West Virginia driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants
West Virginia issues driver licenses and identification cards to lawfully-present non-citizens, but there is no license for undocumented residents — every applicant must show valid Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lawful-presence documents and either a Social Security number (SSN) or an SSA letter of ineligibility. This page explains how the rules apply to immigrants. (Verified against West Virginia DMV pages as of 2026-06-30.)
Quick answer
- Undocumented DL access: NO — West Virginia has no AB60-style or standard license for undocumented residents. Even the non-REAL-ID (“Not For Federal Use”) card requires the same proof-of-lawful-presence documents.
- SSN rule: If you have an SSN you must provide it (the DMV verifies every number with SSA). If you are not eligible for one, the DMV accepts a letter from the Social Security Administration denying issuance of a number.
- Non-driver state ID: Yes — a Class X identification card is available on the same documentation rule, $5.00 per year.
- REAL ID: West Virginia credentials can be made REAL ID compliant (“For Federal Use”) for an additional $10.00, with federal-grade documents at application.
- Agency: West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles — dmv.wv.gov
- Phone: 1-800-642-9066 (WV residents); 304-558-3900 (out of state)
Who qualifies (lawfully-present non-citizens)
West Virginia documents three non-citizen categories, and the DMV verifies your lawful status and the length of your authorized stay from your DHS documents:
- Immigrants (lawful permanent residents): an INS/DHS Form I-551 Alien Registration Receipt Card (green card), a valid Temporary I-551 stamp in a foreign passport or on Form I-94, or a valid re-entry permit (Form I-327).
- Non-immigrants (temporary visa holders): a valid foreign passport, the I-94, and a U.S. visa if your country requires one, plus all original documents that verify your status and length of authorized stay. Status-specific add-ons include Form I-20 (F-1/F-2 students), employer verification (H1-A/H1-B/H-3/H-4 workers), and Form DS-2019 (J-1/J-2 exchange visitors).
- Refugees / asylees: an I-94 showing the grant of refugee or asylee status (or a stamped Refugee/Asylee designation); asylum seekers without an approved sponsoring organization provide an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766 or I-688B).
The general identity list also accepts the EAD (Form I-766 or I-688B), a Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570), a Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561), and a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545).
Undocumented residents: West Virginia offers no license or ID — confirmed. There is no AB60-style pathway here.
The SSN rule
An SSN is required, but the DMV accepts an SSA letter of ineligibility if you cannot get one. From the West Virginia DMV: “If an applicant is not eligible for a social security number, then the applicant must submit a denial letter from the Social Security Administration. The Division checks every social security number with the SSA.”
Acceptable proof of your SSN is:
- A Social Security card, or
- An original Wage and Tax Statement (W-2) or payroll stub showing your employer’s name and ID number plus your name, address, and SSN, or
- A 1099 form with your full SSN and name.
Because the DMV checks every number with SSA, your name and date of birth must match SSA records before a credential is issued. If you are not eligible for an SSN, bring the SSA denial letter instead.
Documents required
First-time applicants need one proof of identity/lawful presence, one proof of SSN (or the SSA denial letter), and two proofs of West Virginia residency.
| Requirement | Accepted documents |
|---|---|
| Identity / lawful presence (foreign-born) | Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551); EAD (Form I-766 or I-688B); Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570); Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561); Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240/DS-1350/FS-545); or a foreign passport with a valid unexpired U.S. visa affixed, accompanied by the approved I-94 |
| Proof of SSN | Social Security card; W-2 or payroll stub; or 1099 — or an SSA denial letter if you are ineligible for an SSN |
| West Virginia residency (two proofs) | Utility bills (generally under 60 days old), lease, bank statement, etc. PO boxes are not accepted |
Foreign passport: accepted for identity only when it carries a valid unexpired U.S. visa and is accompanied by the I-94; a standalone foreign passport is not sufficient on its own.
Consular ID / matricula consular: NOT accepted. It does not appear on any West Virginia acceptable-document list.
Documents are scanned and returned to you.
Fees and credential term
West Virginia uses a per-year fee model (“Drive for Five”):
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Class E (passenger) driver license | $5.00 per year (a 5-year license is $25.00) |
| Identification card | $5.00 per year |
| REAL ID / “For Federal Use” add-on | additional $10.00 |
| Class F (motorcycle) | $2.50 per year |
| Instruction permit | $5.00 |
| Duplicate | $7.50 |
| Knowledge or road-skill test | $7.50 per attempt |
| Youth ID card (ages 2–15) | $10.00, valid 2 years |
Term: Under Drive for Five, a license generally expires in the year the holder’s age is divisible by five, and an initial license may be phased in for a period ranging from three (3) to seven (7) years depending on your age. The published West Virginia DMV sources and handbook do not state an explicit verbatim rule tying a non-citizen credential’s expiration to the immigration-document expiry date, although the DMV does verify your “length of authorized stay.” Treat the exact limited-term length for non-citizens as something to confirm with the DMV when you apply.
How and where to apply
- Apply in person at a West Virginia DMV Regional Office or Exam Center. New residents must apply for a West Virginia license within 30 days of establishing residency.
- Book an appointment and review the document checklist at dmv.wv.gov (Appointments page).
- Bring originals of your identity/lawful-presence document, SSN proof (or SSA denial letter), and two residency proofs.
- First-time driver-license applicants take the knowledge, vision, and road-skill tests.
- Central print: you receive a temporary card valid about 60 days; the permanent credential arrives by USPS in roughly 10–15 business days.
Headquarters: West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, 5707 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304. Phone 1-800-642-9066 (WV residents) or 304-558-3900 (out of state).
If you don’t have lawful status
West Virginia will not issue a license or ID without DHS lawful-presence documents. These options do not give you a driver license, but they can help with daily ID and banking:
- Foreign passport — your home-country passport is a widely accepted photo ID for banking and many everyday purposes.
- ITIN-friendly bank account — some banks open accounts with an ITIN and passport instead of an SSN. See ITIN-friendly banks and what an ITIN is.
- Matricula consular — your consulate may issue a consular ID. West Virginia does not accept it for a DMV credential, but it is used elsewhere as ID. See consulates serving West Virginia.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — obtained in your home country before you travel; it is only for short-term visitors driving on a valid foreign license, not a substitute for a West Virginia license.
For help understanding your immigration status and options, see how to find an immigration attorney.
Related procedures
- DMV state ID directory — all states
- IRS offices in West Virginia
- ITIN-friendly banks
- Consulates serving West Virginia — matricula consular
- What is an ITIN?
- Find an immigration attorney
- West Virginia state tax guide
Last verified: 2026-06-30. Sources: West Virginia DMV driver licenses, appointment documents, and renewal fees.
This is general procedural information, not legal advice. DMV policies, fees, and document requirements change — verify with the West Virginia DMV before visiting. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed immigration attorney.