How do disabled elderly renew photo ID without having to go in person?

I don't think there is a way to get around her having to go in person if she can't renew online. Do you have a wheelchair? All the government facilities around here have wheelchair ramps, so you should be able to get her in the building. Since she'll be sitting, it shouldn't be too much on her. It's not pleasant to have to go through this, but sometimes it has to be done.

To be honest, this has never come up before---to my knowledge.

Since a driver's license is a "gov't issued" piece of identification, even if it is not a DL, but an identification card, I do not know how you can get around not having the person in question there to sign that they are in fact, who they say they are.

You can renew through the mail on online once in, what, every 7 years? Has she already renewed once without going in person.

Some places will accept ANY credit card or such with a photo on it as "proof". Heck, I have shown my Costco card before.

I think you better just call the DMV. Is she still really in need of a DL? Or some kind of photo ID? I just wonder if there ever comes a point where neither is really necessary.

If she doesn't walk, is she in a wheelchair? You may have to man up and still physically take her to the DMV. Or perhaps call her PCP and see what they suggest. You can't be the first person with this issue!

Do come back when you've sorted this out. I am sure a lot of people would love to know how to handle just this situation.

I found this on my states DMV website.
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A. In the isolated cases where it is impossible for a severely mobility impaired person to come into a Motor Vehicle Office, they must submit the following:

FIRST TIME ISSUANCE
A currently dated medical examiner's statement DPSMV 1966, or in the case of a disabled veteran, proof of a special disabled veteran license plate or an affidavit from the Veteran Affairs Office and a separate medical examiner's statement, which indicates the mobility impaired individual or the disabled veteran is unable to come to the office.
A color photograph of the individual.
If the applicant has a Louisiana ID card/driver's license with a photo which clearly identifies the applicant and the Social Security Number is part of the file, additional identification is not required. Otherwise, the applicant must provide the same identification requirements as when obtaining an ID card / driver's license. See Section 1, Policy 6.00 for requirements.

ROFL. It wasn't that hard, really. I did it in just a few minutes time, though my mother was on her rollator when I went. I did have to take my home-bound father out in a wheelchair sometimes. It wasn't fun, but it had to be done.

Many doctor offices require either a driver's license or a state nondriver ID on the first visit. I think it is to make sure the correct person is using the insurance. Some might accept an expired ID.

The good thing about a non-driver ID for the elderly is it lasts a lifetime. I'm glad that we don't have to go through that again. It wasn't fun.

Avoid going to the DMV at all costs!
This requirement has come up before, to comply was quite an ordeal.......

When arriving at the DMV with the victim in a wheelchair, contact the security personnel as you get in the disabled line. Take 2 people with you, one to stay with the person and one assertive to ferret out the most helpful staff (who are carrying walkie-talkies). Accept all the stupid forms they hand you, and have one person looking for the proper form monopolizing the forms table, because an additional staff person will come over to help. Wear medical masks to prevent disease from the huge crowd, and to draw attention to your desperate need to have expedited assistance.

The ID becomes necessary when moving to a new county, applying for services in that county, opening bank accounts, etc. if the elder needs and wants any independence.

Otherwise, there is no better photo ID for an elder than an expired driver's license, imo.

After returning home, re-hydrate the patient, monitor 24 hours for stress and a likely fall with injury after the stressful day.
Remind yourself to never, never do that again!

Thanks for all your insights! My mother no longer drives, so she just needs a new govt issued photo ID; through further research, I have found that the new ID or DL renewal varies from state to state.  In Michigan, the elderly can trade in their about-to-expire driver’s license for a simple ID card.  Not so in Texas; even though she has been a registered voter and licensed driver in Texas for over 70 years, my 91 year old mother has to apply for a new ID card, canNOT trade in her DL, even though it has not expired (it expires next month, so she’ll need some form of photo ID since she no longer drives).  And because it is a “new” ID card, they require her to bring in an assortment of documentation (originals or certified copies) of her birth certificate, her marriage license, her soc sec card, her proof of residency in the form of lease agreement, utility bill, etc., etc. And for such a transaction, they will NOT set up appts.  In Texas, you can only make pre-arranged appts for the actual driver test.  The only other appt feasible (and this is not explained on their website) is the in-line on-line registration, where you go on-line the day of your appt & ask for a come back time appt that will be texted to your cell phone.  I was told by the person I spoke with (after making numerous calls and going through countless automated menus) that I could just go in to the info desk and explain that my mother was wheelchair bound and to give her expedited service if possible.  So there you have it.  It depends on the state.  Texas does not make it easy at all, due to suspicions of illegal immigrants.  Hope this info provides helpful to other Texas elderly!

I live in NJ and had to take Mom in person. She needed to sign the paperwork even if with an X. You need to call ur local DMV.

I took my aunt in. She had a great time entertaining the crowd. It wasn't too bad although we had to go twice due to not having all the documents needed the first time around. I think she was 89 when we went. Her DL had expired. If it hadn't expired she would not have needed as much. Go early to get a good spot in line. I saw several in wheel chairs. Aunt uses a cane.
My mom just used her expired DL. She only needed it at drs offices. No one ever complained.