, hearing equipment, or visual aids or anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity of the WVDMV should contact us as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event.

Who Can Be Denied a License?

Any person who is a habitual user of alcoholic beverages or is addicted to the use of narcotic drugs.
Any person whose license has been suspended or revoked by this state or any other state or foreign jurisdiction, until the expiration of the suspension or revocation period.
Any person who the Commissioner of Division of Motor Vehicles has good cause to believe would be hazardous to the public safety or welfare when operating a motor vehicle.
Any person who is under 18 years of age and not enrolled in or graduated from an approved educational institution.
A person illegal in the U.S.
Any person who cannot provide the required documentation as outlined in the following section.

All types of instruction permits and driver's licenses may be obtained at most of the DMV Regional Offices.

To obtain a birth certificate, if you were born in West Virginia, contact the Office of Vital Statistics. If you were born in another state, the National Center for Health Statistics has information on how to obtain a birth certificate.

**Please note: If the motor vehicle you want to take the driver's skills examination in is under a safety recall, Regional Office personnel will not give the examination. If a customer wishes to be examined in a vehicle under a known safety recall, the owner or operator must provide proof that the issue has been properly repaired and resolved prior to being allowed to use that vehicle for the examination.

You will be provided with the opportunity to obtain another vehicle not under any safety recall to proceed with the skills test provided it is still on the same day of requested testing.

A Word about the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS)

All drivers’ license applicants are subject to a review of their driving records through the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS), a national driver registry designed to track violations and suspensions from state-to-state. If you have previously received a violation in another state, make sure to satisfy any citations and suspensions you may have pending before applying for a West Virginia driver's license.

Out-of-State Transfers / New Residents

If you have a valid non-expired out-of-state license, you are eligible to transfer the license. If the out-of-state license is expired, you are required to take all examination tests, vision, written, and road skills examination(s) before making application for a driver's license. You are required to pass a vision screening, complete a brief alcohol awareness course, and surrender your out-of-state license before a WV license will be issued. A transfer applicant must present all documents that are required. If you have a motorcycle endorsement on your license the Division will transfer the endorsement for an additional fee of $1.00 per year, for the length of the time the driver's license is valid.

A new resident who does not have possession of the out-of-state license or if it has expired, must obtain a certified driving record, dated no more than 30 days from the date of the application, from the state in which they were previously licensed.

If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, you will not be licensed in WV, until you receive a “clearance” in the PDPS. It is illegal to drive in WV with a suspended or revoked license. All applicants for a WV driver's license must be verified with the PDPS. It is important to confirm that you are not under suspension in any other jurisdiction before attempting to obtain a license in WV.

Out-of-state Transfers for Applicants Under 18 Years of Age

Any applicant under 18 years of age, who does not possess a graduated driver’s license that either equals or exceeds WV’s Level 2 GDL intermediate driver’s license, or who was previously licensed in a state or jurisdiction which does not have a graduated drive’s license program, must complete the road skills test and written examination as if they’ve never held a driver’s license. However, if the applicant provides a current driving record from their previous state or jurisdiction when they come in to apply for their WV driver’s license, they will be credited with the length of time they held their previous driver’s license to be put towards the required time period for a Level 1 GDL instruction permit.

Upon obtaining a WV graduated driver’s license, the driving record from the applicant’s previous state or jurisdiction becomes part of their WV driving record.

Change of Address

If you change your address you are required to notify, in writing, the DMV within 20 days of the change. Failure to do this subjects you to a possible fine or imprisonment. Simply notifying the US Post Office will NOT update your record with the DMV or allow important DMV mail to be forwarded to you. By failing to change your address with the DMV, you could miss the renewal date of your license, or even have your driving privileges suspended or revoked unnecessarily.

To change your address with DMV use the Change of Address form found on the forms and applications page here.

Applicants who are Immigrants, Non-Immigrants, or Refugees

Immigrants

Immigrants who are applying for a learners permit, driver's license, or identification card are required to provide the following documents:

One of the following:

An INS Form I-551 Alien Registration Receipt Card
A valid Temporary I-551 stamp in Foreign Passport (with English translation) or on INS Form I-94
Valid re-entries permit INS Form I-327

Social Security Card
2 Proofs of WV residency

Non-Immigrants

Non-Immigrants applying for learners permit, driver's license, or identification card are required to provide the following documents:

Social Security Card
2 Proofs of WV residency
A valid foreign passport with English translation
A form I-94
A visa issued by the United States if the applicant is from a nation whose citizens are required by the United States to obtain a visa
All original INS documents to verify status and length of authorized stay
If the applicants status is F-1 or F-2 a form I-20 and a written verification of attendance at the school listed on from I-20 (not more than 20 days old) is required
If the applicant’s status is H1-A, H1-B, H-3, or H-4, written verification (not more than 30 days old) from employer is required
If the applicant’s status is J-1, or J-2, a form DS2019 and written verification of employment or attendance at the school listed on from DS2019 (not more than 30 days old) is also required

Refugee

Refugees applying for learner’s permit, driver's license, or identification cards are required to provide the following documents:

Social Security Card
INS Form I-94 showing grant of refugee status
A Reception and Placement Program Assurance Form
Written verification of identity and WV residency presented by an employee of sponsoring organization approved by the United States Department of State to resettle refugees in WV

Applicants who are refugees who do not have an approved sponsoring organization or an asylee shall provide the following:

2 Proofs of WV residency
Social Security Card
Form INS I-94 stamped Refugee/Asylee
Form I-688 B and I-766 Employment Authorization Document

Military Renewal of Drivers License

Military personnel (17B-2-12) driver's license of any person in the armed forces is extended for a period of six months from the date the person is separated under honorable circumstances from active duty in the armed forces.

The Division may, upon request, renew the driving privileges of a licensee who is temporarily located out of state at the time their license expires. The Division shall not issue a new driver's license to the licensee. The Division will issue a certified driving record to the licensee indicating that the licensee has renewed his or her driving license with a notation of the new expiration date. The licensee shall obtain a new license upon returning to West Virginia. For further information call 1-800-642-9066.

Youth Identification Cards

The Youth Identification card is for minors that are 2 to 15 years of age. A parent or guardian must sign the application (DMV-DS-23P), provide the minor's birth certificate, social security card, and two proofs of WV residency documents to be submitted with the application.

These cards are in vertical format, as all minor ID cards, and have a yellow background. New and duplicate Youth ID cards cost $10.00 and are valid for two years from the date of issuance.

Regular (non-GDL) Instruction Permit

If you are 18 or older and have never obtained a driver's license (Level 2 or comparable), you must obtain a regular Class E Instruction Permit. When you have completed the application and presented the appropriate documents as a first-time applicant, you will be allowed to take the vision screening and knowledge test. When you pass the vision and knowledge tests, you will be issued a regular Class E Instruction Permit. The instruction Permit allows you to operate a motor vehicle when a licensed driver 21 or older occupies the front seat with you. The Instruction Permit will be valid for a period of 90 days. It can be renewed one time within the valid period of 90 days. After an Instruction Permit is renewed one time, you must retake both the vision screening and written tests to obtain another Instruction Permit. If you have never been licensed at a Level 2 or comparable, you must maintain the Instruction Permit for at least 30 days before you are eligible for the road skill test.

Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL)

Click here to see the WV GDL Program Flyer.

Level 1 – Knowledge Test - Fee $7.50 per attempt

An instruction permit allows you to operate a motor vehicle in order to learn to drive.

Requirements:

Take a knowledge test
Be at least 15 years old and less than 18 years old

If you are under the age of 18, a parent, single parent having custody, or legal guardian must sign your application, before you can be tested. Married applicants under the age of 18 are not required to have parental consent, however, you must present a copy of your certified marriage certificate. You must also have a current school eligibility form. This permit is not renewable.

Expiration Date: 18th Birthday with 30 Day Grace Period

Restrictions for Level 1:

Must have a licensed driver 21 or over in front seat
May only drive between the hours of 5:00 am and 10:00 pm
All occupants must use safety belts in accordance with state law
Zero alcohol tolerance
May only have two additional non-family member passengers in addition to supervising adult
No cell phone usage/texting while operating a vehicle. You may be stopped by law enforcement as a primary offense.

Level 2 – Intermediate Driver's License – Fee $7.50 (road skill examination)

Requirements:

Take a road skills test
Be at least 16 years of age
Held a Level I permit for 6 months
Must be infraction free for 6 months immediately preceding date of application for Level II
Must have 50 hour certification form completed, with 10 of the hours being at night, and certified by parent or legal guardian or Driver Education Card

Expiration Date: 18th Birthday with 30 Day Grace Period

If you receive two moving violations on a Level II, your license will be suspended until your 18th birthday. Once you turned 18, you would have a reinstatement fee to pay and you would have to retest on all parts of the test.

Married applicants under the age of 18 are not required to have parental consent, however, you must present a copy of your certified marriage certificate. You must also have a current school eligibility form.

Restrictions for Level 2:

May not operate a motor vehicle during his or her first six months of Level II status with any (0) non-family member passengers under the age of 20. May not operate a motor vehicle with more than one (1) non-family member under the age of 20 as a passenger during the second six months of Level II
May drive without supervising adult between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm.
Must be accompanied by a supervising adult driver between the hours of 10:00 pm and 5:00 am EXCEPT when the licensee is participating in or returning from:

Employment
A school sanctioned activity
A religious activity
An emergency situation requiring the licensee to operate a motor vehicle to prevent bodily injury or death of another

All occupants must use safety belts in accordance with state law
Zero alcohol tolerance
No cell phone usage/texting while operating a vehicle. You may be stopped by law enforcement as a primary offense

Level 3 – Full Class E License Fee - $5.00 for each year until 21st birthday (plus .50 motor voter fee)

Requirements:

Must have at least 1 year with Level II
Must be infraction free for 1 year (excludes headlamp violation and improper backing violation)
Must be at least 17 years of age

Expiration date: 21st birthday with 30 day grace period

Restrictions for Level 3:

Points will now be applied for any tickets received
Zero alcohol tolerance
All occupants must use safety belts in accordance with state law

Driver's Eligibility Certificate

A valid School Driver Eligibility Certificate is required to perform any driver’s license transaction for a person under the age of 18. This form also fulfills the residency requirement if the school enrollment form has a physical address listed for the address. If the school enrollment form has a PO Box then the applicant is required to provide two (2) additional proofs of residency from the residency list. The Driver's Eligibility Certificate can be obtained at the school in which the student attends. A home schooled student must obtain a form through the Board of Education in the county in which they reside. A student attending school out of state can pick up an out of state School Driver Eligibility Certificate at any DMV Regional office or testing center. This form must be completed by the school principal and must be accompanied by a letter from the school on their letterhead. In addition, the applicant is required to show two (2) proofs of WV residency if attending a school outside of WV. If the applicant has already graduated from school and has not reached the age of 18, then a diploma can be used in place of the School Driver Eligibility Certificate, GED enrollment making satisfactory progress or a certificate of completion for the program, or proof of enrollment in an institution of higher learning as a full time student.

License Restrictions

The DMV is authorized to impose license restrictions to assure the safe operation of motor vehicles. The DMV may issue you a restricted license with the restriction indicated on the driver's license. Operating a motor vehicle in violation of the restriction is a serious offense and could result in the suspension or revocation of your driving privilege. Once suspended, the DMV does not offer a restricted license for work purposes.

Carry Your License

Be sure you have your driver's license with you when you drive. If stopped, you are required to display this license upon demand to any law enforcement officer, magistrate, or official of Division of Motor Vehicles. Violation of this requirement is a misdemeanor.

Fraudulent Use of Driver's Licenses

The information you provide when you apply for your driver's license, or apply for a duplicate license must be true and accurate. It is against the law to provide false information when you apply for any type of driving license or identification card, change or alter your license in any way, use someone else's license as your own, or permit someone else to use your driver's license. The penalty for these offenses is a 90-day suspension of your driver's license.

Suspension or Revocation of Your License

There are many ways you can lose your privilege to drive. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or any other drug, even if it is an over the counter cold remedy or a doctor's prescription, subjects you to the DUI laws. You must not drive while your ability to think and act clearly is impaired. Click here for more information on impaired driving.

Accumulation of too many citations in a short period of time, driving without insurance, failure to pay any type of court action, failure to supply DMV with current insurance information, and fraudulent checks are just a few of the actions which may result in the loss of your driving privileges. The penalties for driving while suspended or revoked include mandatory jail time and an additional period of suspension or revocation.

Classifications and Endorsements of Licenses and ID Cards

Class

Classification or Endorsement

Class A

Combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the unit being towed is 10,001 pounds or greater

Class B

Single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more and towing any such unit with a GVWR less than 10,001 pounds

Class C

Vehicles with a GVWR or a GCWR less than 26,001 pounds and designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or vehicles used in the transportation of hazardous materials which requires the vehicle to be placarded under 49 C.F.R.

Class D

Non-CDL Vehicle for Hire

Class E

Passenger Vehicles

Class F

Motorcycle Only

Class G

Biopic Lens-Wearing Drivers

Class X

Identification Cards (Non-Driving/Non-Driver)

Class D License - Non-CDL for Hire

A Class D License is a Non-CDL for hire. Every person who is employed by another for the purpose of driving a motor vehicle when in use for the transportation of property for compensation and who does not meet the requirements for Class A, B or C for the commercial driving license needs a Class D license. Exempt from the Class D licenses are vehicles with Class A license plates (regular passenger vehicles).

Class F License - Motorcycles

If you want to operate a motorcycle on the public roads, you must obtain either a motorcycle endorsement (F) on your driver's license or a Class F motorcycle only driver's license. First, you must take a knowledge test at your local DMV office in order to obtain your learner’s permit. The permit is valid during daylight hours only and does not permit a passenger. After you have had your learner’s permit for 7 days, you can make an appointment to return to the DMV to take an on-cycle skills test which must be successfully completed before an endorsement can be added to your license or before a motorcycle only license can be issued.

If you are under the age of 18, you must complete Level II GDL before you can be eligible for a motorcycle instruction permit.

A Motorcycle Driver Handbook has been prepared to help you pass the tests. If you have further questions about motorcycle licensing, please contact Harry Anderson at Harry.B.Anderson@wv.gov.

The Division of Motor Vehicles also offers a Motorcycle Safety Program. If you are interested in taking the Basic or Experienced Rider Course, please click here or contact the Motorcycle Safety Program Training Coordinator at 304-926-3819.

Endorsements: Organ Donor Program/Diabetic/Hearing Impaired Program

If you wish to be an organ donor, you must check the appropriate box on the application. To sign up as an organ donor or to remove yourself from the WV organ donor registry, click here. Click here for more information on becoming an organ donor or to order a Donate Life license plate.

If you wish to have the diabetic or hearing impaired symbol on your driver's license, you must take a driver's license application (DMV-DS-23P) to your doctor or audiologist for certification of the medical endorsement.

Minimum Age to Obtain a Driver's License

Minimum Age

Type of License

GDL Level 1 Instruction Permit

GDL Level 2 Intermediate Driver's License
Motorcycle Instruction Permit with level 2 license

GDL Level 3 License

Class "E" Driver's License
Class "D" Driver's License (requires one year driving experience)
Class "F" Endorsement or Motorcycle ONLY License

License and ID Card Fees for Ages Under 21

Age	Classes E & F	Duplicate License Fee	Duplicate Permit Fee	Classes A, B, & C	Class D	Class X
		Same Fee for All Ages	Same Fee for All Ages	Requires Two Years Minimum Driving Experience to Qualify	Requires One Year Driving Experience to Qualify	These are Identification Only Cards
2-15	-	-	-	-	-	$5.00 per year
16		$7.50	$7.50	-	-	$25.00
17	$10.50	$7.50	$7.50	-	-	$20.00
18	$15.50	$7.50	$7.50	$26.25	$19.25	$15.00
19	$10.50	$7.50	$7.50	$17.50	$13.00	$10.00
20	$5.50	$7.50	$7.50	$8.75	$6.75	$5.00

What to Do If You Are Involved in an Accident

Stop Immediately

Turn off the ignition to prevent the danger of fire
Protect the scene by using flares, flaggers etc. to prevent further accidents

Render aid to the injured

Do not move the injured unless absolutely necessary
Send for the necessary aid, ambulance or the police
Keep spectators away from the injured

If you are involved in an accident resulting in injury or death or any person, or if property damage exceeds $500 or more, you must notify the nearest law enforcement agency.