CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Uber plans to file for a permit with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles on July 1, the first day a new state law takes effect.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signed the transportation network bill into law Tuesday making companies like Uber and Lyft legal in the Mountain State.
“We thank the State Legislature for passing sensible regulations that welcome ridesharing, and look forward to offering safe, reliable rides and flexible work opportunities to residents of the Mountain State in the coming months,” Uber spokesperson Kaitlin Durkosh said in a prepared statement.
Uber will launch first in Morgantown with plans to offer ridesharing in Charleston and likely Huntington. The company is also starting to look for applications from potential drivers.
There were a number of state residents who submitted information last year when the legislature began talking about Uber. Those residents should refile their information, a company representative said.
Insurance coverage is required under the new law along with background checks and other provisions.
The bill received overwhelming approval in the legislature.