District of ColumbiaD.C. applicants could mark hidden disabilities on licenses and IDs
From January 1, 2027, after required approval and congressional review, D.C. applicants could choose a butterfly symbol on licenses, permits, and ID cards to show a disability that is not easily seen.
What it does
From January 1, 2027, after required approval and congressional review, D.C. license, permit, and ID applicants could choose a butterfly symbol for a disability that is not easily seen.
Applicants would not need proof for the hidden-disability symbol and could request its removal. DMV could not use their disclosure to require a medical review unless D.C. law or rules required that disclosure.
DMV would tell the public about the symbol. D.C. police would put training for all sworn officers in place within 180 days after the law takes effect.
Argument forThe optional symbol and officer training could help police recognize disabilities that are not obvious during encounters.
Argument againstPutting a disability symbol on the front of an ID could reveal personal information whenever someone shows the card.
More detail
DMV would offer a butterfly symbol on the front of licenses, permits, and ID cards. The option would cover new and renewal applicants whose disabilities are not immediately obvious or visible. Choosing the symbol would be optional and would not prevent other authorized disability markers. The act would apply as of January 1, 2027. It would take effect after mayoral approval or a Council veto override, plus a 30-day congressional review period.
DMV would approve the disability symbol without proof and remove it upon request. These protections would cover people choosing the hidden-disability symbol on a D.C. license, permit, or ID card. DMV could use a disability disclosure to require a driver’s medical review only if D.C. law or rules required that disclosure. The act would apply as of January 1, 2027. It would take effect after mayoral approval or a Council veto override, plus a 30-day congressional review period.
DMV would publicize the symbol, and D.C. police would provide training for all sworn officers. Training would cover interactions with people whose licenses, permits, or ID cards carry the symbol. DMV would consult the Office of Disability Rights on outreach. That office would review the training with the police disability access coordinator before officers receive it. The act would apply as of January 1, 2027. It would take effect after mayoral approval or a Council veto override, plus a 30-day congressional review period.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 26Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Nov 09, 2026To Governor
- Oct 6Final ReadingMinor
- Vote recorded Final Reading. Result: pass.Legislature
- Sep 22First Reading, CCMinor
- Vote recorded First Reading, CC. Result: pass.Legislature
- Sep 16Committee Mark-up of B26-0619 by the Transportation and the Environment Committee
- Jun 4Public Hearing on B26-0619 View Public Hearing Record
- May 15Notice of Public Hearing Published in the District of Columbia Register
- May 12Notice of Public Hearing filed in the Office of Secretary by Transportation and the EnvironmentMinor
- Mar 6Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0619 Published in the District of Columbia Register
- Mar 3Referred to Committee on Transportation and the Environment with comments from the Committee on FacilitiesMinor
- Mar 2B26-0619 Introduced by Councilmembers Parker, and Lewis George at Office of the SecretaryIntroduced
Disability RightsTransportationPublic Safety