O'Mara bill advances, expanding photo ID access for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and active-duty military families
Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara March 24, 2025 | 3:45 PM
HARRISBURG, March 24 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara’s legislation to expand access to photo ID cards and driver’s licenses passed the House today, delivering a victory for both Pennsylvanians with severe lifelong medical conditions and active-duty military personnel stationed outside of the commonwealth.
House Bill 410 would allow individuals with certain conditions to request PennDOT to issue a renewal of an identification card or driver’s license using the most recent color photo and signature of the applicant on file. Residents who meet the criteria for a severely disabled veteran placard/plate would also qualify for remote renewal, replacing an in-person visit to the DMV.
O’Mara introduced this bill last legislative session, where it also passed the House. This version of the bill has been amended to include active-duty military stationed outside the commonwealth, and their spouses and dependent children living with them. Under H.B. 410, they could also renew their driver's licenses or photo ID cards remotely, using their existing photo on file.
“Whether it's someone living with blindness, a disabled veteran, or a military family activated overseas or out of state, access to a state-issued photo ID is crucial,” O’Mara said. “House Bill 410 eases the burden of renewal for those with persistent health conditions and military families, allowing them to maintain their licenses or IDs from home and continue their daily lives without interruption.”
The need for this legislation was brought to O'Mara's attention by a constituent who experienced the ease of remote ID renewal during the COVID-19 pandemic. This method, available to all Pennsylvanians at that time, was especially beneficial for those with disabilities who face significant barriers when visiting the DMV. Waiting in a crowded area with a wheelchair or oxygen tank, for example, can be particularly challenging when simply looking to get a photo taken.
The amendment to include Pennsylvania military members and their families, offered by state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre/Mifflin, was a bipartisan effort with O’Mara to help save servicemembers time and travel costs by allowing them to renew their licenses and IDs online, eliminating the need for a trip back to Pennsylvania.
This legislation would only apply to renewing IDs and licenses from home and is in accordance with federal requirements. Other requirements for first-time applicants would still apply.
House Bill 410 will now advance to the Senate for consideration.