In a recent meeting of the Joint Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, Wyoming lawmakers discussed significant revisions to the state's driver's licenses and identification cards, particularly concerning noncitizens. The proposed bill, presented by Talise Hanson, aims to amend existing statutes to clearly indicate the status of individuals who are not U.S. citizens but possess lawful status.

The revisions would require that licenses and ID cards issued to noncitizens explicitly state "not a United States citizen." This change is intended to enhance clarity and ensure that these credentials are not misused for federal purposes, such as voting or accessing federal facilities. The committee is considering additional phrases to be included on these cards, such as "not valid for official federal purposes," which would further delineate their use.

The bill is set to take effect for new licenses and ID cards issued after July 1, 2025, with the Department of Transportation tasked to implement necessary rules by that date. However, the committee acknowledged that the timeline for redesigning the physical cards could be tight, as it involves significant changes to the card's appearance and information layout.

Deputy Director Taylor Rossetti emphasized that the procedural operations for verifying the lawful status of applicants would remain unchanged. The focus is primarily on updating the physical credentials to reflect the new language. Misty Zimmerman, the Driver Services Program Manager, detailed the current verification process, which includes checks with the United States Customs and Immigration Service for noncitizens.

As the discussion progressed, committee members raised questions about the potential costs associated with redesigning the cards. Estimates for such changes varied widely, with previous redesigns costing between $6,500 and $25,000, depending on the complexity of the modifications.

The committee also explored the possibility of introducing a mobile driver's license, which could provide real-time updates and serve as an alternative to physical cards. This modernization project is expected to roll out in 2026, potentially alleviating some of the immediate concerns regarding the redesign of physical credentials.

As Wyoming moves forward with these changes, the implications for noncitizens and the broader community remain a focal point of discussion, highlighting the balance between regulatory clarity and the need for efficient identification processes.