GOV. JIM JUSTICE

CHARLESTON – Instead of fumbling through wallets and glove boxes, West Virginia residents will be able to have digital versions of their motor vehicle registrations, drivers’ licenses and photo ID available on their phones.

Gov. Jim Justice, state Senate President Craig Blair, and Division of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Everett Frazier announced Wednesday that new programs were being launched for digital motor vehicle registrations and mobile IDs.

“West Virginians renewing their vehicle registration online now have the option to receive a secure digital registration card stored right in their smartphone wallet,” Justice said Wednesday afternoon during his weekly administration briefing at the State Capitol Building. “We’re also working on something that is groundbreaking with the West Virginia mobile ID.”

Beginning Wednesday, West Virginia residents renewing their motor vehicle registrations online can request a secure digital registration that can be stored on a smartphone. Residents can receive directions online or via DMV kiosks on how to down the digital registration.

“It’s just an ongoing commitment to modernization,” Frazier said. “These free services offer immediate access to vehicle information, eliminating the need … of rummaging through your glove compartment or center console there. West Virginians can experience the convenience of the digital registration today.”

The DMV is also developing a mobile ID that can be stored on smartphones. The mobile ID program is expected to launch in early spring 2024. While the digital registration and mobile ID is not meant to replace physical registrations and drivers’ licenses, officials said the digital registration and mobile ID will provide residents with greater convenience.

“This is a biggie,” Frazier said. “It will allow secure and easy identification at participating businesses and government agencies … We ask that you still keep your license on you and still keep your registration cards and things like that as you travel out of state. Some states might not recognize it.”

According to 9to5Mac, there are 13 states that offer mobile IDs. According to Apple, four states allow residents to add their IDs to their Apple Wallet.

Blair, R-Berkeley, has long been a supporter of creating greater convenience for West Virginia’s motorists and avoiding the wait at DMV regional offices. Last year, the Legislature passed a bill creating a Digital Title and Registration System to speed up the issuing of vehicle titles, benefiting businesses that operate fleets of vehicles, such as rental companies.

“West Virginia is moving into the 21st Century and these are the steps that are necessary to be able to get us there,” Blair said. “We’re trying to make the State of West Virginia one of the digital states in the union.”

Blair said he has been working with the Governor’s Office and the DMV and urges allowing for more digital options for residence. His next goal is pushing for license plate renewal by using smartphones and apps.

“I can’t wait for the day when I can hold my phone up to the license plate, renew the tags, and not have to take the time to go to the DMV,” Blair said. “I know this governor wants this plan to be able to do that. This is a great idea and we’ve all been working together.”