SB158 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Will BarfootSenator

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Driver licenses; use of foreign national driver licenses as photo identification for voting prohibited

Summary

SB158 prohibits foreign national driver licenses from being used as photo identification for voting in Alabama and creates new rules for issuing and labeling such licenses.

What This Bill Does

It would ban foreign national driver licenses from serving as valid photo ID for voting. It introduces requirements for foreign national licenses, including application details, designated offices for processing, and a special status label on the license distinguishing foreign national status; licenses would expire with the immigration document and must be renewed by reapplying. It also sets a minimum license term of 30 days and requires the Secretary to adopt enforcement rules, with the law taking effect June 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Foreign nationals who apply for or renew Alabama driver licenses, non-driver IDs, or vessel licenses, who will face new application requirements and licensing designations tied to their immigration status.
• Voters and election officials in Alabama, as foreign national licenses cannot be used to satisfy voting photo ID requirements and will require alternative identification for voting.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'foreign national' and 'license' to include Alabama driver license, non-driver identification card, or vessel license.
• Requires foreign national license applications to include country of origin and the expiration date of the acceptable immigration documentation.
• Limits processing of foreign national license applications to offices designated by the Secretary of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency.
• Requires licenses issued to foreign nationals to include a designation showing foreign national status and to distinguish between lawful permanent residents and temporary stay.
• Makes foreign national licenses expire on the expiration date of the provided immigration documentation.
• Requires re-initiating the licensing process for renewals, as if applying for a first time.
• Prohibits issuing a foreign national license for less than 30 days.
• Prohibits presenting or accepting a foreign national license to satisfy certain voting ID requirements (Section 17-9-30).
• The Secretary must adopt rules governing enforcement of these provisions.
• The act becomes effective June 1, 2025.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles & Traffic