DMV changes policy after woman with international marriage license had issue getting REAL ID

Amy Cordry, of Garner, said she gathered nearly 20 documents before she headed to the DMV to get a REAL ID - which will be a requirement beginning in 2020 for those who fly or visit federal buildings, military installations and nuclear facilities.

"Marriage certificate, birth certificate, driver's license, social security card," she said were among the papers.

But her marriage license was issued by the Island of Jamaica, not in the United States, and could not be accepted as a legal proof of her name change.

Garner woman finds destination wedding a road block to getting REAL ID

Patrice Bethea, with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, said it is common for people who get married out of the country to have a valid passport, but Cordry’s had expired since her wedding 20 years ago. The event was Cordry’s only trip outside the U.S., and she never renewed her passport.

On Thursday, Bethea said anyone with an international marriage license, or someone who is lacking proof of a name change, can now fill out a name change affidavit at the DMV and have it notarized by a DMV examiner. The name change affidavit costs $2.00 and only take a few minutes to fill out.

The non-REAL ID license will not be valid for air travel and federal facility access beginning October 1, 2020. Residents who do not have REAL ID-compliant licenses or IDs will need to present an acceptable alternative such as a passport.

The federal government approved the change after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 to increase security in the air and on the ground.