This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to require the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue identification cards to eligible released inmates at no cost, specifically no later than seven days prior to their release from custody. The previous authorization for the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation to issue temporary identification cards has been replaced with a mandate for the DMV to provide an identification card that is valid for 180 days. Additionally, the bill establishes that the identification card will have the same validity as a standard DMV-issued ID and outlines the process for verifying an inmate's Social Security number through collaboration between the DMV and the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that inmates who possess a valid West Virginia identification card or driver's license that expires more than 30 days after their release, or who are not U.S. citizens, are ineligible for the identification card. It also clarifies that the issuance of these identification cards does not violate the standards set by the REAL ID Act of 2005. Lastly, the bill mandates that the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation assist inmates in obtaining necessary documents, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card, during the six months leading up to their release.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17B-2-1c