Edit the phrase at top of state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs from “Not for REAL ID Purposes” to “Authorized for all West Virginia State ID Purposes.”
Summary
HB5666 would amend West Virginia’s driver’s license statute to require the top of a state-issued driver’s license to state that it is “Authorized for all West Virginia State ID purposes.” The bill is framed as a change to the wording printed on the license itself, rather than a broad rewrite of eligibility rules or licensing categories. It also retains the existing list of required license contents, including name, address, date of birth, photograph, signature, class of vehicle authorized, and anti-counterfeiting features.
The measure leaves in place the current fee structure and other administrative provisions governing driver’s licenses, motorcycle endorsements, graduated licenses, federally compliant licenses, address suppression, military ID use, and acceptable proof documents. Its practical effect is to change how the state presents the license for identification purposes, likely signaling that the credential should be accepted as a valid state ID for general purposes within West Virginia. The bill does not appear to alter federal Real ID standards or the underlying legal status of the license beyond the printed language requirement.
Impact
HB5666 would amend §17B-2-8 of the West Virginia Code, specifically the contents-of-license provisions, by requiring a new statement on the face of the license. The bill would not materially change licensing eligibility, fees, or issuance procedures, but it would affect the design and wording of all state-issued driver’s licenses and potentially related DMV production processes. It may also influence how the license is used or recognized for state identification purposes, while leaving federal compliance provisions and existing ID categories intact.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be presented as a straightforward administrative or branding change, with no recorded committee debate or vote history indicating opposition or support. The caption suggests the sponsor’s intent is to replace a negative-sounding phrase with language affirming that the license is valid for all West Virginia state ID purposes. Because there are no transcripts or votes provided, the overall sentiment cannot be measured directly, but the available record suggests a low-conflict, procedural proposal.
Contention
The main point of possible contention is whether changing the printed language on the license could create confusion about the relationship between state identification and federal REAL ID requirements. The bill’s wording emphasizes “all West Virginia State ID purposes,” which may be seen as clarifying state use but not necessarily federal acceptance. Another potential issue is whether the new language could imply broader legal effect than the bill actually creates, since the underlying licensing rules and federal compliance provisions remain unchanged. No specific objections or supporters are identified in the provided record.
To require voters to include either their West Virginia driver’s license number or any alternative identification information authorized by the West Virginia Secretary of State on their absentee ballot applications