SF2187: Driver's License/ID Citizenship Verification

Requires the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) verify the citizenship and immigration status of all applicants for driver's licenses or nonoperator identification cards who do not provide proof of U.S. citizenship. The verification must be conducted using the federal SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) program or a similar federal system. The DOT is prohibited from issuing or renewing these documents if the applicant does not provide proof of citizenship and cannot be verified as lawfully present in the U.S. Effective 3/1/2027 or when the Iowa DOT submits administrative code sections upon implementation of its new records system.

Key Points & Impact:

• Requires DOT to use the federal SAVE program (or successor system) to verify citizenship or immigration status for applicants lacking proof of U.S. citizenship.

• Applies to both issuance and renewal of driver’s licenses and nonoperator identification cards.

• DOT cannot issue or renew licenses or IDs if the applicant cannot prove U.S. citizenship and cannot be verified as lawfully present.

• Defines the SAVE program as the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

• Applies to all new applicants and renewals where citizenship proof is not provided.

• Establishes a legal requirement for verification before granting state identification documents.