Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “SAVE America Through REAL ID Act”.
SAVE America Through REAL ID Act
A BILL
To establish a grant program to assist States in providing identification cards compliant with Federal standards at no cost to low-income individuals.
Sec. 2 Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to ensure that all eligible individuals, regardless of income, have access to identification documents that meet Federal election standards by supporting State efforts to eliminate financial barriers to obtaining such identification.
Sec. 3 Definitions
In this Act:
Low-income individual— The term “low-income individual” means an individual whose household income is not more than 200 percent of the Federal poverty level, or who participates in a means-tested public assistance program, as determined by the State.
Real ID-compliant identification— The term “REAL ID-compliant identification” means a driver’s license or identification card issued by a State that meets the requirements of Federal law for official purposes.
Secretary— The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Homeland Security.
State— The term “State” means any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and any territory or possession of the United States.
Sec. 4 Grant program established
In general— The Secretary shall establish a grant program to provide funds to States to cover the costs associated with issuing REAL ID-compliant identification at no cost to low-income individuals.
Eligible uses of funds— A State receiving a grant under this section may use funds to—
waive application and issuance fees for eligible individuals;
cover administrative costs associated with processing applications;
conduct nonpartisan public awareness activities directly related to REAL ID eligibility and application procedures;
provide mobile or remote services to obtain REAL ID’s in underserved areas; and
assist applicants in obtaining required supporting documentation.
Sec. 5 State applications
Application required— To receive a grant under this Act, a State shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
Contents— Each application shall include—
a description of how the State will identify and verify eligible individuals;
a plan to eliminate fees for such individuals;
outreach strategies to promote broad awareness; and
assurances of compliance with applicable Federal and State privacy and security laws.
Sec. 6 Allocation of funds
Formula— The Secretary shall allocate funds to States based on—
the population of low-income individuals in the State; and
the demonstrated need for increased access to compliant identification.
Minimum allocation— Each State receiving a grant shall receive not less than a minimum allocation, as determined by the Secretary.
Sec. 7 Reporting and accountability
State reports— Each State receiving funds shall annually submit to the Secretary a report detailing—
the number of identification cards issued at no cost;
demographic data, as permitted by law;
outreach activities conducted; and
expenditures of grant funds.
Federal report— The Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual report summarizing program outcomes and effectiveness.
Audits— Funds provided under this Act shall be subject to audit by appropriate Federal oversight entities.
Sec. 8 Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Sec. 9 Rulemaking
The Secretary may promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this Act.