West Virginia · REAL ID

West Virginia REAL ID requirements

$15 to upgrade, 2 proofs of address, and walk-ins accepted. Answer four questions below to get your exact list.

West Virginia REAL ID document check

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West Virginia at a glance

  • Upgrade fee
    $15
  • First-time fee
    $15
  • Address documents
    2 required
  • Appointment
    Optional
  • Online pre-application
    Not offered
  • Card arrives in
    2-3 weeks

Documents West Virginia accepts

Proof of identity — bring one

Original or certified copy only. Photocopies, laminated documents, and phone photos are rejected.

  • Valid U.S. passport or passport card
  • Certified U.S. birth certificate (with raised seal)
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240)
  • Valid permanent resident card (Green Card)
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550/N-570)
  • Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560/N-561)

Proof of Social Security number — bring one

  • Social Security card
  • W-2 form
  • SSA-1099 form
  • Pay stub with full SSN

Proof of West Virginia address — bring 2

Each document must show your name and street address. P.O. boxes are not accepted.

  • Utility bill (within 60-90 days)
  • Bank or credit card statement (within 60-90 days)
  • Mortgage bill or rental/lease agreement
  • Vehicle registration card
  • IRS or government-issued mail
  • Medical or insurance document with address

Proof of legal name change — only if your name changed

  • Certified marriage certificate
  • Certified divorce decree with name change
  • Court order for legal name change

Before you go

  • Walk-ins accepted at DMV regional offices
  • REAL ID has been required for domestic flights since May 7, 2025

West Virginia REAL ID questions

What documents do I need for a West Virginia REAL ID?

Bring one proof of identity (Valid U.S. passport or passport card), one document showing your full Social Security number, 2 proofs of West Virginia address, and certified proof of any legal name change. All documents must be originals or certified copies.

How much does a REAL ID cost in West Virginia?

$15 to upgrade an existing West Virginia license or ID, and $15 for a first-time card. Fees are set by the state and can change; the current amount is charged at the counter.

Do I need an appointment for a West Virginia REAL ID?

No, West Virginia offers walk-in service, but appointment slots are usually much faster than waiting in line. Availability varies by office.

Can I apply for a West Virginia REAL ID online?

No. West Virginia requires an in-person visit — federal rules require a clerk to inspect your original documents and capture your photo.

How long does a West Virginia REAL ID take to arrive?

About 2-3 weeks. You normally leave the office with a temporary paper credential and the permanent card is mailed to the address on your application.