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Mayor Bowser Presents Virginia McLaurin with New ID; Issues Senior- Friendly ‘Real ID’ Regulations

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Bowser announced a new regulation that allows the Department of Motor Vehicles to help District senior citizens aged 70 and older who need a Real ID, but who may lack the necessary documentation to get that ID.

“Our seniors deserve easy access to a government photo ID so they can take advantage of the many benefits, activities and services that other residents enjoy,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “These common sense regulations will ensure that District seniors can get an ID if they lack the kind of documentation that may not have been around when they were born.”

The new regulations, which meet federal requirements, go into effect immediately. 

A recent Washington Post report by Courtland Milloy found that Virginia McLaurin, a long-time District resident who received national attention for her dance with President Obama, could not get a Real ID because of new federal regulations. The Bowser Administration has been working with our federal partners on a regulatory fix, which enables seniors like Mrs. McLaurin to receive a proper Real ID.

Earlier today, Mayor Bowser, Deputy Mayor Kevin Donahue and DMV Director Lucinda Babers visited with Mrs. McLaurin to complete her paperwork. The Mayor presented Mrs. McLaurin with a temporary ID that will be valid until she receives a Real ID in the mail.

"I thank the Lord, Mayor Bowser, and everyone who helped me get my photo ID renewed. I am especially happy to know that now all seniors in D.C., will be able to get an ID more easily,” said longtime resident Virginia McLaurin.

The new regulation provides the DMV Director the latitude to expand the list of acceptable documents for residents age 70 and older to allow these seniors to secure a District-issued Real ID credential necessary for travel and completing other personal business requiring identification. DC DMV initiated the exception process in June 2015 which required coordination with the United States Department of Homeland Security.