Senate Bill 2101

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 63-1-35 AND 45-35-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE DESIGNATION OF VETERANS ON DRIVER'S LICENSE AND IDENTIFICATION CARD; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 63-1-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-1-35. (1) The Commissioner of Public Safety shall prescribe the form of license issued pursuant to this article which shall, among other features, include a driver's license number assigned by the Department of Public Safety. A licensee shall list his social security number with the department which shall cross reference the social security number with the driver's license number for purposes of identification. Additionally, each license shall bear a full-face color photograph of the licensee in such form that the license and the photograph cannot be separated. The photograph shall be taken so that one (1) exposure will photograph the applicant and the application simultaneously on the same film. The department shall use a process in the issuance of a license with a color photograph that shall prevent as nearly as possible any alteration, counterfeiting, duplication, reproduction, forging or modification of the license or the superimposition of a photograph without ready detection. The photograph shall be replaced by the department at the time of renewal. Drivers' licenses, including photographs appearing thereon, may be renewed by electronic means according to rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner in conformity to Section 27-104-33.

(2) The commissioner shall prescribe the form of license issued pursuant to this article to licensees who are not United States citizens and who do not possess a social security number issued by the United States government. The license of such persons shall include a number and/or other identifying features.

(3) Any new, renewal or duplicate driver's license, temporary driving permit, intermediate license or commercial driver's license issued to a person required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Section 45-33-25 shall bear a designation identifying the licensee or permittee as a sex offender.

(4) Upon the presentation of a copy of the veteran's DD Form 214 issued by the United States Department of Defense, the new, renewal or duplicate driver's license, temporary driving permit, intermediate license or commercial driver's license issued to a veteran shall exhibit the letters "Vet" identifying the licensee or permittee as a veteran.

SECTION 2. Section 45-35-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

45-35-3. (1) Any person six (6) years of age or older may be issued an identification card by the department which is certified by the registrant and attested by the commissioner as to true name, correct age and such other identifying data as required by Section 45-35-5.

(2) The new, renewal or duplicate identification card of a person required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Section 45-33-25 shall bear a designation identifying the cardholder as a sex offender.

(3) Upon the presentation of a copy of the veteran's DD Form 214 issued by the United States Department of Defense, the new, renewal or duplicate identification card of a veteran shall exhibit the letters "Vet" identifying the cardholder as a veteran.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2012.