With the Real ID Enforcement Act of 2005 now in effect, the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) encourages residents who do not have Real ID to apply. The Real ID credential, marked with a gold star, is required to board domestic flights and access certain federal buildings across the United States. Real ID has been enforced since the Wednesday, May 7, 2025, deadline, but residents are still able to apply for Real ID.
“I encourage all citizens to get a REAL ID, ensuring they are travel ready.” said Everett Frazier, commissioner of the West Virginia DMV. “You never know when an emergency will arise requiring you to fly. The May 7th deadline is quickly approaching.”
To get the REAL ID compliant license, individuals will need to visit their local DMV office in person and bring certain documents to prove U.S. citizenship and West Virginia residency. Or they can go online to the DMV REAL ID HeadStart page or use the WV DMVEZ app to upload documents to speed the licensing process. Required documents include one proof of identification (passport or U.S. birth certificate), proof of legal presence for non-U.S citizens, two proofs of West Virginia residency, your social security card (if you’ve been issued one) and a current driver’s license (if you are applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state.)
