Get a REAL ID in West Virginia

Online or in person

No, one office visit · One visit to a Regional OfficeWest Virginia says a "Not for Federal Use" license can't be upgraded online. Real ID Headstart lets you upload your documents first to shorten the visit. Regional Office pages say walk-ins are always welcome and appointments, including same-day ones, can be booked. With Real ID Headstart you book your appointment once your upload is approved.

Cost

$10 on top of the regular feeWest Virginia charges an additional $10.00 to obtain a REAL ID / For Federal Use card. License renewal fees are $5.00 per year until your next age divisible by five (e.g. 4 years = $20.00). The fee page doesn't list ID card fees.

You leave with

60-day temporary card, card by mailNo cards are printed at the offices; the permanent card is mailed by USPS. The REAL ID page says 30-45 days, the FAQ says about 15 business days.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of identity
     Original or certified copy. Your documents are scanned and returned to you.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • U.S.-issued birth certificate (original or certified copy; U.S. Department of State and U.S. Military birth certificates are accepted, hospital birth certificates and Bureau of Census records are not)
     • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
     • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
     • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545)
   • Proof of Social Security number
     The DMV checks every number with Social Security, and your name there must match your other documents. If you aren't eligible for a number, bring a denial letter from the Social Security Administration. (The DMV's 2023 brochure says a document is no longer required if your number verifies, but its REAL ID requirements page still lists one.)
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card
     • Original W-2 or payroll stub (with your employer's name and ID number and your name, address and Social Security number; a photocopied W-2 is not accepted)
     • 1099 form (with your full Social Security number and name)
   • Two proofs of West Virginia residency · 2 different documents
     Both must show your name and physical address. No P.O. boxes, no more than one document from the same company, and recurring documents (bills, statements) no more than 60 days old.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • West Virginia utility bill (not more than 60 days old)
     • Tax records with a West Virginia street address
     • West Virginia mortgage documents, homeowner insurance documents or proof of home ownership
     • West Virginia W-2 (not more than 18 months old; the same W-2 can also be your Social Security proof)
     • West Virginia weapons permit
     • Valid West Virginia vehicle registration card
     • West Virginia voter registration card
     • Driver's Eligibility Certificate (only with a West Virginia street address)
     • West Virginia Homestead Tax exemption
     • Proof of West Virginia public assistance
     • Residential rental or lease agreement
     • WV DMV Affidavit of West Virginia Residency
     • College admissions letter showing in-state residency
     • Pay stub from a West Virginia employer (showing your current physical address; not handwritten)
     • Social Security benefits letter
     • West Virginia professional license
     • West Virginia bank statement
     • West Virginia auto insurance card
     • West Virginia hunting license
     • 911 letter
     • Affidavit of WV Facility Residency (for people living in a shelter, hotel, nursing home or similar facility)

2. Pre-enroll with Real ID Headstart (optional)

   Enter your information and upload your documents online, then book your appointment once they're approved. West Virginia says this can cut your time at the office by up to 50%.

   Real ID Headstart ↗

3. Book an appointment or walk in

   Regional Offices welcome walk-ins and also take appointments, including same-day ones, online or by phone at 1-800-642-9066 (in West Virginia) or 304-558-3900. Arrive 10 minutes early for an appointment.

   Schedule an appointment ↗

4. Visit a DMV Regional Office

   Ask for the "For Federal Identification" (REAL ID) card and show your documents; they're scanned and returned to you. You leave with a temporary card valid for 60 days.

   DMV locations ↗

5. Watch your mail

   All cards are printed centrally and mailed by USPS. The DMV gives 30-45 days on its REAL ID page and about 15 business days in its FAQ. Questions: 1-800-642-9066.

   REAL ID card requirements ↗