My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. His driving days are over. His driver’s license expires in a few months and we won’t be renewing it. I realize there is no harm in getting a state ID card, but is there a need for him to have a current form of ID? In getting legal paperwork in order, he has had to show his ID several times lately. He is still living at home.
In my state the ID does function like a non-driving driver’s license.
Having said that, I have not had a problem since my DH aunt had her ID expire. She is almost 96. Your husband is relatively young if something happened to you, it might make life easier for the next caregiver/advocate.
Bring him in when the license is about to expire and just get an ID.
And this might also be needed if you ever have to travel with him.
Most DMV where you get the ID will have reduced fees for Seniors as well
Do not renew his license, but get him a current ID through your state's motor vehicle department.
During COVID my nephew let his ID expire. When he tried to make an appt (IDs had to be done at the office) it kept saying his info could not be found. Offices just opened up so we stopped in and found because it expired was why no info was in the system.
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs
Even if you don't travel, you will need it to enter a Federal Building... think Social Security, etc.
You need a legal ID to get medical care.
You will need a legal ID if he is ever admitted to a medical or residential facility.
You may need a legal ID if you stay in a hotel or motel.
He can't board a flight without a current legal ID.
When you go to renew his license get the Real ID instead. Make him a laminated photocopy to carry in his wallet along with a few dollars. Keep the real one somewhere safe or with you.
I believe the government recently came out with a Real ID. These covers both license and legal identification. At least this is what they do in my State.
The Real ID is an identification card that one can also use dual purpose as a license.
You can check out your local DMV or Senior Center and see how they work it in your State. Everyone needs an ID these days especially with all the doctor's appointments. They always ask for ID and insurance card.
Hope this helps.
I took her into the DMV, expecting a wait, but when I got there I found out our state has gone to an appointment system and walk-in service is almost impossible. When I told the clerk it was for my 96 yo mom, however, she took us right through. Great age occasionally has its privileges.
As of May 3, 2023 a REAL ID (state ID has the gold star) will be required for admittance into a federal building or building under federal ,jurisdiction. So if y’all should need to go to SSA office and the office is in a federal building, you cannot get in without Real ID after 5/3/23. Now a lot of the federal buildings are right now redoing their entrances to allow for a public access area and then a separate entryway to other offices only via a real ID cleared entry; but if the SSA office in your area is in an upper floor of a federal building to get to it you will have to, have to, have a Real ID after 5/3/23. You’d be surprised at how many buildings technically are federal and will be affected by the requirement. Really if you at all can, get it done & asap.
The timeline on the Real ID has been moved forward like 3 times already (slow to do states and Covid) and the 2023 deadline seems to now the end point on having to get one.
Any time you go to dr they ask for ID, so I'd say yes - get him an ID card. If I'm not mistaken my mother's never expired - probably based on her age.
My Mom uses her state ID to withdraw cash from her bank account (she wanted to take us out to eat), to renew a CD because we were changing the account, and changing her will and trust (because her son died and he was the POA and successor trustee). An id is also needed when she has to prove that she is over 65 (good grief the lady is over 95), proof of residency, id when the National Parks pass is used or free entry because they are a patron (e.g. museum, zoo).
I liked it because it showed my Mom that she is still important in this world.
As long as all the information is correct on it and has a picture that looks like him on it I don't see a need to change it up and like I said it has all the information on it just keep it. Checking with your state to see if you have to have a current ID you might have to do.
Prayers for your husband with this disease and Prayers to you and your family.