WVDOT DMV

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.

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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
  

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Who Must Be Tested

• Individuals with Instruction Permits  

• Individuals from other States

• West Virginia residents whose license have been expired for more than 6 months

• Individuals who have obtained a WV Identification Card

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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.

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Documents for Issuance of Permit/GDL/License/Identification Card 

The DMV requires several different documents for the issuance of licenses and identification cards. Below is a list of acceptable documents that can be used to obtain a license or identification card.  Please refer to the type license or identification card transaction to see what you are required to provided.

• An original, valid, current, unexpired Certificate of U. S. Citizenship (INS Form N-560) with photograph
• U. S. Birth Certificate: 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 are NOT acceptable)
• An original, valid, current, unexpired Certificate of Naturalization (INS Form 550 or INS Form 570) with photograph
• An original, valid, current West Virginia driver’s license, permit, or ID card, that is expired less than six (6) months with photograph
• An original, valid, current, unexpired U. S. Military ID Card
• U. S. Military Retiree Card or Uniform Service Identification Privilege Card (DD 1173) with current photograph
• An original, valid, current, unexpired or legally extended United States passport with current photograph

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

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Residency Requirement 

An applicant for any license or identification card shall be a resident of the State of West Virginia. The Division shall not license or issue an identification card to an applicant who does not have a WV physical address. Acceptable documents for proofs of residency are: 

• These documents must show your current physical address. Post Office Box addresses are not accepted as proof of WV residency. WV driver’s licenses are not acceptable as proof of residency unless issued after July 1, 2003.
• WV utility bills with a WV residence address
• WV property tax bill or receipt indicating a WV residence address
• WV mortgage documents or homeowner insurance documents for a WV residence or proof of WV home ownership with a WV residence address
• WV W-2 Form not more than 18 months old with the applicant’s name and WV residence address
• WV weapons permit with a WV residence address
• WV Motor Vehicles registration card that contains a WV residence address
• WV Voter’s registration card with a WV residence address
• WV school enrollment form if applicant is under age 18 with the applicant’s WV residence address
• WV Homestead tax exemption with a WV residence address
• Proof of WV public assistance with a WV residence address
• Residential rental and/or lease agreement with a WV address

The Division shall not license or issue and identification card to persons who are not bona fide residents of this state. Non-residents who previously resided and were licensed or issued an identification card in WV may not renew their WV license or identification card until they again establish residence in this state.

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School Enrollment Form

A valid school enrolment form is required to perform any drivers license transaction for any 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 2 additional proofs of residency from the residency list. The school enrollment form can be obtained at the school in which the student attends. A home schooled student must obtain a form through their county Board of Education in the county, which they resided. A student attending school out of state can pick up an out of state school enrollment form 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. Also you are required to show 1 proof of WV residency if you attend a school out side 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 enrollment form. Additional proofs of enrollment are as follows, GED enrollment making satisfactory progress or present a certificate of completion for the program. Enrolled in an institution of higher learning as a full time student.

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Social Security Number/ Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

The Division requires the social security number of every applicant for a driver’s license or identification card or holder of a driver’s license or identification card as required by the provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996, and as the authorized by the provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1976. If a person is not eligible for a social security card they may use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. If an applicant is not eligible for a social security number, or itin then the applicant must submit a denial letter from both the Social Security Administration, and IRS. 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.

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First-time applicants

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 first-time applicants. The following documents are required by first-time applicants:

• A certified birth certificate.
• Social Security Card/Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (non-laminated, non-metal).
• Two (2) proofs of West Virginia physical address from the approved list of residency documents.
• If the applicant is under the age of 18 and is applying for a instruction permit or license, a valid school enrollment form is also required.
• If the applicant’s name has changed, then an original or a certified copy of a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order is also required. (Additional documents may be required if a connection between the documents can not be established.)
• Applicants who are applying for a West Virginia driver’s license and are transferring a license from another state, must also submit their license from the previous state or present a certified driving record from his/her previous state.

Immigrants

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

One of the following documents:

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

Required

Social Security Card or Individual Tax Identification Number

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 or Individual Tax Identification Number

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 applicant’s status id F-1 or F-2 a form I-20 and a written verification of attendance at the school listed on from I-20 is required.

If the applicant’s status is H1-A, H1-B, H-3, or H-4, written verification from employer is required.

If the applicant’s status is J-1, or J-2, a form IAP-66 and written verification of attendance at the school listed on from IAP-66 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 or Individual Tax Identification Number

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 or Individual Tax Identification Number

Form INS I-94 stamped Refugee/ Asylee

Form I-688 B and I-766 Employment Authorization Document

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New Residents

After establishing residency, New residents who want to drive in WV must apply for a WV driver’s license within 30 days. If you have a valid non-expired out-of -state license, you are eligible to transfer the license. You are required to pass a vision test, 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 acceptable documents that are required for a first-time applicant. A written examination is also required for applicants under the age of 18. If you have a motorcycle endorsement on your license the Division will transfer the endorsement for an additional fee of $5.00.

If the out-of -state license is expired, you take all examination tests, vision, written and road skill examination’s before making application for a driver’s license.
A new resident who does not have possession of the out-of-state license, must obtain a certified driving record from the state in which they where 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, the Problem Driver Pointer System. It is important to confirm that you are not under suspension in any other jurisdiction before attempting to obtain a license in WV.

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A Word About the Problem Driver Pointer System

All driver's 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.

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Where to Go

All types of instruction permits and driver's 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.

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Renewing Your Drivers License

To renew a driver’s license you must present 1 document from the list of identity documents, along with 1 proof of WV residency from the residency requirements. If your license is expired for more than 6 months you are required to retest, written and road skills examination, along with providing all documents as a first time applicant. If your social security number is not in the system, or is wrong in the system you will be required to provide your social security card, before a new license will be issued. An applicant who is not a citizen of the United States shall present all documents required by the Division to verify his or her legal status in the United states, proof of identity, and proof of residency in this state.

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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 his or her 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 driver’s 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 304-558-2350.

All applicants must provide identification:
+ Copy of West Virginia Driver’s License
+ Military ID & Military orders
+ Provide all required name change documents (only if name has changed since last issuance of West Virginia driver’s license).

All applicants upon renewal or a duplicate of a driver’s license must provide one proof of West Virginia residency. The following documents are acceptable proof of residency.

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Expired License

Any person applying for a WV license whom WV license has been expired for more than 6 months is required to retest. If your out-of -state license is expired you are also required to retest. You will be required to go through the full examination process. You are required to provide all documents as a first- time applicant. If you hold a WV CDL your license can be expired for two years before you are required to retest.

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Duplicate license

To obtain a duplicate license you must present one document from list of identity documents, along with one proof of residency from the residency requirements. If you are under the age of 18 and are applying for a duplicate license you need a valid school enrollment form. If your social security number is not in the system or is wrong in the DMV system you will be required to provide your social security card, before a new license will be issued. An applicant who is not a citizen of the United States shall present all documents required by the Division to verify his or her legal status in the United states, proof of identity, and proof of residency in this state.

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Changes to Birth Date, Name, Gender, and 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, non-laminated, no printout from SSA.)

Any change of gender requires a court order specifically indicating that the gender change is complete.

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Change of Address

If you change your address you are required to notify, in writing, the Division of Motor Vehicles 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 Division of Motor Vehicles or allow important Division of Motor Vehicles mail to be forwarded to you. By failing to change your address with the Division of Motor Vehicles, you could miss the renewal date of your license, or even have your driving privileges suspended or revoked unnecessarily.

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Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL)

Any person under the age of 18, who did not obtain a Junior Driver's License or a Full License before January 1, 2001, will fall under the new GDL law.
Level I – Instruction Permit – Fee $5.00
An instruction permit allows you to operate a motor vehicle in order to learn to drive.
Requirements:

• Take a written knowledge test
• Be at least 15 years old and less than 18 years old
• Expiration Date – 14 months or 18th birthday (whichever comes first)
• This permit is not renewable.
• If your permit expires, the permit must be held for another 180 consecutive days before the Level II license exam will be given. If the level 1 permit has expired, you must obtain a new permit and wait another 180 consecutive days’ infraction free before applying for a level 2 license.

If you are under the age of 18, both parents, surviving 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 enrollment form.
Restrictions for Level I:

• Must have a licensed driver 21 or over in front seat
• May only drive between the hours of 5:00 am and 11:00 pm.
• All occupants must use safety belts in accordance with state law
• Zero alcohol tolerance
   

Level II – Intermediate Driver's License – Fee $5.00
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 30 hour certification form completed and certified by parent or legal guardian or Driver Education Card

Expiration Date – 18th Birthday
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 enrollment form.
Restrictions for Level II:

• May drive without supervising adult between 5:00 am and 11:00 pm.
• Must have licensed driver 21 or over in front seat between 11:00 pm and 5:00 am
• All occupants must use safety belts in accord with state law
• Maximum of 3 passengers under 19 (family members exempt)
• Zero alcohol tolerance

Level III – Full Class E License
Fee: $2.50 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

Restrictions for Level III

• Zero alcohol tolerance
• All occupants must use safety belts in accordance with state law

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Out-of-state Transfer under 18 years of age

The Division does not transfer permits from any state. If the State you currently hold a permit in is a GDL state, the Division will give you driving time credit. The permit must be issued more than 30 days and non-expired. The applicant must provide a certified driving record from that state with no infractions or moving violations. The applicant is required to take the written test, and provided all documents as a first-time applicant.
If you have a Level II Intermediate Driver's License, you need to take a written test and transfer. If you have been infraction free for 6 months, your issue date will be the same as your out-of-state issue date, meaning your one year with a level II would start from the day you received your out-of-state level II. If you have infractions, your issue date will be today's date, meaning your one-year with a level II would start today.
If you have a Level III, you will get a level III license in West Virginia upon passing a written test.

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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 and written tests. When you pass the vision and written 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 60 days. It can be renewed one time. After an Instruction Permit is renewed one time, you must retake both the vision and written tests to get another Instruction Permit. Id 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.

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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 driver's license needs a Class D license. Exempt from the Class D licenses are vehicles with Class A license plates (regular passenger vehicles).

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Classification of Driver’s License - What do the Letters Mean?

A-Combination Commercial Motor Vehicles over 26,000 lbs
B-Single Commercial Motor Vehicles over 26,000 lbs
C-All Other Commercial Vehicles and Buses
D-Non Commercial Vehicle for Hire
E-Passenger Vehicles
F-Motorcycle Only
X-No Vehicles/Non Driver
For more information on driver's license classes, please call (304) 558-2350

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Motorcycles

If you want to operate a motorcycle on the public roads, you must have obtained either a motorcycle endorsement (F) on your driver's license or a Class F motorcycle only driver's license. A knowledge and an on-cycle skills test 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 receiving a motorcycle instruction permit.
A special Motorcycle driver handbook has been prepared to help you pass the special tests. These handbooks are available at the Division of Motor Vehicles Regional Office and Examination Centers. Along with the handbooks, applications and testing information is available. Division of Motor Vehicles also offers a Motorcycle Safety Program. Please call the Motorcycle Licensing Section at (304) 558-2350 if you have any questions.

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Your Driver License/Identification Card Photo

West Virginia, along with all other states, uses photo licenses for better identification. Once you have paid your fees and completed all other requirements for either a new or renewed license, you can be issued a driver's license at any Division of Motor Vehicles Regional Office or Driver Examination Center on a rotating schedule. Sunglasses and hats must be removed and two positive proofs of identification are required before your photo will be taken and a new license issued.

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Child Identification Cards

Complete form DS23P. A parent or guardian must sign the application. You must have the child's birth certificate and social security card along with 2 proofs from the Residency requirement list. ID cards are $5.00. Duplicates are also $5.00. The age for child ID is 2 years through 15 years of age. They are valid for two years.

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License Restrictions

The Division of Motor Vehicles is authorized to impose license restrictions to assure the safe operation of motor vehicles.
The Division 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.
The Division of Motor Vehicles does not offer a restricted license for work purposes.

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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.

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Organ Donor Program/Diabetic/ Hearing Impaired Program

If you wish to be an organ donor, your must check the appropriate box on the application.
If you wish to have the diabetic, or hearing impaired symbol on your driver's license, you must take a driver's license application and take it to your doctor, or audiologist to be signed and return it to the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Organ Donation Information
 

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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 driver's license or identification card, to change or alter your license in any way, or to use someone else's license as your own, or to permit someone else to use your driver's license. The penalty for these offenses is a 90 day suspension of your driver's license.

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Suspension or Revocation of Your License

The driving privilege carries with it many responsibilities. You and only you are responsible for your actions. 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.
Accumulation of too my citations in a short period of time, driving without insurance, failure to pay and type of court action, failure to supply Division of Motor Vehicles with current insurance information, and bad checks are just a few of the actions which will 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.

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What to Do If You Are Involved in An Accident

1. Stop Immediately

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

2. 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

3. If you are involved in an accident resulting in injury or death or any person, or if property damage exceeds $250 or more, you must notify the nearest law enforcement agency.

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