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Wyoming2009Enacted

SF0038

Wyoming Real ID Compliance Law

Last scannedOct 18, 2026, 2:19 AM

In one sentence

This law updates Wyoming's driver's license and ID card rules to allow the state to meet federal Real ID requirements.

What it does

  • Requires background checks and fingerprinting for employees who handle license production or identity documents.
  • Mandates training for staff on how to recognize fraudulent documents.
  • Specifies that driver's licenses must include a full facial digital color photograph.
  • Sets a rule that ID cards expire after 8 years and requires notice of expiration.
  • Allows license renewals only if there are no major changes to personal information that require new documents.
  • Adjusts fees for licenses and allows free photo updates for active-duty military members stationed out of state.

Who it affects

  • Wyoming Department of Transportation employees and applicants for licenses or ID cards.
  • Active-duty U.S. military members stationed outside Wyoming and their dependents.
  • Members of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapahoe tribes regarding tribal ID cards.

Limits and unknowns

  • The bill does not automatically make Wyoming compliant with the federal Real ID Act; it only allows the state to comply if the Legislature chooses to do so.
  • The source text is truncated, so specific details about hazardous materials endorsement test expiration dates are not fully visible.

Plain language

Terms to know

Real ID Act
A federal law that sets standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards.
Hazardous materials endorsement
A special permission on a commercial driver's license to transport dangerous goods.
Background check
A review of a person's criminal history and references to verify their identity and suitability for a job.

Official record

Sources

Source checked
Read the official summary

Bill No.: <billno> Drafter: <drafterinit> Bill No.: SF0038 Drafter: IDS LSO No.: 09LSO-0219 Effective Date: 01/01/2010 Enrolled Act No.: SEA0021 Chapter No.: 35 Prime Sponsor: Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Interim Committee Catch Title: Real ID compliance. Subject: Motor vehicle statutes. Summary/Major Elements: This bill amends various Department of Transportation statutes to comply with the federal Real ID Act. It addresses such things as the hiring of employees and the issuance of driver's licenses and identification cards. The act: Specifies the information to be provided to obtain or renew driver's licenses and identification cards. Requires background checks and fraudulent document recognition training for employees. Adopts standards for the verification of documents and identities. Adopts new procedures for giving notice to issuing states of a license that has been surrendered in Wyoming. Adjusts fees. Specifies new information to be included on a license or identification card, such as a full facial digital color photograph. Allows license renewals only if there is no material change in personal information that would require the licensee to provide one of the documents required for licensing. Requires the expiration of identification cards after 8 years. Requires notice of the expiration of an identification card. Comments: This bill does not bring Wyoming into compliance with the federal Real ID Act. Rather, it amends Wyoming law to allow Wyoming to comply with the Act should the Legislature choose to do so.

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 8, 2:57 AM

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the bill because testimony heard previously changed their mind about its merits, despite initial stubbornness to vote against it.

Public statementFloor statement at 1:24:20 Watch the statement
Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because he views it as an unconstitutional overreach by the federal government that infringes on state rights and citizen privileges, arguing that Real ID is not necessary for safety.

Public statementFloor statement at 1:31:27 Watch the statement
Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the bill because he believes compliance is inevitable and argues that the federal government has provided funding to help states implement necessary security upgrades.

Public statementFloor statement at 1:34:47 Watch the statement
Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because he is unconvinced that Real ID provides real security benefits, viewing it as an ineffective overreaction to terrorism that will cause unnecessary hardship for constituents.

Public statementFloor statement at 1:38:07 Watch the statement

If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

5 roll calls

H Passed 3rd Reading 36-24-0-0-02009-02-20 · House36 yes 24 no
H08 Recommended Do Pass 8-1-0-0-02009-02-13 · House8 yes 1 no
S Passed 3rd Reading 18-12-0-0-02009-02-02 · Senate18 yes 12 no
S02 Recommended Do Pass 5-0-0-0-02009-01-27 · Senate5 yes 0 no
S08 Recommended Amend and Do Pass 4-1-0-0-02009-01-20 · Senate4 yes 1 no

Official activity

Bill history

  1. Assigned Chapter Number - 35LSO
  2. Governor Signed SEA No. 0021Governor
  3. H Speaker Signed SEA No. 0021House
  4. S President Signed SEA No. 0021Senate
  5. Assigned Number SEA No. 0021LSO
  6. H Passed 3rd ReadingHouse
  7. H Passed 2nd ReadingHouse
  8. H Passed CoWHouse
  9. H Placed on General FileHouse
  10. H08 Recommended Do PassHouse
  11. H Introduced and Referred to H08House
  12. H Received for IntroductionHouse
  13. S Passed 3rd ReadingSenate
  14. S Passed 2nd ReadingSenate
  15. S Passed CoWSenate
  16. Amendment FailedSenate
  17. S Amendments AdoptedSenate
  18. Amendment AdoptedSenate
  19. S Placed on General FileSenate
  20. S02 Recommended Do PassSenate

Changes

Amendments

3 stored

SF0038H3001

Withdrawn 3rd reading by QUARBERG

SF0038SW001

Failed Committee of the Whole by VON FLATER

SF0038SS001

Adopted Standing Committee by VON FLATER