New to West Virginia

SUMMARY: New West Virginia Residents

If you're new to West Virginia, you'll need to transfer your out-of-state driver's license and register your car in person at your local DMV office. If you'd like to vote or become an organ donor, you'll need to register first. If you're in the military, you may be exempt from some of the state's licensing and registration requirements.

This page will help you find all the information you need to complete you tasks with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) once you've become a resident.

West Virginia State Departments

In West Virginia, the main agency that handles your vehicle and licensing needs is the WV Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which is overseen by the Department of Transportation. The DMV is responsible for tasks such as:

  • Vehicle registration and titling.
  • License and ID card application.
  • Motorcycle endorsements and commercial driver licenses.
  • Motor vehicle history reports.

Other agencies you may come into contact with include the West Virginia Secretary of State, which oversees voting and elections, and the WV court system, if you commit a traffic violation or more serious offense.

Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

WV Driver's License/ID Cards

Within 30 days of moving to West Virginia, you'll need to have your out-of-state driver's license transferred. You'll need to visit your local WV DMV office in person and present various documents. You'll also need to pay the driver's licensing fee. For complete instructions, visit our page on Applying for a New License.

Teen Drivers

If you're a teenager looking to obtain a West Virginia driver's license, you will need to meet all the requirements of the WV graduated driver's licensing (GDL) program. Any driver's training you've received in your previous state will be credited as long as the standards fall in line with the GDL program. Check out our guide to Applying for a New Teen License for more information.

If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL), follow the instructions on our Applying for a New CDL in West Virginia page.

Identification Cards

If you're new to West Virginia and you don't plan on driving here, you may wish to obtain a WV ID card in place of a driver's license. You'll need to submit some documentation to the WV DMV in person. Our West Virginia Identification Cards page has all the information you need.

Register Your Vehicle in West Virginia

Once you move to West Virginia, you'll have 30 days to register your vehicle with the WV DMV. You can find more information about this process on our WV Car Registration guide.

Register Special Vehicles

If you own a special vehicle, such as a motorhome, trailer, or moped, you will also need to have it registered, but the process may be a little different. You'll find more details about these unique vehicles on our page about Other Vehicle Registrations.

Car Insurance Requirements

The WV DMV requires that you carry auto insurance in order to have your car registered. If you felt like you were paying too much for auto insurance in your previous state, now is a great time to compare new quotes. You'll find everything you need to know—including West Virginia's minimum requirements—on our Car Insurance in West Virginia page.

Car Inspection Requirements

If you're bringing a vehicle to West Virginia, it will need to pass an emissions inspection and a safety inspection. You can find more details about both on our West Virginia Car Inspections page.

Organ Donor & Voter Registrations

If you were registered as an organ donor in your previous state, you'll need to re-register once you become a West Virginia resident. Each state keeps its own registry, so it's important you inform the WV registry if you wish to become a donor. For more information about organ donation or to register today, visit our Organ Donation page.

Before you can vote in West Virginia, you'll need to register to vote here first, even if you were a registered voter in your previous state. Don't miss the upcoming ballot. Please refer to our Voter Registration in West Virginia page today.

Military Members Stationed in WV

If you're currently serving in the military and temporarily stationed in West Virginia, you may be exempt from some of the state's driver's licensing and registration requirements. Learn about these exemptions and more on our Drivers in the Military page.

DMV Office Locations and Resources

If you need to locate any WV Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in the state, our DMV Office Finder will help you out.

Before you head out with your new WV driver's license, you may wish to read the DMV's handy manuals and make sure you're abiding by the state's road rules:

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