Do you have a DMV Question?

Obtaining a REAL ID generally requires you to provide documents that establish your identity, legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and address. When your current legal name is different from the name on your primary identity document (like a birth certificate), you are typically required to show a chain of documentation to prove the name change. This often includes certified copies of marriage certificates and divorce decrees.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can do given your situation:

1. Understand the Purpose of the Documents
The primary reason for needing the marriage license and divorce decree is to connect the name on your birth certificate (your maiden name) to your current legal name. If your name has changed multiple times, you might need a document for each change to show a complete history.

2. Check for an Alternative Document
Many states will accept an unexpired U.S. passport or passport card as a substitute for birth and name-change documents, as long as the passport is in your current legal name. If you have a valid passport, this may be the simplest solution.

3. Contact Your State’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
The specific requirements for obtaining a REAL ID can vary by state. It is crucial to check the official website of your state’s driver’s licensing agency (e.g., DMV, DDS, BMV, etc.) or call them directly. They may have a process for people who cannot locate these historical documents. They might have a specific form or alternative document they will accept in these cases.

4. How to Obtain Replacement Documents
Even though you were married and divorced 43 years ago, you may be able to obtain copies of these documents.

Marriage License: Contact the vital records office or county clerk’s office in the county where your marriage ceremony took place. They are the official record-keepers for marriages. You may be able to request a certified copy.

Divorce Decree: Contact the court where your divorce was finalized. The county court clerk’s office should have a record of the decree. You can request a certified copy of the divorce decree, which legally shows the name change.

Even after all this time, these records should still be on file. You will likely need to provide some personal information and possibly pay a fee for the copies.

5. Consider a Standard Driver’s License
A REAL ID is not mandatory. You can still obtain or renew a standard driver’s license that is not REAL ID compliant. This license will allow you to drive and function as a form of identification for most purposes. However, it will not be accepted for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal facility, after the enforcement deadline (which is currently May 7, 2025). If you don’t plan on flying or accessing federal facilities, this might be a viable option that avoids the documentation issue.

Summary of Steps:
Check for a valid U.S. passport in your current name. If you have one, this is often the easiest path.

Contact your state’s DMV. Explain your situation and ask about alternative documentation they may accept.

Attempt to obtain replacement documents. Reach out to the county vital records office and the county court where the marriage and divorce took place to request certified copies.

Evaluate if a standard license is a suitable option. If the REAL ID is not a necessity for your future plans, renewing your standard license may be the best way to get your license renewed without the hassle.