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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2718

Overview

Missouri House Bill 2718 (HB 2718), introduced in the 2026 session, revises provisions related to state identification cards and driver licensing, with specific focus on at-risk youth, including homeless children and youth, and unaccompanied youth. The bill modifies fee structures, expands eligibility verifications, and adds provisions for a secure digital driver’s license. It also revises definitions and accessibility for at-risk youth in the licensing process.

Main purpose and intent

  • To provide targeted protections and relief for at-risk youth (homeless children/youth and unaccompanied youth) by reducing or eliminating certain fees for state identification services.
  • To expand eligibility criteria and verification procedures for at-risk youths seeking driver’s licenses and nondriver identification cards.
  • To broaden the concept of “emancipated minor” to include homeless youth for purposes of supervised driving experience.
  • To authorize a secure digital driver’s license in addition to the physical card, and to establish governance around its use and eligibility.

Key provisions and changes

  • Fees and fee offices (136.055)
    • Adds a prohibition on charging certain fees to homeless children/youth and unaccompanied youths (verification via specified officials or attorneys required).
    • Sets the framework for fee offices with competitive bidding, including preferences for certain nonprofit and religiously affiliated organizations, subject to conflict-of-interest constraints.
    • States that any fees collected by fee offices are either state revenue or retained by the contract fee office as applicable.
    • Requires an auditor's access to fee office records with protections for confidentiality.
  • Homeless/homeless youth and unaccompanied youth verification (subsection 9)
    • Requires verification by a letter from:
    • a director/designee of a relevant agency,
    • a local education agency homeless liaison or school social worker/counselor,
    • a licensed attorney representing the minor.
  • Intermediate Driver’s License (302.178)
    • Expands eligibility to include homelessness status as part of the criteria for the supervised driving requirement (homeless youth can qualify as part of the 40-hour supervised driving requirement under subsection 1(4)).
    • Maintains age-based licensing rules, driving restrictions, and passenger limits during the first six months and after.
    • Sets a reduced fee for intermediate licenses ($5) and a two-year duration; waivers for homeless youth/homeless children.
    • Adds verification requirements and rules related to driving restrictions and the six-month/first-six-month passenger limits.
  • Nondriver’s License and photo provisions (302.181)
    • Reaffirms standard license features, including digital imaging requirements and in-person photo rules.
    • Allows for nondriver’s licenses to be issued with a reduced or waived fee for homeless/youth categories.
    • Provides for a “no photograph” option under specific religious or personal exemption scenarios, including verification and proof of citizenship/residency.
    • Establishes digital image ownership by the Department of Revenue.
    • Authorizes secure digital driver’s license programs and related rules, with recognition of digital licenses for purposes of identification.
  • Miscellaneous
    • Digital and physical license coexistence, including temporary licenses and the acceptance of digital credentials.
    • Clarifies display and enforcement expectations for licenses on demand by officers.
    • Addresses specific exemptions and rules for homeless/unaccompanied youth in the context of both driver licensing and nondriver identification.

Who would be affected

  • Homeless children and homeless youth, and unaccompanied youth seeking state ID cards or driver’s licenses.
  • Minor drivers seeking intermediate licenses (ages 16-18) and their guardians/mentors.
  • Fee offices and contractors that operate under the department of revenue fee offices, with emphasis on nonprofit and religiously affiliated entities.
  • Law enforcement and state agencies involved in issuing licenses and processing identification.
  • Individuals who qualify for a nondriver ID card (including those waiving photographs) under specified exemptions.

Timeline and procedural aspects

  • The bill sets organizational and regulatory processes for fee office procurement, auditing, and rulemaking, with authority delegated to the Director of Revenue.
  • It repeals and reenacts sections 136.055, 302.178, and 302.181, and introduces new provisions in lieu of those sections.
  • Administrative rules and implementation would follow under Chapter 536 (rulemaking) with nonseverability clauses for the rulemaking provisions.

Notes

  • The bill reflects a focus on reducing financial barriers for at-risk youths and expanding access to identification and driving privileges.
  • It aligns with prior similar bills (HB 3274 in 2026 and HB 1289 in 2025) by extending protections to homeless and unaccompanied youths and broadening emancipated minor concepts to include homelessness in supervised driving requirements.
  • Verification for youth status relies on recognized officials or attorneys, ensuring credible attestations for exemptions and waivers.

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

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