The Boone County Clerk’s Office is urging residents to come prepared with specific information when requesting divorce documentation needed for their REAL ID applications, citing frequent delays caused by incomplete or missing details.
According to Clerk Lisa Bruder, a high number of individuals seeking REAL ID documentation are arriving without essential information, particularly related to past divorces. These gaps often force staff to conduct time-consuming manual searches through court records, resulting in slower service for all visitors.
“Many people don’t realize that REAL ID requirements can include proof of name changes due to marriage or divorce,” Bruder said.
To help expedite the process, the Clerk’s Office advises anyone seeking divorce decrees or related documents to bring the following:
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Confirmation that the divorce petition was filed in Boone County, Indiana
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The full name(s) used at the time of the divorce
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An approximate date or year of the divorce
Officials stress that even having a general idea of when the divorce occurred can greatly reduce search times and improve efficiency at the counter.
REAL ID is a federal identification standard required for domestic air travel and access to certain government facilities. The compliance deadline was May 7, 2025. Individuals attempting to travel without a REAL ID now face longer screening times and potential denial of access to federal buildings.