To: Jerry Nadler
REAL ID Voting Access Protection Act of 2025
REAL ID Voting Access Protection Act of 2025
118th Congress
1st Session
1st Session
H. R. ____
To ensure equitable access to federal identification required for voting, by mandating that individuals at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level shall be provided a REAL ID-compliant identification card or if they currently have a valid driver's license, be upgraded to REAL ID-compliant driver's license at no cost.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 11, 2025
April 11, 2025
Ms. Ashley M. Mosley and Ms. Brittany A. Nikolai introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
A BILL
To eliminate the cost barrier for REAL ID-compliant identification for low-income individuals in order to protect the constitutional right to vote.
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
This Act may be cited as the “REAL ID Voting Access Protection Act of 2025.”
SEC. 2. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Act is to eliminate financial barriers to upgrading a current form of identification to a REAL ID-compliant version for the purpose of voting, ensuring all eligible citizens have equal access to participate in federal, state, and local elections.
SEC. 3. NO-COST REAL ID FOR LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS
(a) Eligibility
Any individual who is:
(1) a United States citizen or legal permanent resident; and
(2) at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
shall be eligible to have their current form of identification upgraded at no cost to a REAL ID-compliant version.
Any individual who is:
(1) a United States citizen or legal permanent resident; and
(2) at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
shall be eligible to have their current form of identification upgraded at no cost to a REAL ID-compliant version.
Additionally, the following individuals shall also be eligible to have their current form of identification upgraded at no cost to a REAL ID-compliant version:
(A) Individuals aged 65 and older;
(B) Individuals with a documented disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act;
(C) Individuals experiencing homelessness, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development;
(D) Individuals at or below the federal poverty level, determined by the national average as published annually by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Health and Human Services.
(B) Individuals with a documented disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act;
(C) Individuals experiencing homelessness, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development;
(D) Individuals at or below the federal poverty level, determined by the national average as published annually by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Health and Human Services.
(b) Verification
States shall establish a simple and streamlined process to verify eligibility, which may include proof of participation in federal assistance programs (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid, SSI), tax filings, or an affidavit of income status.
States shall establish a simple and streamlined process to verify eligibility, which may include proof of participation in federal assistance programs (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid, SSI), tax filings, or an affidavit of income status.
(c) Use Limitation
REAL ID-compliant identification issued under this section may be used for any purpose permitted under federal and state law, including but not limited to air travel, government access, and voting.
REAL ID-compliant identification issued under this section may be used for any purpose permitted under federal and state law, including but not limited to air travel, government access, and voting.
SEC. 4. FEDERAL FUNDING
(a) Grants to States
The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish a grant program to reimburse states for the full cost of issuing no-cost REAL ID-compliant identification under this Act.
The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish a grant program to reimburse states for the full cost of issuing no-cost REAL ID-compliant identification under this Act.
(b) Annual Appropriation
There is authorized to be appropriated $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2025, and such sums as may be necessary for each fiscal year thereafter, to carry out the provisions of this Act.
There is authorized to be appropriated $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2025, and such sums as may be necessary for each fiscal year thereafter, to carry out the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 5. IMPLEMENTATION DEADLINE
States shall comply with the provisions of this Act within 180 days of its enactment.
SEC. 6. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is found to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the remainder of this Act shall not be affected.
Why is this important?
1. Ensuring Equal Access to Voting
The bill addresses a major barrier to voting: access to a valid ID. Many eligible voters, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals experiencing homelessness, struggle to afford the cost of obtaining a REAL ID or upgrading to a REAL ID Driver’s License. By upgrading their current forms of identification to REAL ID-compliant versions at no cost, this bill ensures that these groups can participate in elections without the financial burden of paying for an ID.
2. Promoting Voter Inclusivity
Historically, certain populations have been marginalized in the electoral process due to lack of access to valid identification. This bill seeks to level the playing field by ensuring that individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, seniors, and disabled individuals can vote without being excluded due to inability to afford the cost of updating their identification.
3. Supporting Individuals with Disabilities
People with disabilities often face additional obstacles in daily life, including barriers to obtaining and updating identification. This bill prioritizes their needs by ensuring they are not burdened with the cost of upgrading to a REAL ID or REAL ID Driver’s License making it easier for them to exercise their fundamental right to vote.
4. Addressing Homelessness
Homeless individuals often lack the proper documentation and identification to vote. This bill removes the financial barrier, helping to integrate homeless individuals into the voting process, and giving them a voice in elections.
5. Reducing Voter Suppression
Forcing people to pay for ID upgrades creates an unnecessary financial obstacle that disproportionately affects disadvantaged groups. This bill reduces voter suppression by eliminating the cost and ensuring everyone, regardless of their financial status, has equal access to participate in the democratic process.
6. Encouraging Civic Engagement
By making the process of obtaining a REAL ID or REAL ID Driver’s License more accessible, this bill fosters greater civic engagement. When citizens are able to exercise their right to vote, they feel more empowered and connected to their communities and the democratic process.
7. Strengthening Democracy
A democracy is only as strong as its ability to fairly represent all citizens. By ensuring that voting is accessible to everyone, including the most vulnerable, this bill strengthens the democratic process and ensures a fuller, more inclusive representation of the nation's diverse population.
How it will be delivered
Sending it by certified mail and if no response then delivery a copy in person.