SALEM, Ore. - Married and divorced women trying to renew their drivers' licenses in Oregon are finding the process extremely frustrating now that new requirements have gone into effect that were aimed at keeping out illegal immigrants and terrorists.

"Anybody that has been married and divorced, or had a name change somewhere, you're going to be in trouble,” said 71-year-old Virginia Lowry.

Lowry and others say the problem is that new DMV rules are unclear about which documents the state wants as proof that link their married name to their maiden name.

Lowry, who has been licensed to drive since 1954, said a DMV notification recently instructed her to bring in a copy of her marriage certificate to renew her license.  But when she dug out the document and brought it with her, she was told it was not acceptable.

"She said 'Well, no, this doesn't tell you who you are. You have to have the documents for your first marriage - and your divorce,' " Lowry recalled.

But DMV officials wanted a notarized, government copy from the county where she was married.

"I felt like I was being treated like I was a criminal," Lowry said. "I don't think it's right. I don't think it’s what (the change) was intended for. I don't think I look like a terrorist."

Another woman shared her angst.

“I have to go back and get a marriage certificate that I don't have … went from my divorce that was probably 12 years ago," said Pam Secord.

DMV officials acknowledge they've had many similar complaints but insist the headaches are for everyone's safety.

“This is an additional burden for everyone," said David House, a DMV spokesman. "It’s an additional inconvenience for everyone. That is the trade-off for a more secure driver license."

He added that he does not believe the rules are confusing but are just brand new and people are not used to them.

State Representative Linda Flores (R-Clackamas) said the DMV needs to better define what is and isn’t a marriage license.

And if it doesn’t, the state legislature will have to do it instead, she said.