If you live in West Virginia and drive on public roads, you need a West Virginia driver's license and you must carry it whenever you drive. This lesson covers who is exempt, who can be turned down, and what first-time applicants and new residents must do.
Know the rule
Every WV resident who drives a motor vehicle on public roads must hold a WV driver's license unless expressly exempt, and must carry it while driving.
Handbook p. 11 ↗You do NOT need a WV license if you are:
- Driving a motor vehicle for the U.S. armed services while performing official duties
- A nonresident 16+ with a valid license from another state or country (up to 90 days a calendar year)
- A nonresident attending a WV college or university with a valid license from another state
The DMV can deny a license to:
- A habitual user of alcoholic beverages or someone addicted to narcotic drugs
- Anyone whose license is suspended or revoked in WV or elsewhere, until that period ends
- Anyone the Commissioner has good cause to believe would be a hazard to public safety
- Anyone under 18 who is not enrolled in, or graduated from, an approved educational institution
First-time applicant
Someone who has never held a license or ID card, is transferring an out-of-state license, or has a WV license expired more than six (6) months.
Handbook p. 12 ↗A first-time applicant must bring:
- One (1) proof of identity
- One (1) proof of Social Security number
- Two (2) proofs of WV residency showing name and physical address
- Proof of legal name change if your name has changed (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order)
New residents must apply for a WV license within 30 days of establishing residency
Handbook p. 16 ↗Know the rule
To transfer a valid out-of-state license you must pass a vision screening, complete a brief alcohol awareness course, and surrender the out-of-state license.
Handbook p. 16 ↗Know the rule
A transfer applicant must submit the current out-of-state license or a certified driving record from that state dated 30 days or less before the application. A certified record also waives the testing requirement if you can't produce the license.
Handbook p. 12 ↗Know the rule
If your out-of-state license has expired, you must take every examination a first-time applicant takes.
Handbook p. 16 ↗Know the rule
Every applicant is checked through the Problem Driver Point System (PDPS), a national registry. The DMV can't license anyone with an unsettled problem in another state, and a suspended or revoked out-of-state license needs PDPS clearance first.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Know the rule
If another state reports an unpaid citation, the WV DMV notifies you by certified mail and will suspend your WV license unless you prove it was paid. Don't expect the court to tell the DMV.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Notify the DMV in writing after an in-state change of address
Handbook p. 16 ↗Know the rule
Telling the U.S. Post Office does NOT update your DMV record. Failing to report a new address can bring a fine or imprisonment, and you may miss renewal or suspension notices.
Handbook p. 16 ↗Put it into practice
You move from Ohio to Morgantown with a valid Ohio license. Within 30 days, bring one identity document, one Social Security document and two WV residency documents, pass the vision screening, complete the alcohol awareness course, and hand over your Ohio license.