INDIANAPOLIS — Cheryl Russell is back home again in Indiana, and she needs an updated ID to prove it. That way, she can vote this election.
"It's not just a privilege, it's a responsibility," Russell said.
So, she and her daughter, Cathy Hutson, headed to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Russell opted for the Real ID, since all Americans will need it to board a plane beginning May 7, 2025. At the time of their BMV visit, Russell held an active Georgia driver's license that was also a Real ID.
At the BMV, Russell, who does not have a passport, learned that because her birth certificate does not match her current ID, she needs an additional government document reflecting the name change.
In her case, it's a certified marriage license from 1973.
"Over a half a century later, all of a sudden, I'm supposed to come up with that? No way," Russell chuckled.
Certified marriage licenses come from the clerk's office in the county where you got married.
In her case, it's Marion County.
For marriages prior to 1990, the certificate comes from Marion County Records Management at 1330 Madison Ave. in Indianapolis. For marriages after 1990, the document can come from the Community Justice Center, City County Building or the Marion County Records Management.
"The supervisor told me that he hoped it would be within 30 days, but he couldn't guarantee anything," Hutson said.
That wait would mean Russell cannot get an Indiana ID in time to vote.
"That's very upsetting, because I've earned the right to vote," Russell said.
The Marion County Clerks Office told 13News they are in the process of digitizing marriage records that date back to 1820.
That unintentionally held up some requests and the clerk's office says the wait is now resolved.
But it is not just Russell having trouble proving a name change.
Lawyer Andrea Sneden with The Legal Aid Society said they are seeing more demand for help because of the Real ID.
"They may have gone by a middle name, but their birth certificate shows the first name, so they need to get that corrected," Sneded explained.
The Legal Aid Society helps low-income families or individuals with legal issues pro bono. There is no intake process.
Sneden said if you need assistance proving who your identity, start with gathering your birth certificate, marriage license, even a naturalization form.
"The court wants to see the chain of documents and every name that you've gone by," Sneden explained.
Helping Indiana residents plan for their future plane rides.