Driver's Licenses and ID Cards

Renewal Applicants for a driver’s license or ID card with no changes are required to provide their current license or ID card OR the renewal application. Any changes in address since the last card will require two proof 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 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 three (3) years​ 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.

Renewal Applications for a REAL ID/For-Federal Identification driver’s license or ID card with no changes are required to provide their current license or ID card OR the renewal application. Any changes in address since the last card will require two proof of WV residency documents with name and physical address. Any change of legal name requires proof of legal name change document(s) and one proof of Social Security number document.​

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 proof 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.

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 ever changed.

• 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 three (3) years 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. A temporary License is issued at the time the application is accepted at DMV for use during the production and shipping of this card.

 

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 three (3) years. 
  
• 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.

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.

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.

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 here.

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
• Two 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
• Two 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 work ​related, written verification (not more than 30 days old) from employer is required for the applicant as well as dependents
  
• 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:

• Two​ 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 personnel (17B-2-12) driver's license of any person in the armed forces is extended for a period of six (6) 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.

The Youth Identification card is for minors who 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 (2) years from the date of issuance.

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 passenger seat beside you. The Instruction Permit will be valid for a period of 180 days and is not to be renewed. After at least 30 days, you are eligible for a road skill test. After the expiration date, you must pass the vision screening, retake the Learner's test, and hold it for an additional 30 days. 

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. 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 six (6) months
• Must be infraction free for six (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

**Parents and Caregivers—WV DMV has partnered with a national initiative called the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program, which gives you the tools to help teach your teens to drive in an easy to understand and follow format.  

Download the digital curriculum here.

And, download the free app from your phone’s App Store by searching RoadReady.  The RoadReady app logs and manages hours spent behind the wheel so families can easily keep track before testing!

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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.

Whenever a student at least 15 but less than 17 years of age withdraws from school or a student at least 15 but less than 17 years of age is enrolled in a secondary school and fails to maintain satisfactory academic progress, the attendance director or chief administrator shall notify the Division of Motor Vehicles and a restriction will be placed on the student's license. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall send notice to the student that the student’s instruction permit or license will be restricted to driving for work or medical purposes or educational or religious pursuits.

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.

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.

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.