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H.R. 9141House119th Congress (2025-2027)In Committee

SAVE America Through REAL ID Act

Sponsored by Julie FedorchakRep. Julie Fedorchak (R-ND)
Introduced June 4, 2026

AI-Generated Summary

Updated June 10, 2026 at 5:41 AM UTC

The SAVE America Through REAL ID Act creates a federal grant program to help states provide REAL ID‑compliant identification cards to low‑income individuals at no cost. By covering fees, administrative expenses, and outreach, the bill aims to remove financial barriers to obtaining federally recognized ID, which is needed for voting and other official purposes. The program is funded with $50 million per year for five years and is overseen by the Department of Homeland Security.

Key Provisions

  • The Secretary of Homeland Security will create a grant program that gives states money to cover the costs of issuing REAL ID‑compliant driver’s licenses or ID cards to low‑income residents at no charge.
  • States can use grant funds to waive fees, pay administrative processing costs, run nonpartisan outreach about REAL ID, provide mobile or remote services in underserved areas, and help applicants obtain required supporting documents.
  • To receive a grant, each state must submit an application describing how it will identify eligible individuals, eliminate fees, conduct outreach, and protect privacy.
  • Funding is allocated based on the number of low‑income residents and demonstrated need, with each state guaranteed a minimum amount; $50 million is authorized for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2031.
  • States must annually report the number of free IDs issued, demographic data, outreach activities, and expenditures; the Secretary will also report to Congress and the funds are subject to federal audit.

Legislative Activity

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HouseIntro Referral Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

June 4, 2026

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

June 4, 2026

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

June 4, 2026

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued June 4, 2026

I

119th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 9141

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 4, 2026

Mrs. Fedorchak (for herself and Ms. Lee of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

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.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the SAVE America Through REAL ID Act.

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.

3.

Definitions

In this Act:

(1)

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.

(2)

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.

(3)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Homeland Security.

(4)

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.

4.

Grant program established

(a)

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.

(b)

Eligible uses of funds

A State receiving a grant under this section may use funds to—

(1)

waive application and issuance fees for eligible individuals;

(2)

cover administrative costs associated with processing applications;

(3)

conduct nonpartisan public awareness activities directly related to REAL ID eligibility and application procedures;

(4)

provide mobile or remote services to obtain REAL ID’s in underserved areas; and

(5)

assist applicants in obtaining required supporting documentation.

5.

State applications

(a)

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.

(b)

Contents

Each application shall include—

(1)

a description of how the State will identify and verify eligible individuals;

(2)

a plan to eliminate fees for such individuals;

(3)

outreach strategies to promote broad awareness; and

(4)

assurances of compliance with applicable Federal and State privacy and security laws.

6.

Allocation of funds

(a)

Formula

The Secretary shall allocate funds to States based on—

(1)

the population of low-income individuals in the State; and

(2)

the demonstrated need for increased access to compliant identification.

(b)

Minimum allocation

Each State receiving a grant shall receive not less than a minimum allocation, as determined by the Secretary.

7.

Reporting and accountability

(a)

State reports

Each State receiving funds shall annually submit to the Secretary a report detailing—

(1)

the number of identification cards issued at no cost;

(2)

demographic data, as permitted by law;

(3)

outreach activities conducted; and

(4)

expenditures of grant funds.

(b)

Federal report

The Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual report summarizing program outcomes and effectiveness.

(c)

Audits

Funds provided under this Act shall be subject to audit by appropriate Federal oversight entities.

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.

9.

Rulemaking

The Secretary may promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this Act.