Bill Text: VA HB540 | 2022 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Driver's license; extension of validity.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2022-04-01 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0039) [HB540 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-HB540-Chaptered.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §46.2-221.2 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§46.2-221.2. Extension of expiration of driver's licenses issued to certain persons in service to the United States government or for good cause shown.
A. Notwithstanding §46.2-330, any driver's license that is
issued by the Department under Chapter 3 (§46.2-300 et seq.) to (i) a person
serving outside the Commonwealth in the armed services of the United States,
(ii) a person serving outside the Commonwealth as a member of the diplomatic
service of the United States appointed under the Foreign Service Act of 1946,
(iii) a civilian employee of the United States government or any agency or
contractor thereof serving outside the United States on behalf of the United
States government, or (iv) a spouse or dependent accompanying any such member
of the armed services or diplomatic service serving outside the Commonwealth or
civilian employee of the United States government or any agency or contractor
thereof serving outside the United States on behalf of the United States
government shall be held not to have expired during the period of the
licensee's service outside the Commonwealth in the armed services of the United
States or as a member of the diplomatic service of the United States appointed
under the Foreign Service Act of 1946 or as a civilian employee of the United
States government or any agency or contractor thereof serving outside the
United States on behalf of the United States government and 180 days
thereafter. However, no extension granted under this section shall exceed
three six years from the date of expiration shown on the
individual's driver's license.
For the purposes of this subsection, "service in the armed services of the United States" includes active duty service with the regular Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard or other reserve component.
B. Notwithstanding §46.2-330, the Commissioner may, for good
cause shown, extend the validity period of a driver's license issued by the
Department pursuant to Chapter 3 (§46.2-300 et seq.), provided that the
license holder requesting the extension (i) contacts the Department prior to
expiration of his license, (ii) is temporarily absent from the Commonwealth at
the time his driver's license is due for renewal, (iii) provides the
Commissioner with verifiable evidence documenting the need for an extension,
(iv) provides the Commissioner with the earliest date of return, and (v) is not
eligible to renew his license online. No extension granted under this
subsection shall exceed one year two years from the date of
expiration shown on the individual's driver's license.
C. The Department shall furnish to any person whose driver's license is extended under this section documentary or other proof that he is entitled to the benefits of this section when operating any motor vehicle.
