West Virginia Driver License — Requirements, Renewal & REAL ID
Complete guide to getting, renewing, and upgrading your West Virginia driver license in 2026. Issued by the West Virginia DMV (transportation.wv.gov/dmv). Includes document checklist, renewal steps, REAL ID requirements, and suspended license reinstatement.
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West Virginia driver license — key facts 2026
Complete guides
West Virginia driver license — step by step
Getting a new West Virginia driver license
Apply in person at a West Virginia DMV office. Bring original documents — photocopies and digital documents are not accepted. Allow 1–2 hours for your first visit including the knowledge test and vision screening.
Required documents
Identity & presence
- ✓US passport or certified birth certificate from vital records (hospital copies not accepted)
- ✓Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub showing full 9-digit SSN
- ✓Proof of lawful presence if non-US citizen: visa, I-94, Green Card, or EAD
Residency & application
- ✓Two proofs of West Virginia residency — utility bill, bank statement, lease, or government mail — showing full name and current address, dated within 90 days
- ✓Completed DMV application (available at transportation.wv.gov/dmv or at the office)
- ✓Application fee: $10 (verify at transportation.wv.gov/dmv)
West Virginia has one of the lowest new license fees in the US at $10. The DUI first-offense suspension minimum is just 15 days — among the shortest in the country. West Virginia participates in the Driver License Compact. Reinstatement fees range $50-$200 depending on violation.
Renewing your West Virginia driver license
West Virginia driver licenses are valid for 5 years. Renew online at transportation.wv.gov/dmv if your information has not changed. In-person renewal is required for REAL ID upgrades.
Renewal options
- Online (Yes): Visit transportation.wv.gov/dmv with your license number, date of birth, last 4 SSN digits, and $10 payment
- In person: Visit any West Virginia DMV office with current license, address proof if changed, and payment
- REAL ID upgrade: Must be done in person with full REAL ID documentation
REAL ID in West Virginia
REAL ID enforcement took effect . A REAL ID-compliant license, US passport, or other accepted federal ID is required for domestic flights and federal facility access.
West Virginia REAL ID requires an in-person visit to a WV DMV regional office. Online pre-registration is available at transportation.wv.gov/dmv. West Virginia REAL ID licenses display the gold star.
REAL ID document checklist for West Virginia
Identity (choose one)
- ✓US passport or passport card
- ✓Certified birth certificate from vital records (NOT hospital copy)
- ✓Permanent Resident Card or EAD
SSN, residency & name
- ✓Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub with full 9-digit SSN
- ✓Two proofs of West Virginia residency dated within 90 days
- ✓Name change docs if applicable — certified marriage certificate or court order
Suspended license in West Virginia
West Virginia has one of the shortest DUI first-offense suspensions at just 15 days minimum. Reinstatement fees range $50-$200. SR-22 is required for 3 years. A restricted license may allow driving for work and essential activities during the suspension period.
DUI suspension key facts — West Virginia
- Suspension length: 15 days-1 year (1st offense)
- Reinstatement fee: $50-$200
- SR-22 requirement: 3 years
- Issuing authority: West Virginia DMV
For complex situations — out-of-state violations, multiple suspensions, or document barriers — our specialists know the exact West Virginia reinstatement process.
West Virginia questions
West Virginia driver license — FAQ
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