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VermontH.5492025-2026 SessionHouse

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

Sponsored By: Troy Headrick (Independent)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Corrections helps get ID at release

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Corrections works with DMV so eligible people leaving custody get needed ID documents. Beginning January 1, 2027, as part of reentry planning, Corrections asks if you want an ID, license, or learner’s permit, explains the options and any costs, and coordinates to provide the card at release when allowed or the papers needed to finish right after release.

Free replacement driver's license

Beginning July 1, 2026, if you are sentenced for six months or more and you hold a valid Vermont license or one that expired within three years, you can apply in advance and get a replacement license at release for $0. Beginning January 1, 2027, if you are detained six months or more and meet the same license rule, Corrections gets your documents and gives them to you at release; you can then apply after release and get the replacement for $0. Applications must include the required REAL ID or non‑REAL ID documents, a post‑release Vermont mailing address, and proof of Vermont residency.

Free replacement learner's permit

Beginning July 1, 2026, if you are sentenced for six months or more and you hold a valid Vermont learner’s permit or one that expired within two years, you can apply in advance and get a replacement permit at release for $0. Beginning January 1, 2027, if you are detained six months or more and meet the same permit rule, Corrections gets your documents and gives them to you at release; you can then apply after release and get the replacement for $0. Applications must include the required documents, a post‑release Vermont mailing address, and proof of Vermont residency.

Free state ID for releasees

Beginning January 1, 2027, if you are sentenced or detained for six months or more in a Vermont correctional facility and qualify for a nondriver ID, you pay no DMV fee. Sentenced people can apply in advance and get the ID before release. Detained people get needed papers at release and can get the free ID after they apply. You must provide the required REAL ID or non‑REAL ID documents and a post‑release Vermont address and residency proof.

Organ donor mark on ID

Beginning January 1, 2027, DMV offers a form you can sign to make an anatomical gift. If you sign it, DMV adds a donor indicator to your nondriver ID.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Troy Headrick

    Independent • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

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

    4/29/2026Senate

  2. Signed by Governor on April 27, 2026

    4/28/2026House

  3. Delivered to the Governor on April 21, 2026

    4/21/2026House

  4. Senate Message: Passed in concurrence

    4/17/2026House

  5. Read 3rd time & passed in concurrence

    4/16/2026Senate

  6. New Business/Third Reading

    4/16/2026Senate

  7. 3rd reading ordered

    4/15/2026Senate

  8. Reported favorably by Senator Chittenden for Committee on Finance

    4/15/2026Senate

  9. Reported favorably by Senator Plunkett for Committee on Institutions

    4/15/2026Senate

  10. Read 2nd time

    4/15/2026Senate

  11. Favorable report by Committee on Finance

    4/15/2026Senate

  12. Favorable report by Committee on Institutions

    4/15/2026Senate

  13. Second Reading

    4/15/2026Senate

  14. Favorable report by Committee on Finance

    4/14/2026Senate

  15. Favorable report by Committee on Institutions

    4/14/2026Senate

  16. Second Reading

    4/14/2026Senate

  17. Entered on Notice Calendar

    4/14/2026Senate

  18. Referred to Committee on Finance per Senate Rule 31

    4/7/2026Senate

  19. Favorable report by Committee on Institutions

    4/7/2026Senate

  20. Second Reading

    4/7/2026Senate

  21. Entered on Notice Calendar

    4/7/2026Senate

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

    3/19/2026Senate

  23. Read third time and passed

    3/17/2026House

  24. Action Calendar: Third Reading

    3/17/2026House

  25. Third Reading ordered

    3/13/2026House

Bill Text

  • As Enacted (ACT 85)

    5/7/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers

    4/20/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)

    4/20/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by the House

    3/17/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by the House (Unofficial)

    3/17/2026

    PDF

  • As Introduced

    1/5/2026

    PDF

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