All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

WV DMV reaches out to residents ahead of TSA deadline

West Virginia DMV is urging residents to get a REAL ID now ahead of TSA’s Feb. 1, 2026 deadline, when travelers without one (or a passport) face extra screening and a $45 fee. With 63% already upgraded, the DMV offers in-person help, a $10 fee, and online HeadStart uploads.

West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is reaching out to West Virginians to offer support in getting a Real ID this winter, in an effort to save citizens both time and money on air travel in 2026.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is scheduled to begin an extra identity check, accompanied by a $45 fee, on February 1, 2026 for all airport passengers who do not have a REAL ID or another acceptable ID (such as a passport). Over 63% of West Virginia residents now have that gold star in the corner of their driver’s license, indicating that it’s a REAL ID. For those who do not, West Virginia DMV is reaching out to make sure citizens are aware of the ease in getting a REAL ID.

“The first time you get the REAL ID, you bring in your birth certificate and your name change documents,” said Mike May, who manages the REAL ID program for the West Virginia DMV. “After that, it’s the same as a regular renewal every time.”

May explains that to get the REAL ID, you need to visit a DMV office in person. There is a $10 fee with the initial and renewal ID. DMV personnel are ready to assist customers and make the process that may seem unfamiliar as comfortable as possible. There is also a Real ID HeadStart available on the website so that guests can upload their documents before visiting the DMV, if desired.

“We strive to make sure every customer who visits any DMV office in West Virginia always feels like a guest,” said Everett Frazier, Commissioner of the West Virginia DMV. “We want you to be able to come in, be greeted and welcomed, and know that we are here to help you every step of the way.”

REAL ID is compatible with the new Mobile IDs, so users who have REAL ID will also see the star when they pull up their driver’s license on their phone.

With all the necessary steps to travel safely and securely, having a REAL ID will ease time and cost concerns for passengers when the new TSA process takes effect on February 1. West Virginia DMV is ready to help before those hectic travel days arrive.

“Life happens,” said Frazier. “Even for someone who has never flown, you don’t know when you might have to. Don’t let procrastination become your frustration. We’re here to help.”

To find out more about REAL IDs, visit dmv.wv.gov or stop by your local DMV office.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

City of Buckhannon calendar for the week of January 19, 2026

Buckhannon’s week of Jan. 19 includes MLK Day closures (waste collection still on schedule), curbside recycling pickup Tuesday at 6 a.m., and a Consolidated Public Works meeting Thursday with in-person and virtual options.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists middle and high school basketball, wrestling, and college matchups for Jan. 19–25, highlighted by multiple Buckhannon-Upshur and West Virginia Wesleyan contests.

Basketball ‘Cats gain first win off the year as they beat West Virginia State, 97-91

West Virginia Wesleyan earned its first win of the season, defeating West Virginia State 97-91 behind Jerell Jean-Baptiste’s 32 points, hot three-point shooting, and a 30-of-37 performance from the free-throw line.

Wesleyan women use strong second half to pull away from Yellow Jackets for 86-67 win

Wesleyan erupted for 33 third-quarter points and shot 55.2 percent overall to defeat West Virginia State 86–67, led by Emma Witt’s 31 points, as the Lady Bobcats improved to 8–4 (6–3 MEC).

Buckhannon honors 99-year-old Rosie the Riveter with key to the city

Buckhannon honored 99-year-old Neva Lee Reed Snyder, a WWII Rosie the Riveter who helped keep American aircraft flying, with the city’s highest honor: the key to the city. Unable to attend, family accepted as Mayor Robbie Skinner praised her courage, patriotism and legacy.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Olivia Blonn and Xavier Robinette

Olivia Blonn and Xavier Robinette have been named Hank Ellis All-Stars for their outstanding performances in wrestling and basketball.

Upshur County recovers $300,000 in taxes as delinquent property owners beat deadline

Upshur County officials say most delinquent 2024 property tax accounts were paid before the Nov. 1 deadline. Chief Tax Deputy Heather Sparks outlined what was redeemed and how taxpayers can still reclaim property through the State Auditor’s Office.

Westfall reaches 1,000-point milestone as Bucs roll past Wheeling Park, 67-57

Senior Jerin Westfall scored a game-high 34 points, reached the 1,000-point career mark, and hauled in 15 rebounds as Buckhannon-Upshur defeated Wheeling Park 67-57.

Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones crowned 2026 WV Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen

Wesleyan nursing student and 2025 Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones was crowned the 2026 West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen on Jan. 10 in Charleston. She’ll serve as the statewide ambassador for fairs and festivals throughout 2026.