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How to get a driver's license in West Virginia as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in West Virginia needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Not stated in official sources
Deadline after moving
30 days after taking up residence in West Virginia
License exchange without tests
3 countries
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
Provide one proof of SSN (Social Security card, W-2, pay stub or 1099 with full SSN); if not eligible for an SSN, submit a denial letter from the Social Security Administration.

Driving on a foreign license

Deadline after moving: 30 days after taking up residence in West Virginia.

Exchanging a foreign license

  • Taiwan
  • Germany
  • South Korea

Reciprocal license exchange agreements; the Taiwan agreement applies only to drivers 18 and older, excludes commercial licenses and motorcycle endorsements, and involves a nominal conversion fee. The licenses from a reciprocal jurisdiction must be surrendered. Which tests are waived for foreign holders exchanging in West Virginia is not stated on the official page.

If your country is not on the list

Holders of other foreign licenses apply as first-time drivers: regular Class E instruction permit after vision screening and knowledge test, hold it at least 30 days, then pass the road skills test.

Other countries that hold licensing reciprocity agreements with West Virginia include Germany and South Korea. transportation.wv.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
  • Temporary I-551 stamp in foreign passport or on Form I-94
  • Re-entry permit (Form I-327)
  • Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)
  • Foreign passport with valid U.S. visa and approved I-94
  • Form I-94 showing refugee/asylee status
If foreign born, valid, unexpired Department of Homeland Security (DHS) document(s) dmv.wv.gov

Social Security number

Provide one proof of SSN (Social Security card, W-2, pay stub or 1099 with full SSN); if not eligible for an SSN, submit a denial letter from the Social Security Administration.

must submit a denial letter from the Social Security Administration dmv.wv.gov

Proof of residency

Two proofs of West Virginia residency with name and physical address (e.g. WV utility bill not over 60 days old, residential lease, WV vehicle registration, WV bank statement).

two proofs of WV residency with name and physical address dmv.wv.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather one proof of identity plus DHS immigration documents, one proof of SSN (or SSA denial letter) and two proofs of WV residency.
  2. If you hold a license from Taiwan, Germany or South Korea, ask the DMV about a reciprocal license exchange.
  3. Otherwise complete the application at a DMV regional office as a first-time applicant for a regular Class E instruction permit.
  4. Pass the vision screening and the knowledge test; pay the $7.50 instruction permit fee.
  5. Practice driving only with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
  6. After holding the permit at least 30 days, pass the road skills test.
  7. Pay the Class E license fee ($5.00 per year of validity) and receive the license.

Fees

Instruction permit $7.50; Class E driver's license $5.00 per year.

Driver's License Class "E" | $5.00 per year dmv.wv.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.