I got one for my Mom because her eye dr.'s office required it. I went to the DMV with my POA papers, and they used the photo from her driver's license, so she didn't even have to go in.
My 103-yr old Aunt's FL bank asked for her ID when I was adding myself as her FPoA. She never drove, and still has all her mind. If she can get the ID without too much effort I think it is worth having.
Check to see if it can be done online. My mom hasn't driven in years, but we are starting the process of applying for Medicaid and I got nervous that her not having a valid ID could hinder the process. She is basically housebound, and the idea of taking her to the DMV was daunting on all levels. Unbelievably, the State of Connecticut allowed me to renew a 92-year-old woman's expired driver's license online (makes me nervous about who else is out there on the roads!). In any case, may be worth a try!
I was told that an ID card was really necessary for check cashing, identification for travel and some other random things. Our DMV makes it very easy to get a state ID and have a 'line' dedicated to elders who cannot sit for ages to get the forms and photo. Try calling ahead and seeing what times are the slowest and go then.
My husband had to go to not only the ER several times, but also the hospital for surgery after his drivers license expired in 2015, and never once did anyone question the expired license, but accepted it gladly. And that was in NC. I think as long as the picture and address match the person, it really doesn't matter. At least that's what we found out.
There is a new ID called the Real ID. This is more of an identification card as opposed to a license, however, it can serve as both. It's an official government issued card.
There is a fee. In the future every American will require one. Some "renewals" can be done online, however, I'm not sure how the Real ID works for a first-time applicant and not a license renewal.
I think it's a good idea to have this. For example, I plan on getting my mother a lanyard--fancy word for ID holder to wear around her neck with the Real ID when she comes grocery shopping with me. Mother has not wandered yet but she is declining and I want to expect the best but plan for the worst.
Everyone should carry identification even if you are in good health and go for a morning walk. It's important.
I would check out your local DMV website under "Real ID" and see what the protocol requires.
Your suggestion to wear an ID is a good one, but I would be concerned about using the Real ID for this purpose. My concern is if she removed it, could it lead to identity theft by someone who finds it or worse because of the personal info. Consider having a special one made with her name and maybe your contact info so someone could call you. Even if no bad thing happened if she removed it, at the least you would have to go through the hassle of getting it replaced.
The other suggestion is that you contact your local sheriff's department to see if they participate in the senior program that provides GPS bracelets.
Definitely! Without a Real ID she can not enter a federal building such as to visit the Social Security office should it ever be necessary. There could be other uses in the future that are added later. Now is the time to take care of it if she is able to go with you because she will need her photo made, etc. It may be that you may need it for some reason along with her POA.
Another reason is should she ever move to a new residence, you will not be able to change an address on an expired ID and you will need to start from scratch trying to document everything to get the Real ID that is soon to be required by everyone.
Very easy to get, it is just an ID card.
I think as long as the picture and address match the person, it really doesn't matter. At least that's what we found out.
There is a new ID called the Real ID. This is more of an identification card as opposed to a license, however, it can serve as both. It's an official government issued card.
There is a fee. In the future every American will require one. Some "renewals" can be done online, however, I'm not sure how the Real ID works for a first-time applicant and not a license renewal.
I think it's a good idea to have this. For example, I plan on getting my mother a lanyard--fancy word for ID holder to wear around her neck with the Real ID when she comes grocery shopping with me. Mother has not wandered yet but she is declining and I want to expect the best but plan for the worst.
Everyone should carry identification even if you are in good health and go for a morning walk. It's important.
I would check out your local DMV website under "Real ID" and see what the protocol requires.
Happy New Year!
The other suggestion is that you contact your local sheriff's department to see if they participate in the senior program that provides GPS bracelets.
Another reason is should she ever move to a new residence, you will not be able to change an address on an expired ID and you will need to start from scratch trying to document everything to get the Real ID that is soon to be required by everyone.
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