{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-345.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-345.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-345.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-345.html"}],"law_id":67308,"edition_id":1,"section_id":67308,"structure_id":16362,"section_number":"46.2-345","catch_line":"Issuance of special identification cards; fee; confidentiality; penalties","history":"1973, c. 214, \u00a7 46.1-383.3; 1975, c. 549; 1981, cc. 593, 594; 1982, c. 180; 1983, c. 608; 1984, c. 780; 1989, c. 727; 1993, cc. 471, 501; 1997, c. 486; 1998, c. 322; 1999, c. 593; 2002, cc. 767, 834; 2005, cc. 259, 260, 281, 665, 828; 2006, cc. 857, 914; 2009, c. 872; 2012, cc. 215, 222; 2014, c. 702; 2015, c. 167; 2016, cc. 135, 743; 2017, c. 122; 2019, cc. 75, 832; 2020, cc. 544, 829; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 319; 2022, c. 796; 2025, c. 181.","full_text":"A\n\nOn the application of any person who is a resident of the Commonwealth, the parent of any such person who is under the age of 18, or the legal guardian of any such person, the Department shall issue a special identification card 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 Department is satisfied that the applicant needs an identification card or the applicant shows he has a bona fide need for such a card; 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 without a photograph.\n\t\t\t\tPersons 70 years of age or older may exchange a valid Virginia driver’s license for a special identification card at no fee. Special identification cards subsequently issued to such persons shall be subject to the regular fees for special identification cards.B\n\nThe fee for the issuance of an original, duplicate, reissue, or renewal special identification card 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. Persons 21 years old or older may be issued a scenic special identification card for an additional fee of $5.C\n\nEvery special identification card shall expire on the applicant’s birthday at the end of the period of years for which a special identification card has been issued. At no time shall any special identification card be issued for less than three nor more than eight years, except under the provisions of subsection B of § 46.2-328.1 and except that those cards issued to children under the age of 15 shall expire on the child’s sixteenth birthday. 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 renewal due to circumstances beyond its control, (ii) the extension has been authorized under a directive from the Governor, and (iii) the card was not issued as a temporary special identification card under the provisions of subsection B of § 46.2-328.1. However, in no event shall the validity period be extended more than 90 days per occurrence of such conditions. Any special identification card issued to a person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1 shall expire on the applicant’s birthday in years which the applicant attains an age equally divisible by five. For each person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 of Title 9.1, the Department may not waive the requirement that each such person shall appear for each renewal or the requirement to obtain a photograph in accordance with subsection C of § 46.2-323.D\n\nA special identification card issued under this section may be similar in size, shape, and design to a driver’s license, and include a photograph of its holder, but the card shall be readily distinguishable from a driver’s license and shall clearly state that it does not authorize the person to whom it is issued to drive a motor vehicle. Every applicant for a special identification card shall appear in person before the Department to apply for a renewal, duplicate or reissue unless specifically permitted by the Department to apply in another manner.E\n\nSpecial identification cards, for persons at least 15 years old but less than 21 years old, shall be immediately and readily distinguishable from those issued to persons 21 years old or older. Distinguishing characteristics shall include unique design elements of the document and descriptors within the photograph area to identify persons who are at least 15 years old but less than 21 years old. These descriptors shall include the month, day, and year when the person will become 21 years old.F\n\nSpecial identification cards for persons under age 15 shall bear a full face photograph. The special identification card issued to persons under age 15 shall be readily distinguishable from a driver’s license and from other special identification cards issued by the Department. Such cards shall clearly indicate that it does not authorize the person to whom it is issued to drive a motor vehicle.G\n\nUnless otherwise prohibited by law, a valid Virginia driver’s license shall be surrendered upon application for a special identification card without the applicant’s having to present proof of legal presence as required by § 46.2-328.1 if the Virginia driver’s license is unexpired and it has not been revoked, suspended, or cancelled. The special identification card shall be considered a reissue and the expiration date shall be the last day of the month of the surrendered driver’s license’s month of expiration.H\n\nAny personal information, as identified in § 2.2-3801, which is retained by the Department from an application for the issuance of a special identification card 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.I\n\nAny person who uses a false or fictitious name or gives a false or fictitious address in any application for an identification card or knowingly makes a false statement or conceals a material fact or otherwise commits a fraud in any such application shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. However, where the name or address is given, or false statement is made, or fact is concealed, or fraud committed, with the intent to purchase a firearm or where the identification card is obtained for the purpose of committing any offense punishable as a felony, a violation of this section shall constitute a Class 4 felony.J\n\nThe Department shall utilize the various communications media throughout the Commonwealth to inform Virginia residents of the provisions of this section and to promote and encourage the public to take advantage of its provisions.K\n\nThe Department shall electronically transmit application information to the Department of State Police, in a format approved by the State Police, for comparison with information contained in the Virginia Criminal Information Network and National Crime Information Center Convicted Sexual Offender Registry Files, at the time of issuance of a special identification card. Whenever it appears from the records of the State Police that a person has failed to comply with the duty to register, reregister, or verify his registration information pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, the State Police shall promptly investigate and, if there is probable cause to believe a violation has occurred, obtain a warrant or assist in obtaining an indictment charging a violation of § 18.2-472.1 in the jurisdiction in which the person made application for the special identification card.L\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 that the applicant has any condition listed in subsection K of § 46.2-342 or that the applicant is blind or vision impaired.M\n\nThe Department shall establish a method by which an applicant for an original, reissued, or renewed special identification card 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 and in his record. Such notation on the special identification card 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 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. 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, 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.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":243898,"text":"On the application of any person who is a resident of the Commonwealth, the parent of any such person who is under the age of 18, or the legal guardian of any such person, the Department shall issue a special identification card to the person, provided that:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":243899,"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":243900,"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":243901,"text":"The Department is satisfied that the applicant needs an identification card or the applicant shows he has a bona fide need for such a card; and","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":243902,"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 without a photograph.\n\t\t\t\tPersons 70 years of age or older may exchange a valid Virginia driver’s license for a special identification card at no fee. Special identification cards subsequently issued to such persons shall be subject to the regular fees for special identification cards.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"B"},"5":{"id":243903,"text":"The fee for the issuance of an original, duplicate, reissue, or renewal special identification card 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. Persons 21 years old or older may be issued a scenic special identification card for an additional fee of $5.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"C"},"6":{"id":243904,"text":"Every special identification card shall expire on the applicant’s birthday at the end of the period of years for which a special identification card has been issued. At no time shall any special identification card be issued for less than three nor more than eight years, except under the provisions of subsection B of § 46.2-328.1 and except that those cards issued to children under the age of 15 shall expire on the child’s sixteenth birthday. 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 renewal due to circumstances beyond its control, (ii) the extension has been authorized under a directive from the Governor, and (iii) the card was not issued as a temporary special identification card under the provisions of subsection B of § 46.2-328.1. However, in no event shall the validity period be extended more than 90 days per occurrence of such conditions. Any special identification card issued to a person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1 shall expire on the applicant’s birthday in years which the applicant attains an age equally divisible by five. For each person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 of Title 9.1, the Department may not waive the requirement that each such person shall appear for each renewal or the requirement to obtain a photograph in accordance with subsection C of § 46.2-323.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"7":{"id":243905,"text":"A special identification card issued under this section may be similar in size, shape, and design to a driver’s license, and include a photograph of its holder, but the card shall be readily distinguishable from a driver’s license and shall clearly state that it does not authorize the person to whom it is issued to drive a motor vehicle. Every applicant for a special identification card shall appear in person before the Department to apply for a renewal, 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":243906,"text":"Special identification cards, for persons at least 15 years old but less than 21 years old, shall be immediately and readily distinguishable from those issued to persons 21 years old or older. Distinguishing characteristics shall include unique design elements of the document and descriptors within the photograph area to identify persons who are at least 15 years old but less than 21 years old. These descriptors shall include the month, day, and year when the person will become 21 years old.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"9":{"id":243907,"text":"Special identification cards for persons under age 15 shall bear a full face photograph. The special identification card issued to persons under age 15 shall be readily distinguishable from a driver’s license and from other special identification cards issued by the Department. Such cards shall clearly indicate that it does not authorize the person to whom it is issued to drive a motor vehicle.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"10":{"id":243908,"text":"Unless otherwise prohibited by law, a valid Virginia driver’s license shall be surrendered upon application for a special identification card without the applicant’s having to present proof of legal presence as required by § 46.2-328.1 if the Virginia driver’s license is unexpired and it has not been revoked, suspended, or cancelled. The special identification card shall be considered a reissue and the expiration date shall be the last day of the month of the surrendered driver’s license’s month of expiration.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"11":{"id":243909,"text":"Any personal information, as identified in § 2.2-3801, which is retained by the Department from an application for the issuance of a special identification card 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":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G","next_prefix":"I"},"12":{"id":243910,"text":"Any person who uses a false or fictitious name or gives a false or fictitious address in any application for an identification card or knowingly makes a false statement or conceals a material fact or otherwise commits a fraud in any such application shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. However, where the name or address is given, or false statement is made, or fact is concealed, or fraud committed, with the intent to purchase a firearm or where the identification card 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":["I"],"prefix":"I","entire_prefix":"I","prefix_anchor":"I","level":1,"prior_prefix":"H","next_prefix":"J"},"13":{"id":243911,"text":"The Department shall utilize the various communications media throughout the Commonwealth to inform Virginia residents of the provisions of this section and to promote and encourage the public to take advantage of its provisions.","type":"section","prefixes":["J"],"prefix":"J","entire_prefix":"J","prefix_anchor":"J","level":1,"prior_prefix":"I","next_prefix":"K"},"14":{"id":243912,"text":"The Department shall electronically transmit application information to the Department of State Police, in a format approved by the State Police, for comparison with information contained in the Virginia Criminal Information Network and National Crime Information Center Convicted Sexual Offender Registry Files, at the time of issuance of a special identification card. Whenever it appears from the records of the State Police that a person has failed to comply with the duty to register, reregister, or verify his registration information pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, the State Police shall promptly investigate and, if there is probable cause to believe a violation has occurred, obtain a warrant or assist in obtaining an indictment charging a violation of § 18.2-472.1 in the jurisdiction in which the person made application for the special identification card.","type":"section","prefixes":["K"],"prefix":"K","entire_prefix":"K","prefix_anchor":"K","level":1,"prior_prefix":"J","next_prefix":"L"},"15":{"id":243913,"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 that the applicant has any condition listed in subsection K of § 46.2-342 or that the applicant is blind or vision impaired.","type":"section","prefixes":["L"],"prefix":"L","entire_prefix":"L","prefix_anchor":"L","level":1,"prior_prefix":"K","next_prefix":"M"},"16":{"id":243914,"text":"The Department shall establish a method by which an applicant for an original, reissued, or renewed special identification card 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 and in his record. Such notation on the special identification card 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 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. 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, 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":["M"],"prefix":"M","entire_prefix":"M","prefix_anchor":"M","level":1,"prior_prefix":"L"}},"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":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},"next_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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-345\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1973. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 214 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. Unfortunately, the 1973 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 23 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 1975, chapter 549; in 1981, chapters 593 and 594; in 1982, chapter 180; in 1983, chapter 608; in 1984, chapter 780; in 1989, chapter 727; in 1993, chapters 471 and 501; in 1997, chapter 486<\/a>; in 1998, chapter 322<\/a>; in 1999, chapter 593<\/a>; in 2002, chapters 767<\/a> and 834<\/a>; in 2005, chapters 259<\/a>, 260<\/a>, 281<\/a>, 665<\/a>, and 828<\/a>; in 2006, chapters 857<\/a> and 914<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 872<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 215<\/a> and 222<\/a>; in 2014, chapter 702<\/a>; in 2015, chapter 167<\/a>; in 2016, chapters 135<\/a> and 743<\/a>; in 2017, chapter 122<\/a>; in 2019, chapters 75<\/a> and 832<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 544<\/a> and 829<\/a>; in 2022, chapter 796<\/a>; in 2025, chapter 181<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":74023,"section_number":"46.2-214.4","catch_line":"Discount for online transactions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-214.4\/"},{"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\/"},{"id":86626,"section_number":"46.2-345.3","catch_line":"Issuance of identification privilege cards; fee; confidentiality; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-345.3\/"},{"id":64770,"section_number":"46.2-600.1","catch_line":"Indication of special communication needs","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-600.1\/"},{"id":82575,"section_number":"9.1-102.1","catch_line":"Photo-identification cards","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-102.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":57746,"section_number":"18.2-472.1","catch_line":"Providing false information or failing to provide registration information; penalty; prima facie evidence","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-472.1\/"},{"id":54522,"section_number":"2.2-3801","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3801\/"},{"id":81351,"section_number":"22.1-3","catch_line":"Persons to whom public schools shall be free","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-3\/"},{"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\/"},{"id":79681,"section_number":"46.2-342","catch_line":"What license to contain; organ donor information; Uniform Donor Document","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-342\/"},{"id":69731,"section_number":"9.1-900","catch_line":"Purpose of the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-900\/"}],"permalink":{"id":226875,"object_type":"law","relational_id":67308,"identifier":"46.2-345","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/7\/46.2-345","url":"\/46.2-345\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-345\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/7\/46.2-345","dublin_core":{"Title":"Issuance of special identification cards; fee; confidentiality; penalties","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-345","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> On the application of any person who is a resident of the Commonwealth, the parent of any such person who is under the age of 18, or the legal guardian of any such person, the Department<\/span> shall issue<\/span> a special identification card 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 Department<\/span> is satisfied that the applicant needs an identification card or the applicant shows he has a bona fide need for such a card; 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 without a photograph.\n\t\t\t\tPersons 70 years of age or older may exchange a valid Virginia driver<\/span>’s license for a special identification card at no fee. Special identification cards subsequently issued to such persons shall be subject to the regular fees for special identification cards. <\/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 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>. Persons 21 years old or older may be issued a scenic special identification card for an additional fee of $5. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Every special identification card shall expire on the applicant’s birthday at the end of the period of years for which a special identification card has been issued. At no time shall any special identification card be issued for less than three nor more than eight years, except under the provisions of subsection B of § 46.2-328.1<\/a> and except that those cards issued to children under the age of 15 shall expire on the child’s sixteenth birthday. 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 renewal due to circumstances beyond its control, (ii) the extension has been authorized under a directive from the Governor, and (iii) the card was not issued as a temporary special identification card under the provisions of subsection B of § 46.2-328.1<\/a>. However, in no event shall the validity period be extended more than 90 days per occurrence of such conditions. Any special identification card issued to a person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900<\/a> et seq.) of Title 9.1 shall expire on the applicant’s birthday in years which the applicant attains an age equally divisible by five. For each person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 of Title 9.1, the Department<\/span> may not waive<\/span> the requirement that each such person shall appear for each renewal or the requirement to obtain a photograph in accordance with subsection C of § 46.2-323<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> A special identification card issued under this section may be similar in size, shape, and design to a driver<\/span>’s license, and include a photograph of its holder, but the card shall be readily distinguishable from a driver<\/span>’s license and shall clearly state that it does not authorize the person to whom it is issued to drive a motor vehicle<\/span>. Every applicant for a special identification card shall appear in person before the Department<\/span> to apply for a renewal, 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> Special identification cards, for persons at least 15 years old but less than 21 years old, shall be immediately and readily distinguishable from those issued to persons 21 years old or older. Distinguishing characteristics shall include unique design elements of the document and descriptors within the photograph area to identify persons who are at least 15 years old but less than 21 years old. These descriptors shall include the month, day, and year when the person will become 21 years old. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Special identification cards for persons under age 15 shall bear a full face photograph. The special identification card issued to persons under age 15 shall be readily distinguishable from a driver<\/span>’s license and from other special identification cards issued by the Department<\/span>. Such cards shall clearly indicate that it does not authorize the person to whom it is issued to drive a motor vehicle<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> Unless otherwise prohibited by law<\/span>, a valid Virginia driver<\/span>’s license shall be surrendered upon application for a special identification card 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 is unexpired and it has not been revoked, suspended, or cancelled. The special identification card 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 month of expiration. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> Any personal information, as identified in § 2.2-3801<\/a>, which is retained by the Department<\/span> from an application for the issuance of a special identification card 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

I.<\/span> Any person who uses a false or fictitious name or gives a false or fictitious address in any application for an identification card or knowingly makes a false statement or conceals a material<\/span> fact<\/span> or otherwise commits a fraud<\/span> in any such application shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor<\/span>. However, where the name or address is given, or false statement is made, or fact<\/span> is concealed, or fraud<\/span> committed, with the intent<\/span> to purchase a firearm or where the identification card 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

J.<\/span> The Department<\/span> shall utilize the various communications media throughout the Commonwealth to inform Virginia residents of the provisions of this section and to promote and encourage the public to take advantage of its provisions. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

K.<\/span> The Department<\/span> shall electronically transmit application information to the Department<\/span> of State Police, in a format approved by the State Police, for comparison with information contained in the Virginia Criminal Information Network and National Crime<\/span> Information Center Convicted Sexual Offender Registry Files, at the time of issuance of a special identification card. Whenever it appears from the records of the State Police that a person has failed to comply with the duty to register, reregister, or verify his registration information pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900<\/a> et seq.) of Title 9.1, the State Police shall promptly investigate and, if there is probable cause<\/span> to believe a violation has occurred, obtain a warrant or assist in obtaining an indictment<\/span> charging a violation of § 18.2-472.1<\/a> in the jurisdiction<\/span> in which the person made application for the special identification card. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

L.<\/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 that the applicant has any condition listed in subsection K of § 46.2-342<\/a> or that the applicant is blind or vision impaired. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

M.<\/span> The Department<\/span> shall establish a method by which an applicant for an original, reissued, or renewed special identification card 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 and in his record. Such notation on the special identification card 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 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. 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, 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>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nISSUANCE OF SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS; FEE; CONFIDENTIALITY; PENALTIES (\u00a7\n46.2-345)\n\nA. On the application of any person who is a resident of the Commonwealth, the\nparent of any such person who is under the age of 18, or the legal guardian of\nany such person, the Department shall issue a special identification card to the\nperson, 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 Department is satisfied that the applicant needs an identification card\n or the applicant shows he has a bona fide need for such a card; 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 without a photograph.\n \t\t\t\tPersons 70 years of age or older may exchange a valid Virginia\n driver’s license for a special identification card at no fee. Special\n identification cards subsequently issued to such persons shall be subject to\n the regular fees for special identification cards.\n\nB. The fee for the issuance of an original, duplicate, reissue, or renewal\nspecial identification card is $2 per year, with a $10 minimum fee, except no\nsuch fee shall be assessed against homeless youth, as described in subdivision A\n7 of § 22.1-3. Persons 21 years old or older may be issued a scenic special\nidentification card for an additional fee of $5.\n\nC. Every special identification card shall expire on the applicant’s\nbirthday at the end of the period of years for which a special identification\ncard has been issued. At no time shall any special identification card be issued\nfor less than three nor more than eight years, except under the provisions of\nsubsection B of § 46.2-328.1 and except that those cards issued to children\nunder the age of 15 shall expire on the child’s sixteenth birthday.\nNotwithstanding these limitations, the Commissioner may extend the validity\nperiod of an expiring card if (i) the Department is unable to process an\napplication for renewal due to circumstances beyond its control, (ii) the\nextension has been authorized under a directive from the Governor, and (iii) the\ncard was not issued as a temporary special identification card under the\nprovisions of subsection B of § 46.2-328.1. However, in no event shall the\nvalidity period be extended more than 90 days per occurrence of such conditions.\nAny special identification card issued to a person required to register pursuant\nto Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1 shall expire on the\napplicant’s birthday in years which the applicant attains an age equally\ndivisible by five. For each person required to register pursuant to Chapter 9 of\nTitle 9.1, the Department may not waive the requirement that each such person\nshall appear for each renewal or the requirement to obtain a photograph in\naccordance with subsection C of § 46.2-323.\n\nD. A special identification card issued under this section may be similar in\nsize, shape, and design to a driver’s license, and include a photograph of\nits holder, but the card shall be readily distinguishable from a driver’s\nlicense and shall clearly state that it does not authorize the person to whom it\nis issued to drive a motor vehicle. Every applicant for a special identification\ncard shall appear in person before the Department to apply for a renewal,\nduplicate or reissue unless specifically permitted by the Department to apply in\nanother manner.\n\nE. Special identification cards, for persons at least 15 years old but less than\n21 years old, shall be immediately and readily distinguishable from those issued\nto persons 21 years old or older. Distinguishing characteristics shall include\nunique design elements of the document and descriptors within the photograph\narea to identify persons who are at least 15 years old but less than 21 years\nold. These descriptors shall include the month, day, and year when the person\nwill become 21 years old.\n\nF. Special identification cards for persons under age 15 shall bear a full face\nphotograph. The special identification card issued to persons under age 15 shall\nbe readily distinguishable from a driver’s license and from other special\nidentification cards issued by the Department. Such cards shall clearly indicate\nthat it does not authorize the person to whom it is issued to drive a motor\nvehicle.\n\nG. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, a valid Virginia driver’s license\nshall be surrendered upon application for a special identification card without\nthe applicant’s having to present proof of legal presence as required by\n§ 46.2-328.1 if the Virginia driver’s license is unexpired and it has\nnot been revoked, suspended, or cancelled. The special identification card shall\nbe considered a reissue and the expiration date shall be the last day of the\nmonth of the surrendered driver’s license’s month of expiration.\n\nH. Any personal information, as identified in § 2.2-3801, which is retained\nby the Department from an application for the issuance of a special\nidentification card is confidential and shall not be divulged to any person,\nassociation, corporation, or organization, public or private, except to the\nlegal guardian or the attorney of the applicant or to a person, association,\ncorporation, or organization nominated in writing by the applicant, his legal\nguardian, or his attorney. This subsection shall not prevent the Department from\nfurnishing the application or any information thereon to any law-enforcement\nagency.\n\nI. Any person who uses a false or fictitious name or gives a false or fictitious\naddress in any application for an identification card or knowingly makes a false\nstatement or conceals a material fact or otherwise commits a fraud in any such\napplication shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. However, where the name or\naddress is given, or false statement is made, or fact is concealed, or fraud\ncommitted, with the intent to purchase a firearm or where the identification\ncard is obtained for the purpose of committing any offense punishable as a\nfelony, a violation of this section shall constitute a Class 4 felony.\n\nJ. The Department shall utilize the various communications media throughout the\nCommonwealth to inform Virginia residents of the provisions of this section and\nto promote and encourage the public to take advantage of its provisions.\n\nK. The Department shall electronically transmit application information to the\nDepartment of State Police, in a format approved by the State Police, for\ncomparison with information contained in the Virginia Criminal Information\nNetwork and National Crime Information Center Convicted Sexual Offender Registry\nFiles, at the time of issuance of a special identification card. Whenever it\nappears from the records of the State Police that a person has failed to comply\nwith the duty to register, reregister, or verify his registration information\npursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, the State Police\nshall promptly investigate and, if there is probable cause to believe a\nviolation has occurred, obtain a warrant or assist in obtaining an indictment\ncharging a violation of § 18.2-472.1 in the jurisdiction in which the\nperson made application for the special identification card.\n\nL. 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 that the applicant has any condition listed in subsection K\nof § 46.2-342 or that the applicant is blind or vision impaired.\n\nM. The Department shall establish a method by which an applicant for an\noriginal, reissued, or renewed special identification card may indicate his\nblood type. If the applicant chooses to indicate his blood type, the Department\nshall make a notation of this designation on his special identification card and\nin his record. Such notation on the special identification card shall only be\nused by emergency medical services agencies in providing emergency medical\nsupport. Upon written request of the license holder or his legal guardian to\nhave the designation removed, the Department shall issue the special\nidentification card without such designation upon the payment of applicable\nfees.\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. Nothing\nherein shall require the Department to verify any information provided for the\ndesignation. No action taken by any person, whether private citizen or public\nofficer or employee, with regard to any blood type designation displayed on a\nspecial identification card, shall create a warranty of the reliability or\naccuracy of the document or electronic image, nor shall it create any liability\non the part of the Commonwealth or of any department, office, or agency or of\nany officer, employee, or agent thereof.\n\nHISTORY: 1973, c. 214, \u00a7 46.1-383.3; 1975, c. 549; 1981, cc. 593, 594; 1982, c.\n180; 1983, c. 608; 1984, c. 780; 1989, c. 727; 1993, cc. 471, 501; 1997, c. 486;\n1998, c. 322; 1999, c. 593; 2002, cc. 767, 834; 2005, cc. 259, 260, 281, 665,\n828; 2006, cc. 857, 914; 2009, c. 872; 2012, cc. 215, 222; 2014, c. 702; 2015,\nc. 167; 2016, cc. 135, 743; 2017, c. 122; 2019, cc. 75, 832; 2020, cc. 544, 829;\n2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 319; 2022, c. 796; 2025, c. 181.","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}}