Do elders need a state ID?

In NY a person must show photo ID at doctor’s office visits along with an insurance card. My mother lives in an AL and uses their physician as her primary so she doesn’t have to show ID. However, when she goes to her cardiologist or other outside physician she does. I still use her driver’s license that expired five years ago and have never been questioned. Just renew her license . It’s not like she’s going to use it to drive.

In Maryland, you can request DMV to come to your home to take a photo. Maybe your state offers similar services? Call them.

I never renewed my father's and never had a problem. Like you, it was too much of a bother to go through the process to get a state ID.

Call DMV and ask if they have the service where someone comes to Mom. Its been a few years, but I had to take my Mom even though I explained her Dementia made it hard for her to understand. As her POA I was not allowed to sign for her. She couldn't remember how to spell her name and her writing was awful, but they excepted it.

My state has given people 60 or 90 days to renew. At this point, I would not worry about it. If she has a valid passport, that's better than a State ID. Wait until this Virus thing is over. People should be sympathetic anyway.

I don't know the actual answer to your question, but when my husbands license expired about 7 years ago and he also was unable to drive then, we did not go for state ID. I just continued to show his expired license where needed(which honestly was not very often)and it was never questioned. If your mom isn't going many places these days, I don't know why a state ID would be needed. That's just my 2 cents worth.

Call DMV and ask if Driver's Licence expirations have been extended in your state.