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Utah Senate approves driver’s license changes to align with Real ID while keeping driving‑privilege cards

Utah State Senate · February 2, 2009

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Summary

The Senate passed Senate Bill 40 to separate Real ID‑compliant driver’s licenses from driving‑privilege cards for people without Social Security numbers, citing audit findings about misuse of licenses; the bill passed 28–0 and is now sent to the House.

The Utah Senate on the floor session of early February approved Senate Bill 40, a bill that separates driver’s license standards to achieve Real ID compliance while retaining the state’s driving‑privilege card for people without Social Security numbers. The measure passed on a roll call vote of 28 yea, 0 nay, with 1 senator absent and now goes to the House for consideration.

Senator Greg Bramble, sponsor of the floor presentation, said the bill keeps the driving‑privilege card in place but raises the standard for getting a full driver’s license by requiring proof of legal residence. “This bill requires proof of legal residence to get a driver’s license,” Bramble told the Senate, and he framed the change as both a response to federal Real ID rules and to audits that found isolated instances of noncitizens using driver credentials to register to vote.

Bramble described the driving‑privilege card as a limited, non‑government identification credential that cannot be used to register to vote, buy alcohol or firearms, or for age verification. He said the card requires applicants to pass a driving test, document automobile insurance and be entered in a database that improves road‑safety oversight. “We aren’t giving a privilege to someone who’s here illegally. They’re already driving on our roads,” he said, arguing the state must ensure drivers are tested and insured.

Senator Luiz Robles spoke in support, thanking Bramble for leading what she called “proactive public policies” that help people move around the state safely and productively. There was no recorded floor opposition during the debate; the bill was called and passed by roll call and will be transmitted to the House for further action.

What happens next: Following Senate passage, SB40 will be considered by the House. The Senate record shows no amendment that would change the driving‑privilege card provisions; the bill’s stated effect is to separate license standards and bring the state’s standard driver’s license into compliance with the federal Real ID Act.