Applying for a New License

To apply for a West Virginia driver's license, visit any Division of Motor Vehicles office. Bring with you any necessary documents and fees as outlined below.

First-Time Driver's License Applicants

You're considered a first-time applicant if you've never held a driver's license, if you're transferring an out-of-state license, or if you have a West Virginia license that has been expired for more than six months. The following documents are always required of first-time applicants:

• Two proofs of WV residency

• Certified birth certificate

• Social Security card

Applying for the First Time

Remember to check out our special Teen section for driving tips. It applies to drivers of all ages. You should also review the Driver Handbook to study for your written exam.

18 or Younger

West Virginia uses a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) system for young drivers. If you're younger than 18, you first apply for a Level I learner's permit, then a Level II intermediate driver's license.

• Level I Learner's Permit

• If applying for a Level I, you must be between the ages of 15 and 18 and have a parent or legal guardian sign your application, unless you're married, in which case you'll need to provide a certified marriage certificate. All Level I applicants must present a school enrollment form and pass the written exam. The fee is $5.

• The Level I permit will expire 14 months after the date it's issued, or when you turn 18, and you can't renew it. If it expires you must apply for a new one and keep it for 180 infraction-free days before you can apply for a Level II.

• Restrictions for a Level I include having a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat at all times, driving only between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., and zero alcohol tolerance.

• Level II Intermediate Driver's License

• If applying for a Level II, you must be at least 16, and present a 30-hour certification form, completed and signed by your parent or guardian, or a driver education card. You're also required to have held the Level I permit for six months and pass the road skills exam. The fee is $5.

• The Level II will expire when you turn 18; however, if you receive two violations before then your Level II will be suspended until you turn 18, at which point you'll need to pay a reinstatement fee and take all exams again.

• Restrictions for a Level II include driving alone only between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. (if driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., a licensed driver 21 or older must be with you), only having three passengers under the age of 19 in your vehicle, and zero alcohol tolerance.

• Level III Full Class E License

• If you're at least 17 and have had your Level II for one infraction-free year, you can apply for your Level III. The fee is $2.50 and your license is valid until you turn 21. Level III license holders are also subject to the zero alcohol tolerance policy.

18 and Older

If you're 18 or older and never had your license, you'll need to apply for a regular Class E learner's permit. After you apply using the same documents as a first-time applicant you'll take the written and vision exams. Upon passing these, you'll receive the permit, which will be valid for 60 days and renewable once; if renewed again, you must re-take the exams.

Remember, if you never had a Level II license, you'll need to maintain your permit for at least 30 days before you can apply for your Class E license.

Immigrants

If you're an immigrant wishing to apply for a permit, license, or ID card in WV, you must provide two proofs of WV residency, your Social Security card or individual tax identification number, and one of the following:

• Valid re-entries permit INS Form I-327

• Valid Temporary I-551 stamp in Foreign Passport (with English translation) or on INS Form I-94

• INS Form I-551 Alien Registration Receipt Card

Non-Immigrants or Temporary Residents

• Two proofs of WV residency

• Social Security card or individual tax identification number

• Valid foreign passport with English translation

• I-94 form

• Visa issued by the United States if you're from a nation whose citizens are required to obtain one

• Original INS documents to verify status and length of your authorized stay

• I-20 form and a written verification of attendance at the school listed if your status is F-1 or F-2

• IAP-66 form and written verification of attendance at the school listed if your status is J-1 or J-2

• Written verification from employer if your status is H1-A, H1-B, H-3, or H-4

Refugees

If you're a refugee wishing to apply for a permit, license, or ID card in WV, you must provide the following:

• Two proofs of WV residency

• Social Security card or individual tax identification number

• INS I-94 form showing that refugee status has been granted

• Reception and Placement Program Assurance form with written verification of your identity and WV residency; must be presented by an employer of an organization that has been approved by the U.S. Department of State as a sponsor to resettle refugees in WV

• INS I-94 form stamped and indicating refugee or asylee status

• I-688 B form

• I-766 Employment Authorization Document

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're visiting West Virginia and have a valid license from another country, you may drive up to 90 days in the state within a calendar year. However, you must be at least 16 years old to do so.

Be sure to always have your license with you when driving.

Obtaining an International Driver Permit is also a good idea. The permit, issued by your home country, basically translates your license to make it understandable to U.S. officials.

Should you become a resident of the state, you must apply for a West Virginia license within 30 days of your residency in order to maintain your driving privileges. The states provides information about residency requirements.

Out-of-State License Transfer

New residents who want to drive legally in West Virginia have 30 days to either apply for WV licenses or transfer their valid out-of-state licenses.

If you're an out-of-state transfer applicant, you must present the same documents required of first-time applicants (see above), pass a vision test, and complete an alcohol awareness course. You must also surrender your valid out-of-state license or present a certified driving record from your previous state before you can get a WV license.

Your motorcycle endorsement can also be transferred for a $5 fee.

If you're a new resident with an expired out-of-state license, you must take and pass all examinations (written, oral, and road skills).

If you're a new resident with a suspended or revoked license, you can't be licensed in WV without first being cleared by the Problem Driver Pointer System.

New Residents 18 and Younger

West Virginia doesn't transfer learner's permits. If your previous state of residency uses a Graduated Driver's License system, DMV will credit your driving time if you have held your permit for more than 30 days and it has not expired.

If you are an out-of-state transfer applicant younger than 18, you must:

• Present a certified driving record (with no moving violations or infractions)

• Pass a written test

• Present all documents required of a first-time applicant (see above)

Expired Driver's License

Whether you're a long-time WV resident or just moved here, you're required to retest if your driver's license has been expired for six months or longer. This means you must go through the entire application process as well as provide the same documents as if you were a first-time applicant.