Driver's License Rules are Tough for a Reason

Driver's License Rules are Tough for a Reason

Petula Dvorak's Nov. 6 "Where married women feel like collateral damage," demonstrated the author's lack of understanding that state laws govern name changes throughout the state's records systems.

The Virginia and Maryland motor vehicle departments should be lauded for limiting identity documents to those that can be checked by public records, such as a state-issued marriage certificate. What if a person appeared at the DMV claiming she had changed her name to Petula Dvorak, living at the same address as the writer, but could only show documents in the name of Mary Smith? Should the DMV issue a driver's license in the name of Petula Dvorak with the photo of the woman at the counter? Many states have had name-change laws for many years before Real ID became a reason for tougher identity-proofing requirements.

In most states, men and single women are required to present similar documentation to change their names. To allow preferential treatment of newly married women creates a double standard and an avenue for women, married or impersonating being married, to commit identity fraud. Ms. Dvorak misinterprets requiring proof of identity at the DMV as mistreatment. The DMV's job is to protect individuals, the state and every other state from becoming victims of identity fraud.  

Christian Gleim, Washington The writer is coordinator of policy and communications for the Coalition for a Secure Driver's License.