Musings: Want to get a REAL ID? Try my mom's labyrinth
Babylon Town Hall in North Lindenhurst is where this REAL ID expedition began. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
My 92-year-old mom wanted to get her REAL ID. But she had changed her name over 70 years ago and has had her New York State driver’s license in her married name for at least 60 years.
Well, she went to AAA with her church marriage license, but she did not have her marriage certificate. The marriage license, a AAA employee said, was not acceptable.
So Mom, who has heart troubles and tires out quickly, was driven by her 94-year-old sister to get a copy of her marriage certificate.
They drove to Babylon Town Hall, where Mom was married. She has lived in the town ever since. The two sisters roamed the corridors only to find out that the town said it did not have the document. What to do?
Well, my father lived in the Town of Islip when my mom got married. So, off to another town hall!
Ever try to park by a town hall? It seems nearly impossible. After finding a parking spot, the adventure continued.
They roamed a new set of corridors for hours, and Mom finally got a copy of her marriage certificate!
By the way, Mom is an independent person and only tells her kids about these issues after the fact.
Also, there is a potential federal bill that will require everyone to show proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a REAL ID or a passport, to vote. This would hurt the chances of many women to vote. Who has the time and/or money to obtain the proper ID? I know I don’t have my marriage certificate, and I’m sure many women are like my mom and me.
Anyway, Mom gave AAA the copy of her marriage certificate and is expecting her REAL ID to arrive in her mailbox any day now.
— Donna Aloise, Massapequa
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