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Bill would add 'citizen' marker to Real ID cards; agency says existing documents can support verification
Summary
Sen. Theresa Manzella said Senate Bill 91 requires Real ID-compliant licenses and IDs to display a citizenship marker (an eagle image) for U.S. citizens and to use federal SAVE verification for noncitizens; the Montana Motor Vehicle administrator said current document processes would support implementation.
Senate Bill 91, introduced by Senator Theresa Manzella, would require Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards issued on or after Jan. 1, 2026, to display an image of an eagle signifying U.S.-citizen status. The bill also directs the Motor Vehicle Division to verify lawful presence for noncitizen applicants using the federal SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) program or other federal verification systems if available.
Manzella said the bill mostly uses existing law and that the marker is a cosmetic cue to show a licensee’s U.S.-citizen status, noting discussions with the Motor Vehicle Division to refine implementation and a reduced fiscal note after agency adjustments. “On or after 01/01/2026, if the applicant is a citizen of The United States, an image of an eagle to signify the licensee status as United States citizen will be applied,” the sponsor said.
Lori Bakri, MB administrator, testified as an informational witness and confirmed the agency already processes documents used to verify status and could accommodate the measure with existing procedures. Committee members asked about verification documents and possible alternative approaches; the administrator said many of the same documents are already used for Real ID verification.
The sponsor closed a brief hearing; no committee action is recorded in the transcript.
