My mom’s drivers license is expiring this month. Is there any reason to go to the DMV and get an updated personal ID?

You are correct, no need for a drivers license. However she will need a government issued photo id for her taxes. Also, when we go after giveaways (e.g. free bag with $500 purchases), they request a government id to enforce one giveaway per person.

Even with dementia, a government issued photo id gives my Mom a sense of “belonging” to the US government.

In NJ you definitely need a current id to do any official banking. When I wanted to get my mom a debit card at bank for example they needed current id. I took my 84 year old mom to motor vehicles for a non-drivers identification card. It was BRUTAL. Seniors waited with everyone else in hours long line. Omg - I wish this on no one but it was necessary to have valid id on a few occasions. I have to say it’s never a problem until it’s a problem.

Oh my. We are jumping through SO MANY hoops trying to get my MIL a valid government-issued ID. We've mainly needed it for banking, but there have been other times where we've needed one. If it were possible to click on something and get one instantly, I would do it in a hot second. (MIL let her driver license expire and her passport expire and had a million reasons why that was okay.)

She needs a state-issued ID. The DMV in most states can give her that ID and it looks very similar to her license.

Lakegirl1: Your mother needs an ID issued from the DMV. Case in point for an example: My legally blind mother let her DMV ID expire. Fortunately when it came time for me to get POA, the notary public was a friend who let my mother use her COB (Commissioner of the Blind) ID, but he wasn't supposed to do so.

To get a Real ID for the first time on my Driver License in 2020, I had to physically visit the DMV office with requested documents to prove who I am I what say I am.

Yes. She needs legal ID.

Absolutely get an ID.

We needed it to pick up my mom's pain meds (controlled substance), though I probably could have given them mine.

Yes. Personal ID is often needed for government / business / housing needs.
She will need some current form of ID. I believe this is why DMV offers ID cards in place of a DL. Personal ID is used for many other needs, not just flying / air transportation, i.e., Medi-Cal ... Medi-Care ... Social Security ... Housing ... Medication ... Oh yes... someone mentioned banking ... investments ... Will ... POA ... all kinds of needs for a personal ID.

And, DMV will come out to see your mom if she is disabled.
(Or they did for my client about 5-7 years ago.)
If she has other current legal / official form of ID with a photo, who / what entity provided it?

Gena / Touch Matters

She needs to have a valid government-issued photo ID. There are thousands of reasons, from access to banking and assets to proving identity for health insurance and medical treatment access.

For widows of Veterans: My dad was a career U.S. Marine Corps.; thus, after his death, as his widow, my mom had an 'official' government i.d., good for life (although she did have to have it renewed (new photo) every so often. This I.D. worked, and still works, for everything; she doesn't need a Driver's License, or a State-issued I.D. (she stopped driving years ago), for ANYTHING, anywhere.

Yes because doctors often want a copy of your ID and medical card. Hospitals may want it to and other institutions that require identification. If you have AAA they have DMV services. you can also apply for an ID card online. If it tells you you have to go in afterwards for a picture just do it. It’s fairly easy

You can get an ID that looks like a drivers license. If you feel she would be unsafe on the road do not renew the DL.