AB 971: Driver’s licenses: developmental disability status.

Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a drivers license to an applicant when the department determines that the applicant is lawfully entitled to a license. Existing law allows an in-person applicant for a drivers license or identification card to request the word VETERAN be printed on the face of the drivers license or identification card, subject to certain requirements, including, among others, verification of veteran status, as specified, and payment of a $5 fee, which the department is authorized to increase by regulation, in an amount not to exceed $15, as specified.

This bill would require an application for a drivers license or identification card to allow a person to certify to the department that they have a developmental disability, as defined, that may make communication with law enforcement officers difficult. The bill would require the application to allow the person to request that some indicia of this certification be printed on their drivers license or identification card. The bill would require the department to charge a specified fee to the person requesting that indicia on their drivers license or identification card.