Imagine how hard it would be getting around in today's society without an ID. Now add to it that you are a new mother, with no driver's license, and no way to get one.
A local mom was facing that problem, so she called Barry Davis and Eyewitness Wants to Know.
Kara Walker said she was born in California, but she has no way to prove it. That means she can't get a job, a bank account, or a credit card.
"When you're born out of state it's very hard to get your birth certificate. Very hard, I've been trying for a year," said Walker.
Walker found herself peeling through layers of paperwork.
She has had three name changes, from Welch to Patrick, to Bates, and then back to Welch.
She said she sent all the forms to California's Department of Public Health last November. Walker said she followed up with numerous calls to the department since November, the last time was in March.
"They tell me the same thing, that it takes 7 months, or I just have to wait. I think that's a lot to ask to have someone put their life on hold for this long," she said.
So, we called the California department for Walker.
They said due to the complexity of the amendment, there was a delay in processing the request.
But, in the end they did deliver a birth certificate, telling Walker she should have it within a few days.
Walker said the first thing she will do with it is get an ID.
If you are going through too much labor to get something done, call 377-8647 or send an email to: ewtk@kens5.com.
