§ 7. Enhanced driver’s license; maintenance of database information; fee
(a) The face of an enhanced license shall contain the individual’s name, date of birth,
gender, a unique identification number, full facial photograph or imaged likeness,
address, signature, issuance and expiration dates, citizenship, and, if applicable,
a veteran designation. The back of the enhanced license shall have a machine-readable
zone. A Gen 2 vicinity Radio Frequency Identification chip shall be embedded in the
enhanced license in compliance with the security standards of the U.S. Department
of Homeland Security. Any additional personal identity information not currently required
by the Department of Homeland Security shall need the approval of either the General
Assembly or the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules prior to the implementation
of the requirements.
(b)(1) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, before an enhanced license may
be issued to an individual, the individual shall present for inspection and copying
satisfactory documentary evidence to determine identity and U.S. citizenship. A new
application shall be accompanied by a photo identity document, documentation showing
the individual’s date and place of birth, proof of the individual’s Social Security
number, and documentation showing the individual’s principal residence address. New
and renewal application forms shall include a space for the applicant to request that
a “veteran” designation be placed on the enhanced license.
(2) 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 individual’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) To be issued, an enhanced license must meet the same requirements as those for the
issuance of a U.S. passport. Before an application may be processed, the documents
and information shall be verified as determined by the Commissioner.
(4) Any additional personal identity information not currently required by the U.S. Department
of Homeland Security shall need the approval of either the General Assembly or the
Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules prior to the implementation of the requirements.
(c) No person shall compile or maintain a database of electronically readable information
derived from an operator’s license, junior operator’s license, enhanced license, learner
permit, or nondriver identification card. This prohibition shall not apply to a person
who accesses, uses, compiles, or maintains a database of the information for law enforcement
or governmental purposes or for the prevention of fraud or abuse or other criminal
conduct.
(d) The fee for an enhanced license shall be $36.00 in addition to the fees otherwise
established by this title.
(e) [Repealed.] (Added 2007, No. 153 (Adj. Sess.), § 39; amended 2007, No. 188 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2013, No. 57, § 16; 2015, No. 159 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 2023, No. 78, § G.100, eff. January 1, 2024; 2023, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 37, eff. June 6, 2024; 2025, No. 66, § 2, eff. July 1, 2025.)