Last verified: 23/09/2026
West Virginia at a glance
This guide explains Driver's License requirements in West Virginia, including eligibility, documents, application steps, testing, fees and renewal.
Eligibility & Age Rules
<p>West Virginia’s GDL program has three levels. A Level 1 permit begins at 15, Level 2 requires at least 6 months on Level 1 with no violations and completion of the required supervised-driving form or driver education, and Level 3 follows one year of Level 2 without violations.</p>
Costs, timing and validity
Level 1 instruction permit: 15. Level 2 intermediate license: 16. Level 3 license: 17. A standard Class E driver's license is available at 18.
Class E driver's license: $5 per year of validity. Level 1 and Level 2 graduated licenses are $5. A federally compliant REAL ID adds $10.
Renewal is based on the number of years until the applicant reaches an age divisible by five, at $5 per year for a Class E license. A REAL ID adds $10 when applicable.
West Virginia licenses are issued to age-based expiration dates. Standard Class E licenses are renewed in increments based on the applicant's age; the fee is calculated at $5 per year of validity.
Documents and information to prepare
Use the official checklist linked on this page as the final authority. The items below describe the information this state commonly expects for this credential.
Applicants must provide proof of identity, Social Security number and two proofs of physical West Virginia residency. REAL ID applicants must satisfy the federal document requirements. Name-change documents are required when applicable.
How to apply
Complete the application, provide the required identity and residency documents, pass the vision and knowledge tests, complete the DUI-awareness and graduated-driving requirements when applicable, pass the road skills test, and pay the calculated fee.
Testing, Training & Restrictions
<p>Applicants with instruction permits take vision and knowledge testing. Level 2 applicants must pass the road skills test and document 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night. Adult applicants follow the applicable Class E testing requirements.</p>
Renewal and ongoing requirements
<p>Eligible drivers can renew at DMV regional offices and through available renewal services. The renewal fee is calculated from the number of years until the next applicable age-based expiration. Certain military and out-of-state situations have separate renewal procedures.</p>
Processing time
The DMV issues a temporary credential when applicable and produces the permanent license after the transaction. Delivery timing varies by production and mailing.