A women’s marital status can make it hard to get a Real ID
Q
Maybe the actual process of getting a Real ID isn’t that hard, but pulling together documents for a married woman isn’t easy.
Most utility accounts are in the husband’s name because when we set them up, they wouldn’t even consider putting my name on them. I finally found my name and address on a document for insurance which had both of our names. Fortunately, I already had a passport. That helped.
Women who have taken their husband’s name don’t even have a birth certificate showing their current name.
We own our house, so we have no rental or lease agreement and we do not have payment coupons for a mortgage.
I am retired, so have no employment documents. I was not a happy camper when I was searching for valid documentation.
— Connie Caboulay
A
I understand. And it’s more difficult for women who have been divorced or remarried.
If the name on your identity document is different from your current name, you must bring a certified legal document of the name change. Multiple name change documents are needed if your name has changed multiple times, and you will need to provide a certified dissolution of marriage document to connect the name listed on your identity document to your full name now.
Q
It seems to me that Real ID is a form of illegal search and seizure and it’s time to push back against it.
Let’s call a spade a spade: Real ID is required due to a frightened populace being told it will help to catch the bad guys.
Real ID is nothing but an illegal invasion of privacy and we should all protest until the law is changed.
— Mike Cheponis,
Santa Clara
A
Real ID was approved by federal officials as a way to provide better security after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Yes, there are one-time hassles in getting the necessary paperwork, but once you get Real ID, future renewals will be easy.
Remember, the deadline to get one is Oct. 1.
Q
Be sure to remind people seeking Real ID that they will need the actual Social Security card and a certified copy of their birth certificate and, if necessary, their marriage license.
I went to the DMV with my Medicare card, a noncertified birth certificate, and a church document of my marriage, which were all rejected.
It took a couple of months to get the real ones and then to have them notarized.
So naturally, I had to make a second trip.
A
Thanks for the tips.
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