UPDATED: JUNE 2024
West Virginia is a non-strict voter ID law.
You will need to show an acceptable ID to confirm your identity when voting in person.
If you do not present acceptable ID at the polls and an exception does not apply, you may vote a provisional ballot.
For your ballot to count, the signature on your provisional ballot envelope must match the signature in your voter registration record.
Only certain West Virginia voters are eligible to vote absentee.
A copy of your ID is not required when you vote by mail in West Virginia.
You must file a formal request with your local circuit or family court to change your name in West Virginia.
You will need to publish notice of your name change in a newspaper for a required period of time.
If the court approves your name change, you will receive a court order that can be used to update the name on your ID documents.
Submit a request to West Virginia Health Statistics Center to amend your birth certificate.
To change the name on your West Virginia birth certificate, you will need to provide:
Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.
You must update your name with the Social Security Administration before you can change it on a West Virginia-issued ID.
Visit a West Virginia DMV office to change the name on your West Virginia driver’s license or state ID card.
The DMV recommends calling before your visit to confirm what documents you need to bring.
You will need to present your updated Social Security card and legal document demonstrating name change. Examples include an amended birth certificate or name-change court order (original or certified copy).
Submit a request to West Virginia Health Statistics Center to amend the gender marker on your birth certificate. You will need to provide a court order certifying your gender transition.
Specific requirements vary by court. It is likely that you will need to provide documented medical information.
To update your West Virginia birth certificate, you will need to provide:
Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.
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Name & Gender Change Guide for West Virginia Residents (PDF)
Visit a West Virginia DMV office and submit a completed Gender Designation Form (PDF) that is signed by a licensed physician.
You do not need to change your gender marker on your birth certificate or any other form of ID to update your West Virginia driver’s license or state ID.
DMV Employees are prohibited from requesting additional gender-related information (beyond what’s required by the Gender Designation Form) or asking questions about your private medical history or record
