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Hi all, My MIL got a notice from the DMV reminding her that it was time to renew her drivers license and that based on her age, she'd have to come in to do it. Also, our state requires you show up every 10 years and cannot renew online. Mom is 88. She quit driving 10 years ago because "the traffic is too scary". Her DL has her picture, old address and BD on it. She'll never go anywhere without us, so it's not like she could get in an accident and need someone to speak for her that isn't there with her. She no longer flies. She no longer pays bills . Basically, anything she'd need an up to date ID for, she doesn't do. Do I really need to drag her to the DMV and sit for 2+ hours (she doesn't want to, its too long to wait) just to get her a new photo and address update?

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Ceecee, doctors office often ask for picture ID these days. If mom ever needs to be admitted to the hospital, she may need and ID with her proper address.

You can get her a Non- driver ID in most states. Can you look into that?
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Most states offer a Photo ID that looks just like a drivers license and you get it at the DMV to take the place of a driver's license.
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Both my grandmother (now deceased) and my father (80 yo) have non-expiring state issued ID cards. Can you get one of those? At least it will never expire...

I can't remember why I had to take my then 103 yo grandmother in to get her ID updated, but she needed a current one, so I took her in. The people at the DMV allowed her to skip the line (and the wait), based on her age and mobility. Also, they now offer appointment times in many states for DMV services.
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If you don’t take her before it expires, you’ll have to come up with proof of residency, birth certificate, etc.
Should she ever have to file for Medicaid she might need it. In case of a natural disaster or catastrophic event. Some hospitals and ERs require a photo ID to prevent insurance fraud. Better to have it than not.
When I took my aunt at about the same age, she had a great time. Go early and it won’t take too long.
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We're doing this for my dad this week as his driver's license has expired. Apparently here in CA this new ID is free and is good for 10 years. My sister made an appointment at the DMV to minimize hassle.
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Don't forget that there are now two different IDs. A state ID and what is called a real ID that the feds require for some things.
When we surrendered DWs drivers license we just got the state ID because she already has a real government ID.
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Old Sailor, What is the Federal ID and where do you get one?
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When I went to update my address on my driver's license, they really pushed a state ID. They kept saying, "it's free". Since I'm only 67, I didn't see the need but got one anyway. It doesn't expire. I'm in Illinois. I know my mom had a state ID that she used when she stopped driving but needed proof of ID when she went to the doctor, etc. It's worth having.
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I took my Mom to get an ID when she no longer drove. Call your local DMV and see how they handle it. I was told in NJ that an ID has the same number as your Drivers licence. Maybe in your state they will just switch Moms info to a ID. In NJ they are very strict. Everytime you renew your license you have to have certain documentation. I had to take my Dementia mother in so she could sign. She couldn't even write or spell her name. Then she had to stand for a picture.
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DeAnna, to get the real Id that DW has you first need to see a military recruiter and either you or your spouse spend twenty years serving in the military. It is part of my retirement benefits.
However, a real Id can be obtained from most DMV offices for a slightly greater charge.
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She can get a photo ID, best time to go is the middle of the week, Wed, the 2nd week of the month, and right when they open.
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