Driver's Licenses and ID Cards
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There are TWO types of Driver's Licenses & ID Cards
You have the choice between a Not For Federal Use driver's license or ID card, or a REAL ID / For Federal Use card that contains a gold star, indicating that the card meets full federal requirements for future use at airports and other designated federal facilities and uses nationwide. Details of how Federal Government will implement this requirement have not been released.
Applicants applying for, renewing, or obtaining a duplicate driver's license or ID card are required to provide specific documents. The documents you need to bring to the DMV depends on what type of card you choose. Due to processing and shipping costs, an additional $10.00 fee is required to obtain a REAL ID / For Federal Use card.
NOTE: REAL ID / Central Issuance
In late 2020, DMV phased-in a new driver's license issuance program, in compliance with the Real ID Act of 2005. Customers renewing or applying for a driver's license or identification card credential, in the regional offices, at the kiosks, or online, now receive a temporary card/receipt, valid for 60 days, and their permanent credential will be mailed to them as part of the central issuance requirement for REAL ID. Customers applying for duplicate credentials will also receive a temporary card and their permanent credential in the mail. All license and ID issuance is now done through the central print location, with no credentials being printed in the offices.
Central issuance involves mailing permanent license and ID cards from a secure facility. Additionally, the new program also includes a new design for licenses and IDs with several upgraded security features. These security features will reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft.
Customers that want a new driver's license are encouraged to make an appointment through the DMV website at dmv.wv.gov. If you currently have an appointment for a driver's license transaction, you do not need to make a new one. The same documents are required as before — proof of identity, proof of social security number, and two proofs of physical residency.
- "Not for Federal Identification" Card Requirements
- "For Federal Identification" (REAL ID) Card Requirements
- Acceptable Proof Documents
- Sample Licenses
- Procedures on Driver's Licenses
- A Word about the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS)
- Out-of-State Transfers / New Residents
- Change of Address
- Applicants who are Immigrants, Non-Immigrants, or Refugees
- Military Renewal of Drivers License
- Youth Identification Cards
- Regular (non-GDL) Instruction Permit
- Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL)
- License Restrictions
- Carry Your License
- Fraudulent Use of Driver's Licenses
- Suspension or Revocation of Your License
- Classifications and Endorsements of Licenses and ID Cards
- Minimum Age to Obtain a Driver's License
