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AB 1151

Driver's licenses: identification cards.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Damon Connolly

AB 1151 allows Californians 62+ who surrender a driver's license to use the same form to apply for a 'Senior Citizen' ID, streamlining issuance with no new fees.

In committee: Held under submission.
#driver'slicenses #identificationcards
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Bill Summary · AB 1151

AB 1151 (Connolly) — Driver’s licenses: identification cards

Status: In committee — Held under submission (5/23/2025)
Introduced: February 20, 2025

Purpose / Intent

AB 1151 makes a narrow, administrative change to how senior (age 62+) identification cards are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It clarifies that when a person aged 62 or older cancels or surrenders a driver’s license, they may use the same DMV cancellation/surrender form to apply for a “Senior Citizen” identification card. The bill also states the Legislature’s intent to pursue separate legislation related to driver’s license renewals.

Key provisions

  • Amends Vehicle Code §13000 to require the DMV to:
    • Amend any forms used for cancellation or surrender of a driver’s license to include the option for a person 62 years of age or older to apply for an identification card on that same form.
    • Upon receipt of the amended form, issue the applicant an identification card bearing the notation “Senior Citizen.”
  • Retains and restates existing rules in statute:
    • DMV may issue non-REAL ID identification cards and generally may not issue a REAL ID identification card to someone who already holds a REAL ID driver’s license; the DMV may cancel identification cards as necessary to comply with that rule.
    • Applications must be signed under penalty of perjury and supported by documentary evidence of identity and age.
    • A legible thumb or finger print must be on file prior to issuing an identification card.
    • A person may possess an identification card under either the general provision or the senior provision, but not both.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Californians aged 62 and older who surrender or cancel a driver’s license and want a state-issued identification card.
  • Secondary: California DMV operations (form revision, processing), and stakeholders assisting seniors (family, care providers, social service agencies).

Fiscal and procedural notes

  • The bill does not create a new fee; existing law provides for free senior citizen identification cards.
  • Legislative actions: introduced 2/20/25; amended and referred to Assembly Transportation; passed Transportation committee (Ayes 15, Noes 0) and re-referred to Assembly Appropriations (placed on suspense file); held under submission in Appropriations as of 5/23/25.
  • No appropriation is indicated in the digest; fiscal committee referral marked “NOYES.” The change is primarily administrative and likely to have minimal fiscal impact (DMV form updates and processing).

Effect

AB 1151 streamlines the paperwork pathway for seniors who stop driving to obtain a “Senior Citizen” ID by enabling them to request that ID using the same form they use to surrender/cancel a driver’s license, ensuring issuance upon receipt of the amended form. The bill does not otherwise change eligibility, fees, or substantive ID issuance requirements.

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

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