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How to Get ID & Documents in West Virginia

West Virginia issues state identification cards through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Birth certificates are managed by the Vital Registration Office within the West Virginia Department of Health.

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Quick Answer

You can get a West Virginia state ID card at any DMV regional office for $5, making it one of the most affordable state IDs in the country. The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOC) offers reentry assistance to help formerly incarcerated individuals obtain identification before release. Birth certificates can be ordered from the Vital Registration Office for $12.

West Virginia ID Agency

West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Website: transportation.wv.gov/DMV

Phone: (304) 926-3499

State ID Card

Cost: $5

REAL ID: $5 (REAL ID compliant by default)

Processing: 7-10 business days; card mailed after in-person visit

Online renewal: No

Requirements:

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card)
  • Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2)
  • Two proofs of West Virginia residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement)
  • Proof of legal name change if applicable (marriage certificate, court order)

West Virginia issues REAL ID compliant cards by default. At $5, West Virginia has one of the lowest state ID fees in the nation. You must visit a DMV regional office in person for a first-time ID. All applicants must present original documents; copies are not accepted.

Birth Certificate

Agency: West Virginia Vital Registration Office

Cost: $12 per certified copy

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: 3-4 weeks by mail; same day in person at Charleston office

Order online: dhhr.wv.gov/vitalreg

You can order West Virginia birth certificates online through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at the Vital Registration Office in Charleston. You must provide a valid photo ID and proof of relationship to the person named on the certificate.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation works with the DMV to help individuals obtain identification prior to release. Case managers can assist with gathering required documents during incarceration. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator to begin the process before your release date.

Homeless Provisions

West Virginia does not have a formal statewide fee waiver for homeless individuals seeking state ID. However, at $5, the ID fee is very low. Local nonprofits and social service agencies can help cover the cost if needed. Contact local shelters or community organizations for assistance.

Fee Waivers

General fee waivers for state ID cards are limited in West Virginia. However, the $5 fee is among the lowest in the nation. Some nonprofit organizations and community agencies may provide financial assistance if needed.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in West Virginia: $12 per certified copy.
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the DMV. Cost: $5.
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the DMV, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest DMV office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the DMV as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state DMV offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for West Virginia-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the DMV to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some DMV offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than West Virginia, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in West Virginia but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the West VirginiaState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in West Virginia and register to vote. See our West Virginia voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More West Virginia Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to get a West Virginia state ID for the first time?
You need proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (such as a birth certificate or passport), your Social Security card, and two documents showing your West Virginia address (such as a utility bill and bank statement). You must apply in person at a DMV regional office.
Can I get a West Virginia state ID if I have a criminal record?
Yes. A criminal record does not prevent you from obtaining a West Virginia state ID. You need the same documents as anyone else. If you are being released from prison, the DOC reentry program can help you gather documents before release.
How much does a West Virginia state ID cost?
A West Virginia state ID costs only $5, making it one of the most affordable state IDs in the country. This applies to both standard and REAL ID compliant cards.
How do I get a birth certificate if I was born in West Virginia?
You can order a certified copy from the Vital Registration Office online through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at the Charleston office. The cost is $12 per copy. You will need a valid photo ID and proof of eligibility.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
You can apply for a replacement Social Security card at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office or online at ssa.gov. Replacement cards are free. You will need proof of identity such as a state ID, driver's license, or passport.
How long is a West Virginia state ID valid?
West Virginia state ID cards are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. You must renew in person at a DMV regional office.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local DMV, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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