Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted 1 I cosponsors

H 549 — An act relating to eligibility of sentenced or detained individuals to obtain a State-issued nondriver identification card, replacement operator's license, or replacement learner's permit

Last action — House message: Governor approved bill on April 27, 2026

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed House
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 06, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Phil Scott (Republican) on April 28, 2026.

Prognosis

Advancing 52% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 1 sponsor

    1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (1 I).

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

365 added · 210 removed

Plain-language change summary

The amendment to Bill H.549 adds specific provisions regarding more comprehensive eligibility criteria for individuals, including those receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Income, to obtain state-issued nondriver identification cards and other related documents. This change is significant because it helps ensure that vulnerable populations have easier access to essential identification, which can facilitate their participation in various activities like employment and access to services. Additionally, the amendment clarifies that minors must have a parent or guardian's consent, reinforcing the importance of parental involvement in the identification process.

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AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.549 Page 1 of 9 H.549 An act relating to eligibility of sentenced or detained individuals to obtain a State-issued nondriver identification card, replacement operator’s license, or replacement learner’s permit It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 1 of 17 H.549 Introduced by Representative Headrick of Burlington Referred to Committee on Date:
Subject:
Motor vehicles;
nondriver identification card;
corrections Statement of purpose of bill as introduced:
This bill proposes to permit an individual who has been detained pre-adjudication in a correctional facility for six months or more to obtain a State-issued nondriver identification card for no fee.
An act relating to eligibility of detainees to obtain a State-issued nondriver identification card An act relating to eligibility of sentenced or detained individuals to obtain a State-issued nondriver identification card, replacement operator’s license, or replacement learner’s permit It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
§ 115 is amended to read:
§ 115 is amended to read:
NONDRIVER IDENTIFICATION CARDS (a)(1) Any Vermont resident may make application to the Commissioner and be issued an identification card that is attested by the Commissioner as to true name, correct age, residential address unless the listing of another address is requested by the applicant or is otherwise authorized by law, and any other identifying data as the Commissioner may require that shall include, in the BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 2 of 17 case of minor applicants, the written consent of the applicant’s parent, guardian, or other person standing in loco parentis.
(2) Every application for an identification card shall be signed by the applicant and shall contain such evidence of age and identity as the Commissioner may require, consistent with subsection (l) of this section.
New and renewal application forms shall include a space for the applicant to request that a “veteran” designation be placed on the applicant’s identification card.
If a veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C.
§ 101(2) and including an individual disabled during active military, naval, air, or space service, as defined in 38 U.S.C.
§ 101(24), requests a veteran designation and provides a Department of Defense Form 214 or other proof of veteran status specified by the Commissioner, and the Office of Veterans’ Affairs confirms the veteran’s status as an honorably discharged veteran;
a veteran discharged under honorable conditions;
or an individual disabled during active military, naval, air, or space service, the identification card shall include the term “veteran” on its face.
(3) The Commissioner shall require payment of a fee of $29.00 at the time application for an identification card is made, except that an initial nondriver identification card shall be issued at no charge to:
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 3 of 17 (A) an individual who surrenders the individual’s license in connection with a suspension or revocation under subsection 636(b) of this title due to a physical or mental condition;
or (B) an individual under 23 years of age who was in the care and custody of the Commissioner for Children and Families pursuant to 33 V.S.A.
§ 4903(4) in Vermont after attaining 14 years of age.
(b) Every identification card shall expire, unless earlier canceled, at 12:00 midnight on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the date of birth of the cardholder following the date of original issue and may be renewed every four years upon payment of a $29.00 fee.
A renewed identification card shall expire, unless earlier canceled, at 12:00 midnight on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the date of birth of the cardholder following the expiration of the card being renewed.
At least 30 days before an identification card will expire, the Commissioner shall mail first-class to the cardholder or send the cardholder electronically an application to renew the identification card;
a cardholder shall be sent the renewal notice by mail unless the cardholder opts in to receive electronic notification.
An individual born on February 29 shall, for the purposes of this section, be considered as born on March 1.
(c) In the event an identification card is lost, destroyed, mutilated, or a new name is acquired, a replacement may be obtained upon furnishing satisfactory proof to the Commissioner and paying a $24.00 fee.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 4 of 17 (d) The identification card shall bear the following notice:
“For identification purposes only.” (e) The holder of an identification card shall notify the Commissioner, in writing, of a change in address within 30 days after the change is made.
(f) The Commissioner shall cancel the identification card if the card is fraudulently obtained, altered, or misused.
(g) An identification card issued to a first-time applicant and any subsequent renewals by that person shall contain a photograph or imaged likeness of the applicant.
The photographic identification card shall be available at a location designated by the Commissioner.
An individual issued an identification card under this subsection that contains an imaged likeness may renew the individual’s identification card by mail.
Except that a renewal by an individual required to have a photograph or imaged likeness under this subsection must be made in person so that an updated imaged likeness of the individual is obtained not less often than once every nine years.
(h) An identification card issued to an individual who is under 18 years of age shall be distinguishable by color from an identification card issued to an individual who is 18 years of age or older but under 21 years of age, and both cards shall be distinguishable by color from an identification card issued to an individual 21 years of age or older.
An identification card issued to an individual under 21 years of age shall clearly indicate, in prominent type, the BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 5 of 17 date on which the individual will become 21.
The distinguishing colors shall be the same as those used to distinguish operator’s licenses issued under section 610 of this title.
(i) An identification card issued under this subsection to an initial or renewal applicant shall include data elements as prescribed in 6 C.F.R.
§ 37.19.
(j) Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Income and individuals with a disability as defined in 9 V.S.A.
§ 4501(2) shall be provided with nondriver identification cards for the following fees:
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(1) Original issuance:
$10.00.
(2) Renewal every four years:
$10.00.
(3) Replacement of lost, destroyed, or mutilated card, or a new name is required:
$5.00.
(k) At the option of the applicant, the applicant’s valid Vermont license may be surrendered in connection with an application for an identification card.
In those instances, the fee due under subsection (a) of this section shall be reduced by:
(1) one-quarter of the four-year fee established by section 608 of this title for each remaining full year of validity;
or BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 6 of 17 (2) one-half of the two-year fee paid for each remaining full year of validity.
(l)(1) The Commissioner shall issue identification cards to Vermont residents who are not U.S.
citizens but are able to establish lawful presence in the United States if an applicant follows the procedures and furnishes documents as required under subsection 603(d) of this title and any applicable policies or adopted rules, and otherwise satisfies the requirements of this section.
The identification cards shall expire consistent with subsection 603(d) of this title.
(2) The Commissioner shall issue non-REAL ID compliant identification cards to Vermont residents unable to establish lawful presence in the United States if an applicant follows the procedures and furnishes documents as required under subsection 603(e) of this title and any applicable policies or adopted rules, and otherwise satisfies the requirements of this section.
(3) The Commissioner shall issue non-REAL ID compliant identification cards to Vermont residents able to establish lawful presence in the United States but who otherwise fail to comply with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005, Pub.
L.
No.
109-13, §§ 201-202, if the applicant follows the procedures and furnishes documents as required under subsection BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 7 of 17 603(f) of this title and any applicable policies or adopted rules, and otherwise satisfies the requirements of this section.
(4) A non-REAL ID compliant identification card issued under subdivision (2) or (3) of this subsection shall bear on its face text indicating that it is not valid for federal identification or official purposes.
(m)(1) An individual inmate who is sentenced to serve a period of imprisonment of six months or more committed to the custody of the Commissioner of Corrections in a correctional facility or who is detained in a correctional facility prior to adjudication for six months or more and who is eligible for a nondriver identification card under the requirements of this section shall, upon proper application and in advance of release from a correctional facility, be provided with a nondriver identification card for a fee of $0.00.
For purposes of this subsection, “inmate” and “correctional facility” have the same meanings as provided in 28 V.S.A.
§ 3.
(2) As part of reentry planning, the Department of Corrections shall inquire with the individual to be released about the individual’s desire to obtain a nondriver identification card or any driving credential, if eligible, and inform the individual about the differences, including any costs to the individual.
(3) If the individual desires a nondriver identification card, the Department of Corrections shall coordinate with the Department of Motor BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 8 of 17 Vehicles to provide an identification card for the individual at the time of release.
(n) The Commissioner shall provide a form that, upon the individual’s execution, shall serve as a document of an anatomical gift under 18 V.S.A.
chapter 110.
An indicator shall be placed on the nondriver identification card of any individual who has executed an anatomical gift form in accordance with this section.
Sec.
2.
EFFECTIVE DATE This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
Sec.
1.
23 V.S.A.
§ 115 is amended to read:
§ 115.
(2) As part of reentry planning, the Department of Corrections shall inquire with the individual to be released about the individual’s desire to obtain a nondriver identification card, operator’s license, or any driving credential replacement learner’s permit, if eligible, and inform the individual about the differences, including any costs to the individual.
(2) As part of reentry planning, the Department of Corrections shall inquire with the individual to be released about the individual’s desire to BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 9 of 17 obtain a nondriver identification card, operator’s license, or any driving credential replacement learner’s permit, if eligible, and inform the individual about the differences, including any costs to the individual.
(3) If the individual desires a nondriver identification card, the Department of Corrections shall coordinate with the Department of Motor VT LEG #387972 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.549 Page 2 of 9 Vehicles to provide an identification card for the individual at the time of release.
(3) If the individual desires a nondriver identification card, the Department of Corrections shall coordinate with the Department of Motor Vehicles to provide an identification card for the individual at the time of release.
(4) The Department of Corrections shall coordinate with the Department of Motor Vehicles regarding the documentation required for an individual who is detained for six months or more in a correctional facility to obtain a non- REAL ID or REAL ID nondriver identification card.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 10 of 17 (4) The Department of Corrections shall coordinate with the Department of Motor Vehicles regarding the documentation required for an individual who is detained for six months or more in a correctional facility to obtain a non-REAL ID or REAL ID nondriver identification card.
VT LEG #387972 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.549 Page 3 of 9 chapter 110.
chapter 110.
§ 3.
§ 3.
§ 613 is amended to read:
§ 613 is amended to read:
and (B) upon proper application and submission of the documentation required for a non-REAL ID or REAL ID identification card and in advance of release from a correctional facility, be provided with a replacement operator’s license for a fee of $0.00.
and BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 11 of 17 (B) upon proper application and submission of the documentation required for a non-REAL ID or REAL ID identification card and in advance of release from a correctional facility, be provided with a replacement operator’s license for a fee of $0.00.
VT LEG #387972 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.549 Page 4 of 9 (3) As part of reentry planning, the Department of Corrections shall inquire with each individual regarding whether the individual would like to obtain a nondriver identification card, operator’s license, or replacement learner’s permit, if eligible, and shall provide the individual with information regarding required documentation and any associated costs.
(3) As part of reentry planning, the Department of Corrections shall inquire with each individual regarding whether the individual would like to obtain a nondriver identification card, operator’s license, or replacement learner’s permit, if eligible, and shall provide the individual with information regarding required documentation and any associated costs.
§ 613 is amended to read:
§ 613 is amended to read:
REPLACEMENT LICENSE * * * (d)(1) An individual who is detained for six months or more in a correctional facility shall be eligible to apply for a replacement license pursuant to the provisions of this section if, at the time the individual submits an application to obtain a replacement license pursuant to this subsection, the individual:
REPLACEMENT LICENSE * * * BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 12 of 17 (d)(1) An individual who is detained for six months or more in a correctional facility shall be eligible to apply for a replacement license pursuant to the provisions of this section if, at the time the individual submits an application to obtain a replacement license pursuant to this subsection, the individual:
or VT LEG #387972 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.549 Page 5 of 9 (B) held a Vermont operator’s license that expired not more than three years prior.
or (B) held a Vermont operator’s license that expired not more than three years prior.
(4) Upon proper application and submission of all required documentation following release from the correctional facility, an individual who was detained for six months or more in a correctional facility shall be provided with a replacement operator’s license for a fee of $0.00.
(4) Upon proper application and submission of all required documentation following release from the correctional facility, an individual BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 13 of 17 who was detained for six months or more in a correctional facility shall be provided with a replacement operator’s license for a fee of $0.00.
(5) The Department of Corrections shall coordinate with the Department of Motor Vehicles regarding the documentation required for an individual who is detained for six months or more in a correctional facility to obtain a non- REAL ID or REAL ID replacement operator’s license.
(5) The Department of Corrections shall coordinate with the Department of Motor Vehicles regarding the documentation required for an individual who is detained for six months or more in a correctional facility to obtain a non-REAL ID or REAL ID replacement operator’s license.
§ 3.
§ 3.
VT LEG #387972 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.549 Page 6 of 9 Sec.
Sec.
§ 617 is amended to read:
§ 617 is amended to read:
* * * (g)(1) An individual sentenced to serve a period of imprisonment of six months or more in a correctional facility who holds an unexpired learner’s permit issued under the provisions of this section or who held a learner’s permit issued under the provisions of this section that expired not more than two years prior shall:
* * * (g)(1) An individual sentenced to serve a period of imprisonment of six months or more in a correctional facility who holds an unexpired learner’s permit issued under the provisions of this section or who held a learner’s BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 14 of 17 permit issued under the provisions of this section that expired not more than two years prior shall:
VT LEG #387972 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.549 Page 7 of 9 (2) The application shall include the post-release mailing address of the individual and proof that the individual will be a resident of Vermont following release from the correctional facility.
(2) The application shall include the post-release mailing address of the individual and proof that the individual will be a resident of Vermont following release from the correctional facility.
Sec.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 15 of 17 Sec.
§ 617 is amended to read:
§ 617 is amended to read:
VT LEG #387972 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.549 Page 8 of 9 (A) holds an unexpired learner’s permit issued under the provisions of this section;
(A) holds an unexpired learner’s permit issued under the provisions of this section;
(4) Upon proper application and submission of all required documentation following release from the correctional facility, an individual who was detained for six months or more in a correctional facility shall be provided with a replacement learner’s permit for a fee of $0.00.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 16 of 17 (4) Upon proper application and submission of all required documentation following release from the correctional facility, an individual who was detained for six months or more in a correctional facility shall be provided with a replacement learner’s permit for a fee of $0.00.
VT LEG #387972 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.549 Page 9 of 9 (i) As used in this section, “correctional facility” has the same meaning as in 28 V.S.A.
(i) As used in this section, “correctional facility” has the same meaning as in 28 V.S.A.
§ 3.
§ 3.
§ 102 is amended to read:
§ 102 is amended to read:
§ 115(m) and (n), replacement operator’s licenses and documentation pursuant to 23 V.S.A.
§ 115(m) and (n), replacement operator’s licenses and documentation pursuant to 23 V.S.A.
§ 613(c) and (d), and replacement learner’s permits and documentation pursuant to 23 V.S.A.
§ 613(c) and (d), and replacement learner’s permits and documentation pursuant to 23 V.S.A.
§ 617(g) and (h).
§ 617(g) and (h).
Sec.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.549 Page 17 of 17 Sec.
VT LEG #387972 v.1
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Action History

  1. House message: Governor approved bill on April 27, 2026

  2. Signed by Governor on April 27, 2026

  3. Delivered to the Governor on April 21, 2026

  4. Senate Message: Passed in concurrence

  5. Read 3rd time & passed in concurrence

  6. New Business/Third Reading

  7. 3rd reading ordered

  8. Reported favorably by Senator Chittenden for Committee on Finance

  9. Reported favorably by Senator Plunkett for Committee on Institutions

  10. Read 2nd time

  11. Favorable report by Committee on Finance

  12. Favorable report by Committee on Institutions

  13. Second Reading

  14. Favorable report by Committee on Finance

  15. Favorable report by Committee on Institutions

  16. Second Reading

  17. Entered on Notice Calendar

  18. Referred to Committee on Finance per Senate Rule 31

  19. Favorable report by Committee on Institutions

  20. Second Reading

  21. Entered on Notice Calendar

  22. Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Institutions

  23. Read third time and passed

  24. Action Calendar: Third Reading

  25. Third Reading ordered

  26. Report of Committee on Corrections and Institutions agreed to

  27. Rep. Waszazak of Barre City recommended for the Committee on Ways and Means

  28. Rep. Luneau of St. Albans City reported for the Committee on Corrections and Institutions

  29. Read second time

  30. Action Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  31. Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  32. Referred to Committee on Ways and Means per Rule 35(a)

  33. Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  34. Read first time and referred to the Committee on Corrections and Institutions

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 189 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (189)

189 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 189 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors H 549?
H 549 is sponsored by Troy Headrick (Independent).
What is the current status of H 549?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 06, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track H 549?
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