What you need to get a West Virginia driver's license

To get a West Virginia driver's license, you will need to visit your county's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person. West Virginia does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — each category requires specific documents.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified birth certificate, a valid passport, or a military ID. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form.

You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DMV office. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person. Bring your completed process form (Form DMV-14), which you can read from the West Virginia DMV website or pick up at your local office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit your county DMV office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to get a West Virginia driver's license.
  • West Virginia requires you to pass both a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DMV office before you receive your license.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present and sign your process.
  • The cost of a driver's license varies by age and license type, and you can check the current fee on the West Virginia DMV website.
  • You can renew your license by mail if you are over 65 and your license is not suspended, or you can renew in person at any DMV office.

Finding your local DMV office and hours

West Virginia has DMV offices in each county. You can find your local office's address, phone number, and hours on the West Virginia DMV website by entering your county name. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours on certain days.

Call ahead before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to schedule an appointment. During busy periods, offices may close to new customers at a certain time even if they are officially open, so arriving early in the day increases your chances of being seen.

The written knowledge test and what it covers

The written test covers West Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the DMV office, and you will receive your score when ready after you finish.

The DMV provides a free study guide on its website that covers all the topics on the test. You can also take practice tests online through the West Virginia DMV website. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

Renewing your West Virginia driver's license

West Virginia driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew your license by mail if you are 65 or older and your license is not suspended or revoked. To renew by mail, send your current license, a completed renewal process, and the renewal fee to the address listed on the DMV website.

If you are under 65 or your license is suspended, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You will need to bring the same documents you brought for your original license — proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number — and you will need to pass the vision test again. You do not need to retake the written knowledge test unless your license has been expired for more than two years.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your West Virginia driver's license is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at your local DMV office. Bring proof of identity and residency, and tell the DMV staff that you need a replacement. The replacement will have the same expiration date as your original license, so you will not lose time on your current license term.

You do not need to retake the written test or vision test for a replacement. The fee for a replacement is lower than the fee for a new license. If you suspect your license was stolen and used fraudulently, report it to local police and provide the police report number to the DMV.

Different types of West Virginia driver's licenses

West Virginia issues several types of driver's licenses depending on your age and driving history. A standard Class D license is for drivers 18 and older. A probationary license is for drivers under 18 and comes with restrictions on when you can drive and how many passengers you can have.

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. Getting a CDL requires additional testing and documentation beyond a standard license. A motorcycle endorsement is added to your standard license if you want to ride a motorcycle legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a West Virginia driver's license?

You receive your temporary license the same day you pass the tests at the DMV office. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive legally using your temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire five years from the date you renew, not five years from your original expiration date.

What if I fail the vision test?

If you fail the vision test, you will not receive a license. You can retake the vision test at the DMV office on another day. Some people need glasses or contacts to pass — bring them with you if you use them for driving.

Do I need to take a driving test to get a West Virginia license?

West Virginia does not require a behind-the-wheel driving test for a standard driver's license. You only need to pass the written knowledge test and the vision test. However, if you are under 18, you may have additional requirements depending on your age and whether you have a learner's permit.

What if I moved to West Virginia from another state?

You can transfer your out-of-state license to a West Virginia license by visiting your local DMV office with your current license and proof of West Virginia residency. You will need to pass the vision test and the written knowledge test. Your new West Virginia license will be valid for five years from the date of issue.