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S 9929

Relates to fees for non-driver identification cards

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kristen Gonzalez

The bill requires automatic waivers of non-driver ID fees for incarcerated individuals, crime victims replacing IDs, and people earning at/below 200% of the federal poverty line, u

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Bill Summary · S 9929

Summary of Bill S.9929 (2025-2026 Session) – New York

Title

Relates to fees for non-driver identification cards

Purpose and Intent

The bill modifies the waiver provisions for fees associated with non-driver identification (ID) cards in New York. It expands and clarifies who may have fees waived, aiming to improve access to state ID for individuals who are incarcerated, victims of crime, or financially eligible based on income.

Key Provisions

  • Waiver Authority and Criteria (Section 1)
    The statute clarifies and expands the situations in which the Commissioner must or shall waive the customary fee for a non-driver ID card:

    • The Commissioner shall waive the fee for an applicant who: 1) is an incarcerated individual in a state institution or correctional facility (under the jurisdiction of a state department or agency); or 2) is a victim of a crime and the requested ID is a replacement for one lost or destroyed as a result of the crime; or 3) has income below 200% of the federal poverty line.
    • For the income-based waiver, the applicant must prove income eligibility by providing one of the following documents:
    • A filed federal or state tax return from the previous year; or
    • An employer letter documenting dates of work and yearly pay; or
    • A W-2 form or a federal Form 1099 from the previous tax year; or
    • A wage notice under section 195 of the Labor Law showing employment within the six months prior to the date the applicant certifies eligibility.

  • The language uses “shall waive” for these categories, replacing prior language that used “may waive” in at least one portion of the existing statute. This strengthens the obligation to provide a waiver where eligible.

Who Is Affected

  • Individuals seeking non-driver ID cards in New York, specifically:
    • Incarcerated individuals in state facilities (e.g., prisons).
    • Crime victims requesting a replacement ID due to loss/damage caused by the crime.
    • Individuals with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, subject to documentation as described.

Effective Date

  • The bill takes effect 30 days after it becomes law.

Practical Impact

  • The bill ensures more rigid and automatic access to free non-driver IDs for:

    • Incarcerated residents who need ID for various purposes (e.g., access to services, eligibility, identification upon release).
    • Crime victims needing an ID replacement after crime-related loss or destruction.
    • Low-income residents who can demonstrate eligibility with standard income documentation.

  • Administrative burden for applicants is slightly increased due to the documentation requirements for income-based waivers, but the waiver itself is more clearly mandated for eligible groups.

Procedural Notes

  • Introduced in the Senate by Senator Gonzalez (co-sponsored by Senator Kristen Gonzalez).
  • Referred to the Committee on Transportation on April 16, 2026. The bill is in a stage where it will be examined by that committee and could proceed to further legislative action.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current statute language or a plain-language FAQ for applicants.

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

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