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AB 147

Requires proof of identity to vote. (BDR 24-624)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Hafen

Requires in-person voters to show photo ID, with a free DMV ID for low-income voters, and adds ID verification steps for mail and provisional ballots.

(Pursuant to Joint Standing Rule No. 14.3.1, no further action allowed.)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 147

AB 147 (BDR 24‑624) — Requires proof of identity to vote (Nevada) — Summary

Status: Introduced (prefiled Jan. 29, 2025); passed Assembly (Mar. 20, 2025); later acted on in the Senate; ordered to inactive file (Pursuant to Joint Standing Rule No. 14.3.1, no further action allowed).

Purpose
- To require proof of identity for in‑person voting (with specified exceptions), tighten identification requirements for mail ballots, establish a free DMV identification pathway for eligible registered voters experiencing financial hardship, and to make related conforming changes (including penalties).

Key provisions and changes
- Proof of identity required for in‑person voting: With certain exceptions, voters must present one of the enumerated photo IDs showing the voter’s name and recognizable photograph. Acceptable forms include:
- Nevada DMV driver’s license or identification card;
- Identification issued by any U.S. state, D.C., U.S. territory, or the U.S. Government;
- College/university ID within the Nevada System of Higher Education or a public technical school in Nevada;
- State, local, or federal employee ID;
- U.S. passport;
- Military ID;
- Tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe;
- Concealed carry permit.
- IDs must be current or expired less than 4 years; if holder is 70 or older, any expiration is acceptable.

  • DMV – free voter ID for low‑income registered voters:

    • DMV must issue an identification card at no charge to a registered voter who lacks an acceptable ID, attests to financial hardship, and submits the required application and proof of voter registration (per NRS 483.850 and the bill’s requirements).

  • Mail ballot identification elements:

    • Mail voters must write on the return envelope either the last four digits of their Nevada driver’s license number, or if none, the last four digits of their Social Security number; if neither exists, they must provide the county‑issued voter identification number assigned at registration.
    • Return envelopes must include a flap that covers the voter’s signature and the identifying numbers.
    • County and city clerks must verify that the identifying numbers on the envelope match voter records.

  • Provisional ballots and challenged identity:

    • A person whose identity is challenged when applying to vote must furnish proof of identity.
    • Under certain circumstances, a voter who fails to provide proof may cast a provisional ballot.
    • Provisional ballots may be counted if the voter provides acceptable proof of identity to the county or city clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Friday following election day.

  • Criminal penalty clarification:

    • Casting or voting the mail ballot of another person is clarified as a category D felony.

Administrative and procedural effects
- Requires posting of instructions about proof of identity at each polling place.
- Makes multiple conforming changes to existing election statutes (including signature verification provisions) to align with the new ID requirements.
- DMV and county/city clerks would need to implement procedures to issue free IDs, verify identifying numbers on mail ballots, handle provisional ballot cures, and update voter‑education materials.

Who is affected
- Registered voters (in‑person and mail voters), especially those lacking photo ID or who are low‑income (impacted by the new DMV free‑ID provision).
- Nevada DMV (administration of no‑fee IDs) and local election officials (county and city clerks) — increased verification, processing, and outreach responsibilities.
- Poll workers (posting and enforcing ID requirements, handling challenges and provisional ballots).

Fiscal impact
- Bill text and fiscal note indicate an effect on state government (yes) and a possible fiscal impact on local governments. Potential costs include DMV ID issuance (administration and outreach), additional processing/verification workload for county/city clerks, and voter education.

Legislative history & disposition
- Prefiled Jan. 29, 2025; referred to Legislative Operations & Elections; passed Assembly Mar. 20, 2025 (Ayes 53, Noes 17); proceeded to the Senate with committee activity through Sept. 2025. On Apr. 12, 2025, record notes “no further action allowed” under Joint Standing Rule No. 14.3.1 (bill ordered to inactive file).

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

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