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Bill would let identity‑theft victims request a new driver’s license number at no charge
Summary
The Assembly committee heard SB 291, a reprint that would let victims of identity theft request a new driver’s license number through the DMV at no charge; the DMV said it already processes such requests and the fiscal impact is minimal.
The Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure heard testimony on SB 291, a bill that would require the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to establish procedures allowing victims of identity theft to obtain a new driver’s license number at no charge.
Senate sponsor Fabian Nunezte told the committee that identity theft and ransomware attacks are an increasing threat to individuals, hospitals, schools and local governments, and that a change allowing a new license number could limit further exploitation of a victim’s identity. He said changing a license number is analogous to how banks will issue new account numbers after fraud to stop continued misuse.
Alex Canedo, who testified as a victim of repeated identity theft, described the personal disruption that followed the thefts and supported the bill’s approach: changing a compromised license number could give victims a concrete tool to limit repeat exploitation.
Supporters included the Vegas Chamber, which said the change would reduce disruptions to businesses and employees, and callers from civic groups. Taylor Avery of the Vegas Chamber said the amendment would “help Nevada’s employees when dealing with identity theft, which can make an otherwise stressful process more efficient and less expensive.”
The Nevada DMV testified as neutral. Sean Severe of the DMV said the agency already allows customers to change driver’s license numbers and that the fiscal note showed no significant fiscal impact: “We do have a fiscal note on the bill but good news is it is a no impact. The fee for this transaction is currently $5 with an additional card production fee of $3.5. The DMV doesn't track the reasons why customers change their numbers but we did have more than 3,900 customers change their numbers in fiscal year 2024,” Severe told the committee.
Severe added that the DMV based its fiscal estimate on 82 identity‑theft credentials issued by the Attorney General’s office last year and concluded the revenue loss from waiving fees would be under $2,000 annually and absorbable by the DMV. No opposition testimony was recorded during the hearing. The committee closed the hearing on SB 291 after taking support and neutral statements.
