Passed by Congress in 2005, the
REAL ID ACT establishes minimum security standards for
state-issued Driver’s Licenses (DL) and Identification (ID)
cards that can be used for official federal purposes.
The Real ID card contains a "gold star", indicating
that it meets REAL ID Act requirements for nationwide federal use at
airports and other designated federal facilities.
Federal enforcement of the REAL ID Act is set to
begin on May 7, 2025. To board an aircraft or get into some federal
buildings, you will need to have a REAL ID-compliant credential. The
Department of Homeland Security’s website at www.dhs.gov/real-id includes
information regarding acceptable forms of REAL ID. One is a driver’s
license. WV DMV does offer a REAL ID-compliant credential, often called a
“For Federal” or “gold star” license or ID card.
If you currently have a “Not
For Federal” or “Not For REAL ID Purposes” driver’s
license or ID card, and you would like to switch to the
REAL ID-compliant credential, DMV is happy to assist
you. If you are unsure whether your driver's license or
ID card is a "For Federal"/REAL ID Compliant credential,
please check the images to the right.
Need to get
your REAL ID? You have options!
Pre-enrollment with REAL ID
Headstart
*New – REAL-ID Headstart PreEnrollment Service available to
West Virginians. The new service from the West Virginia
Division of Motor Vehicles is the easiest and fastest way to
upgrade a current “Not for Federal Identification” type WV
Driver’s License or State ID to a REAL ID. Enter your
information, upload your documents, then book your
appointment (once approved), it’s that easy! Spend up to 50%
less time at the DMV during your in-person appointment!
http://go.wv.gov/realidheadstart
Traditional In-Office
Visit
Please visit any Regional Office and be sure to bring proof of identity, proof
of Social Security Number, and two proofs of physical residency. If your name
has changed and is different than what is on your proof of identity document,
you will need to bring name change documents as well to show the link in names.
Appointments are strongly encouraged for your convenience and may be made by
visiting the DMV website at dmv.wv.gov or by calling 304-558-3938. Also, you can
use this handy interactive checklist to make sure you're bringing the right
documents -
https://appengine.egov.com/apps/wv/DMV/RealID.