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SB 2048

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- STATE IDENTIFICATION CARDS FOR MINORS WITHOUT RESIDENCE ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 9 co-sponsors

Provides free state ID cards to Rhode Island minors 14–17 without a residence or in DCYF custody, with minimal documentation and guardian support.

06/09/2026 Senate passed as amended (floor amendment)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2048

Summary of SB 2048 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a new program called the State Identification Cards For Minors Without Residence Act.
  • Aims to provide state identification cards to Rhode Island minors aged 14 to 17 who do not have a permanent residence or who are in the custody of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
  • The cards would be issued by the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at no cost to eligible minors.

Key provisions and changes

  • Eligibility (new Chapter 31-10.5):
    • Target population: Minors ages 14–17 who are Rhode Island residents but lack a permanent residence or are in DCYF custody.
    • Issuance authority: DMV may issue a state identification card under the new chapter.
  • Proof of identity and residency (section 31-10.5-2):
    • Eligible minors may obtain the state ID using specific supporting documents, including:
    • For DCYF-in-care minors: a signed letter from the administrator of DCYF.
    • For minors in a shelter: a signed letter from the shelter administrator.
    • For minors residing in a shelter with a parental guardian for at least 30 days: a shelter-administrator letter attesting occupancy, plus the minor’s birth certificate, Social Security card, passport, or driver’s license.
    • If a minor is in a shelter without a parental guardian due to unforeseen circumstances, the shelter administrator may act as the child’s legal guardian for purposes of this section.
  • Fees (section 31-10.5-2(c)):
    • Minors seeking state identification cards under this chapter are exempt from the licensing fees ordinarily required under § 3-8-6.1.
  • Vital Records provisions amended (Sections 23-3-24 and 23-3-25):
    • Updates to rules governing copies of vital records (birth certificates, etc.), including:
    • Issuance of certified copies by state or local registrars with details on format, evidence, and fees.
    • Provisions for considering copies as prima facie evidence and special handling of records labeled delayed, amended, or court-ordered.
    • Special provision allowing a minor age 16 or older who lacks a residence address or is in DCYF custody to receive a certified copy of their birth certificate without the signature of a parent, guardian, or foster parent.
    • Fee structures for searches, copies, and related services, including local vs. state registrar allocations and surcharges to support the electronic statewide registration system (ESRS).
  • Effective date (Section 3):
    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

  • Minors aged 14–17 without a permanent residence or those in DCYF custody in Rhode Island.
  • DCYF and shelter administrators who may need to provide eligibility verification letters.
  • DMV, which would issue free state ID cards to eligible minors.
  • Vital records offices (state and local registrars), which would update processes, forms, and fee structures related to birth certificates and other vital records.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative path:
    • Introduced January 9, 2026.
    • Referred to Senate Judiciary.
    • CommitteeRecommendation: Held for further study (as of March 31, 2026).
    • Scheduled for further consideration (as of June 2, 2026, per schedule).
  • Immediate effect upon enactment: The act would take effect upon passage.
  • Implementation potentially coordinated with ESRS funding via surcharges, subject to the proposed fee and surcharge framework (supporting ESRS operations).

Notable points

  • The bill explicitly waives licensing fees for eligible minors seeking state identification cards under this act.
  • It creates a mechanism for minors in shelters or DCYF custody to obtain identification and birth records with minimal barriers.
  • It includes a special guardian provision for shelter contexts where a minor lacks a parent or guardian.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law, or a plain-language briefing for stakeholders (e.g., shelter administrators, DCYF staff, or youth advocates).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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