Vermont will help eligible people in custody get free ID papers

Corrections staff must ask sentenced people which eligible document they want and help arrange delivery at release. This covers people sentenced to at least six months in a correctional facility. The free nondriver ID card is for people who qualify under the ID card rules; replacement licenses and permits have separate eligibility limits. People must meet the requirements for the document they request and submit the required application and documents. A license may be replaced if it is unexpired or expired no more than three years earlier; a learner’s permit may be replaced if unexpired or expired no more than two years earlier. License and permit applications must include a post-release mailing address and proof of Vermont residency after release. The rules for sentenced people’s replacement licenses and permits take effect July 1, 2026; the ID card rule takes effect January 1, 2027. Staff arrange delivery at release.

For eligible people detained for at least six months, corrections staff must gather and provide required documents by release; the person can apply for a free document after release. This covers people detained for at least six months in a correctional facility who qualify for a nondriver ID card, replacement license, or replacement learner’s permit. People must qualify for the document requested. A license must be unexpired or have expired no more than three years earlier; a learner’s permit must be unexpired or have expired no more than two years earlier. The application must include a post-release mailing address and proof of Vermont residency after release. The free document is provided only after a proper application and submission of all required documents. These rules take effect January 1, 2027. Staff provide documents by release, and the person applies after release.