Since West Virginia adopted the federal REAL ID standards, every first-time applicant proves four things: who you are, your Social Security number, any legal name change, and that you live in West Virginia. The DMV scans your documents and hands them back.
Acceptable proof of identity (bring one):
- Original or certified U.S.-issued birth certificate (U.S. Dept. of State and U.S. Military ones are OK)
- Valid U.S. passport or passport card
- Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
- Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766 or I-688B)
- Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570) or Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545)
- Foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and the approved I-94
Know the rule
Hospital birth certificates and Bureau of Census records are NOT acceptable proof of identity.
Handbook p. 13 ↗Acceptable proof of Social Security number (bring one):
- Original Social Security card in your current legal name
- Original W-2 (a photocopy is not acceptable)
- Payroll stub with employer name and ID number plus your name, address and Social Security number
- 1099 form with your full Social Security number and name
Know the rule
The DMV checks every Social Security number with the SSA, and your full legal name must match SSA records. If you are not eligible for a number, bring an SSA letter or a written self-certification of ineligibility.
Handbook p. 13 ↗Know the rule
If your name has ever changed, bring proof linking the names, such as a certified marriage certificate for each marriage. Souvenir and minister's copies are not acceptable.
Handbook p. 14 ↗Know the rule
If you are 50 or older, hold a current WV license or ID in that name, and have gone through at least one WV renewal cycle, a signed statement may replace the name-change document.
Handbook p. 14 ↗Rules for proof of WV residency:
- New and first-time applicants bring two (2) documents; renewals bring one (1)
- Documents showing a PO Box are not acceptable
- Recurring documents, like a utility bill, can't be more than 90 days old (and not a termination notice)
- A WV W-2 can't be more than 18 months old and may also count as your Social Security proof
- Married applicants may use a spouse's documents with a certified marriage certificate
Examples of accepted residency documents:
- WV utility bill
- Valid WV vehicle registration card or WV auto insurance card
- WV bank statement or residential rental/lease agreement
- Pay stub from a WV employer showing a physical address (not handwritten)
- Tax records with a WV street address or WV mortgage documents
- WV voter's registration card, hunting license, or weapons permit
- WV DMV Affidavit of WV Residency
Know the rule
The DMV won't issue a license or ID without a WV physical address. Former residents who moved away can't renew a WV license or ID until they re-establish WV residency.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Non-citizen applicants also bring
| Applicant | Required documents |
|---|---|
| Immigrant | SS card, 2 residency, plus I-551 card, I-551 stamp, or I-327 |
| Non-immigrant | SS card or SSA denial, 2 residency, foreign passport, I-94 |
| Refugee | SS card or SSA denial, 2 residency, I-94 showing refugee |
Put it into practice
Your W-2 from this year shows your WV street address. You can use that same W-2 as your Social Security proof and as one of your two residency proofs, as long as it is not more than 18 months old.