Applying for a West Virginia Driver’s License or Identification Card in Non-Immigrant Visa Status
The DMV regulation calls for all non-immigrants to possess evidence to show that they have been granted temporary entry for at least one year before they can become eligible. Normally, what that means is that you have to have an I-20 or a DS 2019 that will not expire within one year. If you are on OPT, the end date of the recommendation (I-20 page 3) or approval (EAD card) is the date they will look at.
- Social Security card, NOT laminated. If you are not eligible to receive a social security number, you must present written documentation from the Social Security Administration that you are not eligible. Just bring your passport & I-20 to the Social Security office and ask for the denial letter. The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is no longer available except in certain specific circumstances (apply for this using the form W-7). If you are eligible for the ITIN, you must present it. If you are not eligible, you must present a denial letter from the IRS.
- TWO forms of proof of your residency in West Virginia (utility bill, lease, mortgage document, W-2 form that is less than 18 month old)
- valid passport with English translation
- visa issued by the US—an F- or J- visa (valid or expired), together with a valid I-20 or DS 2019 that is good for more than one year (Canadians are exempt); sometimes they will waive the one-year requirement
- I-94
- All original INS/BCIS documents to verify status & length of authorized stay:
o F-1 or F-2, J-1 or J-2:: I-20/DS-2019, and a Letter of Good Standing (online application) from our office. Please request your letter AT LEAST two business days before you need it.
o H1-A, H1-B, H-3, or H-4: written verification from your employer - for up-to-date, complete information, please access the WV DMV website