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Virginia McLaurin, the 107-year-old woman whose dance with the Obamas went viral, has finally received a photo ID card. On Tuesday, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser passed a new law that would make it easier for individuals over 70 to obtain an ID, the Houston Chronicle reports.

After Virginia McLaurin became an internet sensation, she was invited to travel across the country for interviews, but was barred from flying because she only had a temporary ID. McLaurin, who has lived in the Washington, D.C. area for quite some time, lost her government-issued ID when her purse was snatched years ago. In order to receive a new identification card, she had to present a birth certificate.

Since McLaurin was born to sharecroppers in 1909, she would have to travel back to her native state of South Carolina to get her birth records. However, in order to get the certificate, she needed an ID. “I was birthed by a midwife and the birthday put in a Bible somewhere. I don’t know if they even had birth certificates back then,” she said during a recent interview with the Washington Post.

Under the new regulation passed by Mayor Bowser, the District of Columbia will expand the list of adequate documents for residents who are 70 years of age and older to renew their ID. D.C.’s Department of Motor Vehicles and the United States Department of Homeland Security have reportedly been working on making this move since last June.

“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 Bowser in a statement.

McLaurin was ecstatic about receiving her new ID card. “I thank the Lord, Mayor Bowser, and everyone who helped me get my photo ID renewed,” she said. “I am especially happy to know that now all seniors in D.C. will be able to get an ID more easily.”

We’re glad McLaurin was able to obtain her ID; it’s about time!

SOURCE: Houston ChronicleWashington Post | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty

 

107-Year-Old Virginia McLaurin, Who Danced With the Obamas, To Get ID  was originally published on newsone.com