{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-345.2.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-345.2.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-345.2.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-345.2.html"}],"law_id":77296,"edition_id":1,"section_id":77296,"structure_id":16362,"section_number":"46.2-345.2","catch_line":"Issuance of special identification cards without photographs; fee; confidentiality; penalties","history":"2019, c. 832; 2020, c. 544; 2022, c. 796; 2024, cc. 474, 497; 2025, c. 181.","full_text":"A\n\nOn the application of any person with a sincerely held religious belief prohibiting the taking of a photograph who is a resident of the Commonwealth and who is at least 15 years of age, the Department shall issue a special identification card without a photograph to the person, provided that:1\n\nApplication is made on a form prescribed by the Department and includes the applicant’s full legal name; year, month, and date of birth; social security number; sex; and residence address. Applicants shall be permitted to choose between “male,” “female,” or “non-binary” when designating the applicant’s sex on the application form;2\n\nThe applicant presents, when required by the Department, proof of identity, legal presence, residency, and social security number or non-work authorized status;3\n\nThe applicant presents an approved and signed U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 4029 or if such applicant is a minor, the applicant’s parent or legal guardian presents an approved and signed IRS Form 4029; and4\n\nThe applicant does not hold a driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary driver’s permit, learner’s permit, motorcycle learner’s permit, or special identification card.B\n\nThe fee for the issuance of an original, duplicate, reissue, or renewal special identification card without a photograph is $2 per year, with a $10 minimum fee, except no such fee shall be assessed against homeless youth, as described in subdivision A 7 of § 22.1-3.C\n\nEvery special identification card without a photograph shall expire on the applicant’s birthday at the end of the period of years for which a special identification card without a photograph has been issued. At no time shall any special identification card without a photograph be issued for more than eight years. Notwithstanding these limitations, the Commissioner may extend the validity period of an expiring card if (i) the Department is unable to process an application for re-issue due to circumstances beyond its control or (ii) the extension has been authorized under a directive from the Governor. However, in no event shall the validity period be extended more than 90 days per occurrence of such conditions.D\n\nA special identification card without a photograph issued under this section may be similar in size, shape, and design to a driver’s license and shall not include a photograph of its holder. The card shall be readily distinguishable from a driver’s license and shall clearly state that federal limits apply, that the card is not valid identification to vote, and that the card does not authorize the person to whom it is issued to drive a motor vehicle. Every applicant for a special identification card without a photograph shall appear in person before the Department to apply for a duplicate or reissue unless specifically permitted by the Department to apply in another manner.E\n\nUnless otherwise prohibited by law, a valid Virginia driver’s license or special identification card shall be surrendered for a special identification card without a photograph without the applicant’s having to present proof of legal presence as required by § 46.2-328.1 if the Virginia driver’s license or special identification card is unexpired and has not been revoked, suspended, or canceled. The special identification card without a photograph shall be considered a reissue, and the expiration date shall be the last day of the month of the surrendered driver’s license’s or special identification card’s month of expiration.F\n\nAny personal information, as identified in § 2.2-3801, that is retained by the Department from an application for the issuance of a special identification card without a photograph is confidential and shall not be divulged to any person, association, corporation, or organization, public or private, except to the legal guardian or the attorney of the applicant or to a person, association, corporation, or organization nominated in writing by the applicant, his legal guardian, or his attorney. This subsection shall not prevent the Department from furnishing the application or any information thereon to any law-enforcement agency.G\n\nAny person who uses a false or fictitious name or gives a false or fictitious address in any application for a special identification card without a photograph or knowingly makes a false statement or conceals a material fact or otherwise commits a fraud in any such application is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. However, where the special identification card without a photograph is obtained for the purpose of committing any offense punishable as a felony, a violation of this section shall constitute a Class 4 felony.H\n\nWhen requested by the applicant, the applicant’s parent if the applicant is a minor, or the applicant’s guardian, and upon presentation of a signed statement by a licensed physician confirming the applicant’s condition, the Department shall indicate on the applicant’s special identification card without a photograph that the applicant has any condition listed in subsection K of § 46.2-342.I\n\nThe Department shall establish a method by which an applicant for an original, reissued, or renewed special identification card without a photograph may indicate his blood type. If the applicant chooses to indicate his blood type, the Department shall make a notation of this designation on his special identification card without a photograph and in his record. Such notation on the special identification card without a photograph shall only be used by emergency medical services agencies in providing emergency medical support. Upon written request of the license holder or his legal guardian to have the designation removed, the Department shall issue the special identification card without a photograph without such designation upon the payment of applicable fees.\n\t\t\tNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department shall not disclose any data collected pursuant to this subsection except to the subject of the information and by designation on the special identification card without a photograph. Nothing herein shall require the Department to verify any information provided for the designation. No action taken by any person, whether private citizen or public officer or employee, with regard to any blood type designation displayed on a special identification card without a photograph, shall create a warranty of the reliability or accuracy of the document or electronic image, nor shall it create any liability on the part of the Commonwealth or of any department, office, or agency or of any officer, employee, or agent thereof.J\n\nUnless the Code specifies that a photograph is required, a special identification card without a photograph shall be treated as a special identification card.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":277248,"text":"On the application of any person with a sincerely held religious belief prohibiting the taking of a photograph who is a resident of the Commonwealth and who is at least 15 years of age, the Department shall issue a special identification card without a photograph to the person, provided that:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":277249,"text":"Application is made on a form prescribed by the Department and includes the applicant’s full legal name; year, month, and date of birth; social security number; sex; and residence address. Applicants shall be permitted to choose between “male,” “female,” or “non-binary” when designating the applicant’s sex on the application form;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":277250,"text":"The applicant presents, when required by the Department, proof of identity, legal presence, residency, and social security number or non-work authorized status;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":277251,"text":"The applicant presents an approved and signed U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 4029 or if such applicant is a minor, the applicant’s parent or legal guardian presents an approved and signed IRS Form 4029; and","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":277252,"text":"The applicant does not hold a driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary driver’s permit, learner’s permit, motorcycle learner’s permit, or special identification card.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"B"},"5":{"id":277253,"text":"The fee for the issuance of an original, duplicate, reissue, or renewal special identification card without a photograph is $2 per year, with a $10 minimum fee, except no such fee shall be assessed against homeless youth, as described in subdivision A 7 of § 22.1-3.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"C"},"6":{"id":277254,"text":"Every special identification card without a photograph shall expire on the applicant’s birthday at the end of the period of years for which a special identification card without a photograph has been issued. At no time shall any special identification card without a photograph be issued for more than eight years. Notwithstanding these limitations, the Commissioner may extend the validity period of an expiring card if (i) the Department is unable to process an application for re-issue due to circumstances beyond its control or (ii) the extension has been authorized under a directive from the Governor. However, in no event shall the validity period be extended more than 90 days per occurrence of such conditions.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"7":{"id":277255,"text":"A special identification card without a photograph issued under this section may be similar in size, shape, and design to a driver’s license and shall not include a photograph of its holder. The card shall be readily distinguishable from a driver’s license and shall clearly state that federal limits apply, that the card is not valid identification to vote, and that the card does not authorize the person to whom it is issued to drive a motor vehicle. Every applicant for a special identification card without a photograph shall appear in person before the Department to apply for a duplicate or reissue unless specifically permitted by the Department to apply in another manner.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"8":{"id":277256,"text":"Unless otherwise prohibited by law, a valid Virginia driver’s license or special identification card shall be surrendered for a special identification card without a photograph without the applicant’s having to present proof of legal presence as required by § 46.2-328.1 if the Virginia driver’s license or special identification card is unexpired and has not been revoked, suspended, or canceled. The special identification card without a photograph shall be considered a reissue, and the expiration date shall be the last day of the month of the surrendered driver’s license’s or special identification card’s month of expiration.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"9":{"id":277257,"text":"Any personal information, as identified in § 2.2-3801, that is retained by the Department from an application for the issuance of a special identification card without a photograph is confidential and shall not be divulged to any person, association, corporation, or organization, public or private, except to the legal guardian or the attorney of the applicant or to a person, association, corporation, or organization nominated in writing by the applicant, his legal guardian, or his attorney. This subsection shall not prevent the Department from furnishing the application or any information thereon to any law-enforcement agency.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"10":{"id":277258,"text":"Any person who uses a false or fictitious name or gives a false or fictitious address in any application for a special identification card without a photograph or knowingly makes a false statement or conceals a material fact or otherwise commits a fraud in any such application is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. However, where the special identification card without a photograph is obtained for the purpose of committing any offense punishable as a felony, a violation of this section shall constitute a Class 4 felony.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"11":{"id":277259,"text":"When requested by the applicant, the applicant’s parent if the applicant is a minor, or the applicant’s guardian, and upon presentation of a signed statement by a licensed physician confirming the applicant’s condition, the Department shall indicate on the applicant’s special identification card without a photograph that the applicant has any condition listed in subsection K of § 46.2-342.","type":"section","prefixes":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G","next_prefix":"I"},"12":{"id":277260,"text":"The Department shall establish a method by which an applicant for an original, reissued, or renewed special identification card without a photograph may indicate his blood type. If the applicant chooses to indicate his blood type, the Department shall make a notation of this designation on his special identification card without a photograph and in his record. Such notation on the special identification card without a photograph shall only be used by emergency medical services agencies in providing emergency medical support. Upon written request of the license holder or his legal guardian to have the designation removed, the Department shall issue the special identification card without a photograph without such designation upon the payment of applicable fees.\n\t\t\tNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department shall not disclose any data collected pursuant to this subsection except to the subject of the information and by designation on the special identification card without a photograph. Nothing herein shall require the Department to verify any information provided for the designation. No action taken by any person, whether private citizen or public officer or employee, with regard to any blood type designation displayed on a special identification card without a photograph, shall create a warranty of the reliability or accuracy of the document or electronic image, nor shall it create any liability on the part of the Commonwealth or of any department, office, or agency or of any officer, employee, or agent thereof.","type":"section","prefixes":["I"],"prefix":"I","entire_prefix":"I","prefix_anchor":"I","level":1,"prior_prefix":"H","next_prefix":"J"},"13":{"id":277261,"text":"Unless the Code specifies that a photograph is required, a special identification card without a photograph shall be treated as a special identification card.","type":"section","prefixes":["J"],"prefix":"J","entire_prefix":"J","prefix_anchor":"J","level":1,"prior_prefix":"I"}},"ancestry":[{"id":16362,"edition_id":1,"name":"Form of Licenses; Identity Documents Issued by Department","identifier":"7","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12772,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 04:15:11","date_modified":"2026-06-26 04:15:11","permalink":{"id":226861,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":16362,"identifier":"7","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/7","url":"\/46.2\/II\/3\/7\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12772,"edition_id":1,"name":"Licensure of Drivers","identifier":"3","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12771,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225629,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12772,"identifier":"3","token":"46.2\/II\/3","url":"\/46.2\/II\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12771,"edition_id":1,"name":"Titling, Registration and Licensure","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225627,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12771,"identifier":"II","token":"46.2\/II","url":"\/46.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12770,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicles","identifier":"46.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225289,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12770,"identifier":"46.2","token":"46.2","url":"\/46.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":79681,"structure_id":16362,"section_number":"46.2-342","catch_line":"What license to contain; organ donor information; Uniform Donor Document","url":"\/46.2-342\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/7\/46.2-342","metadata":false},{"id":75761,"structure_id":16362,"section_number":"46.2-343","catch_line":"Duplicate driver's license, reissued driver's licenses, learner's permit; fees","url":"\/46.2-343\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/7\/46.2-343","metadata":false},{"id":82141,"structure_id":16362,"section_number":"46.2-344","catch_line":"Temporary driver's permit","url":"\/46.2-344\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/7\/46.2-344","metadata":false},{"id":67308,"structure_id":16362,"section_number":"46.2-345","catch_line":"Issuance of special identification cards; fee; confidentiality; penalties","url":"\/46.2-345\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/7\/46.2-345","metadata":false},{"id":87217,"structure_id":16362,"section_number":"46.2-345.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-345.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/7\/46.2-345.1","metadata":false},{"id":77296,"structure_id":16362,"section_number":"46.2-345.2","catch_line":"Issuance of special identification cards without photographs; fee; confidentiality; penalties","url":"\/46.2-345.2\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/7\/46.2-345.2","metadata":false},{"id":86626,"structure_id":16362,"section_number":"46.2-345.3","catch_line":"Issuance of identification privilege cards; fee; confidentiality; penalties","url":"\/46.2-345.3\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/7\/46.2-345.3","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":87217,"structure_id":16362,"section_number":"46.2-345.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-345.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/7\/46.2-345.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":86626,"structure_id":16362,"section_number":"46.2-345.3","catch_line":"Issuance of identification privilege cards; fee; confidentiality; penalties","url":"\/46.2-345.3\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/7\/46.2-345.3","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-345.2\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2019. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 832<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 4 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2020, chapter 544<\/a>; in 2022, chapter 796<\/a>; in 2024, chapters 474<\/a> and 497<\/a>; in 2025, chapter 181<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":80010,"section_number":"18.2-308.2:2","catch_line":"Criminal history record information check required for the transfer of certain firearms","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.2_2\/"},{"id":64770,"section_number":"46.2-600.1","catch_line":"Indication of special communication needs","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-600.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":54522,"section_number":"2.2-3801","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3801\/"},{"id":55310,"section_number":"46.2-328.1","catch_line":"Licenses, permits, and special identification cards to be issued only to United States citizens, legal permanent resident aliens, or holders of valid unexpired nonimmigrant visas; exceptions; renewal, duplication, or reissuance","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-328.1\/"}],"permalink":{"id":226883,"object_type":"law","relational_id":77296,"identifier":"46.2-345.2","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/7\/46.2-345.2","url":"\/46.2-345.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-345.2\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/7\/46.2-345.2","dublin_core":{"Title":"Issuance of special identification cards without photographs; fee; confidentiality; penalties","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-345.2","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> On the application of any person with a sincerely held religious belief prohibiting the taking of a photograph who is a resident of the Commonwealth and who is at least 15 years of age, the Department<\/span> shall issue<\/span> a special identification card without a photograph to the person, provided that: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Application is made on a form prescribed by the Department<\/span> and includes the applicant’s full legal name; year, month, and date of birth; social security number; sex; and residence address. Applicants shall be permitted to choose between “male,” “female,” or “non-binary<\/span>” when designating the applicant’s sex on the application form; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The applicant presents, when required by the Department<\/span>, proof of identity, legal presence, residency, and social security number or non-work authorized status; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The applicant presents an approved and signed U.S. Department<\/span> of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 4029 or if such applicant is a minor<\/span>, the applicant’s parent or legal guardian presents an approved and signed IRS Form 4029; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The applicant does not hold a driver<\/span>’s license, commercial driver<\/span>’s license, temporary driver<\/span>’s permit, learner’s permit, motorcycle<\/span> learner’s permit, or special identification card. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The fee for the issuance of an original, duplicate, reissue, or renewal special identification card without a photograph is $2 per year, with a $10 minimum fee, except no such fee shall be assessed against homeless youth, as described in subdivision A 7 of § 22.1-3<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Every special identification card without a photograph shall expire on the applicant’s birthday at the end of the period of years for which a special identification card without a photograph has been issued. At no time shall any special identification card without a photograph be issued for more than eight years. Notwithstanding these limitations, the Commissioner<\/span> may extend the validity period of an expiring card if (i) the Department<\/span> is unable to process an application for re-issue<\/span> due to circumstances beyond its control or (ii) the extension has been authorized under a directive from the Governor. However, in no event shall the validity period be extended more than 90 days per occurrence of such conditions. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> A special identification card without a photograph issued under this section may be similar in size, shape, and design to a driver<\/span>’s license and shall not include a photograph of its holder. The card shall be readily distinguishable from a driver<\/span>’s license and shall clearly state that federal limits apply, that the card is not valid identification to vote, and that the card does not authorize the person to whom it is issued to drive a motor vehicle<\/span>. Every applicant for a special identification card without a photograph shall appear in person before the Department<\/span> to apply for a duplicate or reissue unless specifically permitted by the Department<\/span> to apply in another manner. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Unless otherwise prohibited by law<\/span>, a valid Virginia driver<\/span>’s license or special identification card shall be surrendered for a special identification card without a photograph without the applicant’s having to present proof of legal presence as required by § 46.2-328.1<\/a> if the Virginia driver<\/span>’s license or special identification card is unexpired and has not been revoked, suspended, or canceled. The special identification card without a photograph shall be considered a reissue, and the expiration date shall be the last day of the month of the surrendered driver<\/span>’s license’s or special identification card’s month of expiration. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Any personal information, as identified in § 2.2-3801<\/a>, that is retained by the Department<\/span> from an application for the issuance of a special identification card without a photograph is confidential and shall not be divulged to any person, association, corporation, or organization, public or private, except to the legal guardian or the attorney of the applicant or to a person, association, corporation, or organization nominated in writing by the applicant, his legal guardian, or his attorney. This subsection shall not prevent the Department<\/span> from furnishing the application or any information thereon to any law<\/span>-enforcement agency. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> Any person who uses a false or fictitious name or gives a false or fictitious address in any application for a special identification card without a photograph or knowingly makes a false statement or conceals a material<\/span> fact<\/span> or otherwise commits a fraud<\/span> in any such application is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor<\/span>. However, where the special identification card without a photograph is obtained for the purpose of committing any offense<\/span> punishable as a felony<\/span>, a violation of this section shall constitute a Class 4 felony<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> When requested by the applicant, the applicant’s parent if the applicant is a minor<\/span>, or the applicant’s guardian, and upon presentation of a signed statement by a licensed physician confirming the applicant’s condition, the Department<\/span> shall indicate on the applicant’s special identification card without a photograph that the applicant has any condition listed in subsection K of § 46.2-342<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

I.<\/span> The Department<\/span> shall establish a method by which an applicant for an original, reissued, or renewed special identification card without a photograph may indicate his blood type. If the applicant chooses to indicate his blood type, the Department<\/span> shall make a notation of this designation on his special identification card without a photograph and in his record. Such notation on the special identification card without a photograph shall only be used by emergency medical services agencies in providing emergency medical support. Upon written request of the license holder or his legal guardian to have the designation removed, the Department<\/span> shall issue<\/span> the special identification card without a photograph without such designation upon the payment of applicable fees.\n\t\t\tNotwithstanding any other provision of law<\/span>, the Department<\/span> shall not disclose any data collected pursuant to this subsection except to the subject of the information and by designation on the special identification card without a photograph. Nothing herein shall require the Department<\/span> to verify any information provided for the designation. No action taken by any person, whether private citizen or public officer or employee, with regard to any blood type designation displayed on a special identification card without a photograph, shall create a warranty of the reliability or accuracy of the document or electronic image, nor shall it create any liability on the part of the Commonwealth or of any department<\/span>, office, or agency or of any officer, employee, or agent<\/span> thereof. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

J.<\/span> Unless the Code specifies that a photograph is required, a special identification card without a photograph shall be treated as a special identification card. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nISSUANCE OF SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS WITHOUT PHOTOGRAPHS; FEE;\nCONFIDENTIALITY; PENALTIES (\u00a7 46.2-345.2)\n\nA. On the application of any person with a sincerely held religious belief\nprohibiting the taking of a photograph who is a resident of the Commonwealth and\nwho is at least 15 years of age, the Department shall issue a special\nidentification card without a photograph to the person, provided that:\n\n 1. Application is made on a form prescribed by the Department and includes the\n applicant’s full legal name; year, month, and date of birth; social\n security number; sex; and residence address. Applicants shall be permitted to\n choose between “male,” “female,” or\n “non-binary” when designating the applicant’s sex on the\n application form;\n\n 2. The applicant presents, when required by the Department, proof of identity,\n legal presence, residency, and social security number or non-work authorized\n status;\n\n 3. The applicant presents an approved and signed U.S. Department of the\n Treasury Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 4029 or if such applicant is a\n minor, the applicant’s parent or legal guardian presents an approved and\n signed IRS Form 4029; and\n\n 4. The applicant does not hold a driver’s license, commercial\n driver’s license, temporary driver’s permit, learner’s\n permit, motorcycle learner’s permit, or special identification card.\n\nB. The fee for the issuance of an original, duplicate, reissue, or renewal\nspecial identification card without a photograph is $2 per year, with a $10\nminimum fee, except no such fee shall be assessed against homeless youth, as\ndescribed in subdivision A 7 of § 22.1-3.\n\nC. Every special identification card without a photograph shall expire on the\napplicant’s birthday at the end of the period of years for which a special\nidentification card without a photograph has been issued. At no time shall any\nspecial identification card without a photograph be issued for more than eight\nyears. Notwithstanding these limitations, the Commissioner may extend the\nvalidity period of an expiring card if (i) the Department is unable to process\nan application for re-issue due to circumstances beyond its control or (ii) the\nextension has been authorized under a directive from the Governor. However, in\nno event shall the validity period be extended more than 90 days per occurrence\nof such conditions.\n\nD. A special identification card without a photograph issued under this section\nmay be similar in size, shape, and design to a driver’s license and shall\nnot include a photograph of its holder. The card shall be readily\ndistinguishable from a driver’s license and shall clearly state that\nfederal limits apply, that the card is not valid identification to vote, and\nthat the card does not authorize the person to whom it is issued to drive a\nmotor vehicle. Every applicant for a special identification card without a\nphotograph shall appear in person before the Department to apply for a duplicate\nor reissue unless specifically permitted by the Department to apply in another\nmanner.\n\nE. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, a valid Virginia driver’s license\nor special identification card shall be surrendered for a special identification\ncard without a photograph without the applicant’s having to present proof\nof legal presence as required by § 46.2-328.1 if the Virginia\ndriver’s license or special identification card is unexpired and has not\nbeen revoked, suspended, or canceled. The special identification card without a\nphotograph shall be considered a reissue, and the expiration date shall be the\nlast day of the month of the surrendered driver’s license’s or\nspecial identification card’s month of expiration.\n\nF. Any personal information, as identified in § 2.2-3801, that is retained\nby the Department from an application for the issuance of a special\nidentification card without a photograph is confidential and shall not be\ndivulged to any person, association, corporation, or organization, public or\nprivate, except to the legal guardian or the attorney of the applicant or to a\nperson, association, corporation, or organization nominated in writing by the\napplicant, his legal guardian, or his attorney. This subsection shall not\nprevent the Department from furnishing the application or any information\nthereon to any law-enforcement agency.\n\nG. Any person who uses a false or fictitious name or gives a false or fictitious\naddress in any application for a special identification card without a\nphotograph or knowingly makes a false statement or conceals a material fact or\notherwise commits a fraud in any such application is guilty of a Class 2\nmisdemeanor. However, where the special identification card without a photograph\nis obtained for the purpose of committing any offense punishable as a felony, a\nviolation of this section shall constitute a Class 4 felony.\n\nH. When requested by the applicant, the applicant’s parent if the\napplicant is a minor, or the applicant’s guardian, and upon presentation\nof a signed statement by a licensed physician confirming the applicant’s\ncondition, the Department shall indicate on the applicant’s special\nidentification card without a photograph that the applicant has any condition\nlisted in subsection K of § 46.2-342.\n\nI. The Department shall establish a method by which an applicant for an\noriginal, reissued, or renewed special identification card without a photograph\nmay indicate his blood type. If the applicant chooses to indicate his blood\ntype, the Department shall make a notation of this designation on his special\nidentification card without a photograph and in his record. Such notation on the\nspecial identification card without a photograph shall only be used by emergency\nmedical services agencies in providing emergency medical support. Upon written\nrequest of the license holder or his legal guardian to have the designation\nremoved, the Department shall issue the special identification card without a\nphotograph without such designation upon the payment of applicable fees.\n\t\t\tNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department shall not disclose\nany data collected pursuant to this subsection except to the subject of the\ninformation and by designation on the special identification card without a\nphotograph. Nothing herein shall require the Department to verify any\ninformation provided for the designation. No action taken by any person, whether\nprivate citizen or public officer or employee, with regard to any blood type\ndesignation displayed on a special identification card without a photograph,\nshall create a warranty of the reliability or accuracy of the document or\nelectronic image, nor shall it create any liability on the part of the\nCommonwealth or of any department, office, or agency or of any officer,\nemployee, or agent thereof.\n\nJ. Unless the Code specifies that a photograph is required, a special\nidentification card without a photograph shall be treated as a special\nidentification card.\n\nHISTORY: 2019, c. 832; 2020, c. 544; 2022, c. 796; 2024, cc. 474, 497; 2025, c.\n181.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}