The bill amends several sections of the Idaho Code concerning motor vehicle driver's licenses and identification cards, focusing on the requirements for proof of identity and citizenship status. It replaces the previous requirement for a certified copy of a birth certificate with the necessity for applicants to provide valid government-issued documentation to establish their identity and citizenship before obtaining a class D driver's license or instruction permit. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for individuals without a valid birth certificate to submit alternative documents that verify their full legal name and date of birth. It also mandates that applicants for class A, B, or C driver's licenses or commercial learner's permits must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency unless such documentation is already in their driving record.

Moreover, the bill streamlines the process for obtaining duplicate driver's licenses and substitute permits by removing the requirement for a certified copy of a birth certificate when it is not obtainable, allowing for other acceptable documents instead. It also clarifies the responsibilities of parents or legal guardians in providing driver's training instruction and outlines requirements for students in parent-student on-road training. The bill includes provisions for homeless individuals to obtain no-fee identification cards and specifies that cards issued to those under 21 will have age notations. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025, emphasizing the urgency of updating the licensing process in Idaho.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 49-305, 49-306, 49-307, 49-318, 49-2443, 49-2444