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Driver’s license and state ID in West Virginia

Change detected, under review. An official source this page relies on changed recently. Part of this page may be out of date until we review it.

  • Page changed: W. Va. Code 17B-2-11, Duplicate permits and licenses (2026-10-12) · #302
  • Page changed: W. Va. Code 5-32-3 (SB 456, 2025), Definitions of terms used in the code (2026-09-28) · #100
  • Page changed: W. Va. Code 17B-2-11, Duplicate permits and licenses (2026-09-28) · #89
Update your name
YesAfter your legal name change
Gender markerThe sex or gender field (M, F, or X) printed on an ID document or stored in an agency's record.
YesM or F with a letter from a doctor

West Virginia's DMV still posts a Gender Designation Form (DMV-99-RO) that lets you change the sex on your license or ID to M or F with a licensed physician's signature; no surgery, court order, or birth certificate change is needed. A 2025 law defines sex as sex observed at birth, so call the DMV before your visit to confirm the form is still accepted.

Main cost
$7.50
Apply
In person

Draft from official sources, September 24, 2026. Not yet checked by a person. How we verify

On this page
  1. How it works
  2. Steps
  3. Costs and fee waivers
  4. Forms
  5. Requirements
  6. After you finish
  7. Tips
  8. Laws and other guides
  9. Sources

How it works

To change the sex on a West Virginia driver's license or state ID, you bring the Gender Designation Form (DMV-99-RO) to a DMV regional office. You fill out Part 1; a licensed physician fills out Part 2 and certifies your gender identity as male or female. The form says you do not have to change your birth certificate or other IDs first, and DMV staff "shall not request additional gender-related information" or ask about your medical history.

You also submit a new license or ID application (DMV-DS-23P), surrender your current card, have a new photo taken, and pay the duplicate fee. Cards are printed centrally and mailed to you; you leave with a temporary paper card valid for 60 days.

What to watch: SB 456, in effect since June 9, 2025, defines "sex" in West Virginia law and state policies as male or female "as observed or clinically verified at birth." The law does not mention driver's licenses, and as of September 2026 the DMV still lists the form, but this could change. Call the DMV at 1-800-642-9066 before you go.

X markers are not available. Name changes work the usual way: update Social Security first, then bring your certified court order to the DMV.

Steps

  1. If your name changed, update Social Security first[4][1]

    The DMV checks every Social Security number with SSA, and your name must match SSA's record. Wait until SSA has processed your name change (about 1 to 2 weeks) before going to the DMV.

  2. Have a licensed physician complete the Gender Designation Form[1]

    Fill out Part 1 yourself, then ask your doctor to complete and sign Part 2. Bring the original.

  3. Call the DMV to confirm the form is still accepted[6][1]

    Optional

    Because SB 456 (2025) redefined "sex" in state law, confirm with DMV customer service (1-800-642-9066) that gender designation changes are still processed, and schedule an appointment if your office requires one.

  4. Visit a DMV regional office with your documents[1][4][3]

    Bring:

    • Your current WV license or ID (you will surrender it)
    • A completed DMV-DS-23P application
    • The Gender Designation Form, if changing your sex marker
    • For a name change, a certified court order (or amended birth certificate or marriage certificate)
    • Proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of WV residency if you are upgrading to REAL ID or the DMV asks to re-scan documents

    Have your new photo taken and pay the fee.

    Cost
    $7.50 duplicate (corrected) license; $10 extra charge for a REAL ID (gold star) card

  5. Watch for your new card in the mail[3]

    You get a temporary card valid for 60 days; the permanent card is mailed from the central print facility.

Costs and fee waivers

WhatCostNotes
Duplicate (corrected) license[5]$7.50Statutory fee for a duplicate when information on the license changes; the DMV may adjust it for inflation every five years.
Extra charge for a REAL ID (gold star) card[3]$10Added on top of the regular fee if you choose a REAL ID card.

More detail

Forms2 forms: DMV-99-RO, DMV-DS-23P

Open a form for tips on filling it out.

Forms everyone files (1)

DMV-DS-23PApplication for a Driver's License or Photo ID CardRequired

Complete both sides. Commercial license holders use DMV-CDL-1 instead.

Open DMV-DS-23P[1][2]

Forms only some people need (1)

DMV-99-ROGender Designation FormSometimes required: Required to change the sex marker.

Required to change the sex marker. Not needed for a name-only change.

How to fill it out

  • Part 1 (you): your name as it will appear (last, first, middle), address, license or ID number, and Social Security number. Check male or female and sign.
  • Part 2 (physician): name, address, phone, medical license number, and title, then checks male or female for your gender identity and signs under penalty of perjury. Any licensed physician (for example your primary care doctor) can sign; the form does not ask about surgery or treatment.
  • The form must be "fully and accurately completed" or it can be refused, so check every box before you go.

Open DMV-99-RO[1]

RequirementsWhere you live
Where you live
You must be a West Virginia resident with, or applying for, a WV license or ID.[1][2]
Other
The physician must hold a medical license (the form asks for the license number) and sign under penalty of perjury.
After you finishUse your updated license to change your records with banks, your employer, and insurers.

Use your updated license to change your records with banks, your employer, and insurers. If you were born in West Virginia, see the birth certificate guide; the Vital Registration Office uses a similar physician form.

Tips2 tips from people who have done this
  • The form says DMV staff may not ask for more gender-related information or about your medical history. If they do, stay calm, point to that sentence on the form, and ask for a supervisor.
  • Change your name and sex marker in the same visit to pay only one duplicate fee.
Laws and other guides2 laws, 2 other guides

Laws and rules

Other trusted guides

Sources

6 sources. Numbers in the text, like [1], point here.Show all
  1. DMV-99-RO Gender Designation Form (REV 07/21)West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, Form. accessed
    “The applicant is not required to have changed their gender designation on their birth certificate or other forms of identification. DMV employees shall not request additional gender-related information beyond that required on the applicable form”
  2. DMV FormsWest Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
    “This form is used by an applicant to change the gender on their driver's license or identification card to something other than what is listed on the birth certificate or other document.”
  3. Driver's Licenses and ID CardsWest Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
    “an additional $10.00 fee is required to obtain a REAL ID / For Federal Use card”
  4. Acceptable Proof DocumentsWest Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
    “your full legal name must match your name on file with the Social Security Administration”
  5. W. Va. Code 17B-2-11, Duplicate permits and licensesWest Virginia Legislature, Law. accessed
    “if the information contained on the license has changed ... upon payment of a fee of $7.50 obtain a duplicate”
  6. W. Va. Code 5-32-3 (SB 456, 2025), Definitions of terms used in the codeWest Virginia Legislature, Law. accessed
    “"Sex", when this term is used to classify or describe a natural person, means the state of being either male or female as observed or clinically verified at birth.”