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 the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation's custody. The bill removes the previous authorization for the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation to issue temporary identification cards and instead mandates that the DMV handle this process. The identification card will be valid for 180 days and will have the same legal standing as a standard DMV-issued identification card.

Additionally, the bill outlines that the DMV will accept the identification card as sufficient proof of identity, age, and residency for individuals applying for a driver's license or identification card. It also 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 new identification card. The bill emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the DMV to assist inmates in obtaining necessary documents prior to their release.

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