Bill
HB 5514
West Virginia would stop aligning with Real ID and allow non-REAL ID state IDs for general use, removing Real ID requirements and related federal acceptance.
HB 5514 (West Virginia) — 2026 Session
Summary
Purpose and intent
- The bill aims to eliminate Real ID requirements in West Virginia. Real ID refers to the federally accepted form of identification (e.g., for boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft, entering certain federal facilities) that many states issue in compliance with the REAL ID Act. The proposal would remove/state-level alignment with Real ID standards, shifting away from the ongoing Real ID framework.
Key provisions and changes
- Prohibition or withdrawal: The bill would eliminate West Virginia’s alignment with Real ID and remove Real ID-compliant licensing/identification as a requirement for state-issued IDs.
- Alternative credentials: The bill would likely authorize or continue existing non-REAL ID forms of identification for general use, without tying them to federal Real ID acceptance.
- Administrative changes: The measure would modify the state motor vehicle or public safety/identity-related statutes to remove Real ID references, requirements, and deadlines.
- Compliance with federal determinations: The bill would address how West Virginia handles federal Real ID deadlines, waivers, or extensions, potentially preserving non-Real ID state ID validity for most purposes not requiring REAL ID (e.g., domestic travel would be impacted if federal Real ID is not accepted; the bill may outline interim arrangements or post-Real ID options).
- Enforcement and penalties: Any amendments to enforcement, penalties, or penalties’ applicability related to non-compliance would be specified (if applicable).
Who is affected
- State residents who obtain or renew non-REAL ID IDs: They would continue to have a valid state ID for daily activities but may not be Real ID-compliant for federal purposes.
- Travelers: Individuals who rely on Real ID-compliant IDs for air travel or federal facility access could be affected; they may need alternative federal compliance or other permissible documents for boarding flights.
- DMV and state agencies: Administrative workflows, licensing, and document verification processes would be updated to remove Real ID requirements.
- Federal interactions: Any interaction where federal Real ID acceptance is necessary would be impacted (e.g., air travel, certain federal facility entries), depending on federal guidance and waivers at the time.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduction and referral: Filed February 13, 2026; initially referred to House Energy and Public Works, with potential subsequent referral to Judiciary.
- Sponsors: Primary sponsor (House) but with two co-sponsors:
- Chris Anders
- Laura Kimble
- Next steps (typical for WV House Bill progression): Committee hearings (Energy and Public Works, then Judiciary as indicated by action history), potential amendments, floor debate, and votes in the House; if passed, move to the Senate for a companion or similar consideration, with potential committee and floor votes, and final passage or veto considerations.
Notes
- The provided text of the bill appears in a non-readable format (likely due to document encoding). The summary above reflects typical Real ID-elimination bill structure and the stated objective. For precise section-by-section provisions, exact language, and any fiscal impact statements, the official bill text and fiscal notes from the West Virginia Legislature should be consulted once available in readable form.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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