Bill > H0351

This bill proposes several significant changes to Vermont's motor vehicle licensing system. It extends the validity period for operator's licenses, privilege cards, and nondriver identification cards from two or four years to eight years, allowing residents to have longer-lasting identification documents. The bill introduces a fee structure that provides reduced fees or fee waivers for low-income individuals, with those whose household income is less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Level receiving free licenses and those under 200% receiving reduced fees. Additionally, the legislation requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to develop a plan to ensure identification cards can accurately reflect an individual's full legal name and be accessible to unhoused individuals or those without a permanent residence. The bill mandates a public outreach campaign to inform Vermont residents about their rights to obtain licenses, the new eight-year validity period, gender marker self-attestation, and available fee reductions. The outreach materials will be provided in English and Spanish, with printed materials also available in the eight most commonly spoken languages in Vermont. Residents with existing two- or four-year licenses will have until July 1, 2029, to exchange their current documents for the new eight-year version, with specific exchange fees outlined in the bill. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and represents a comprehensive effort to make identification documents more accessible, affordable, and inclusive.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.351