Question on driver's license/ID

Ed1937

My wife's driver's license expired in December, 2021. She has not driven in about 30 years, but kept renewing her license. She will not try to renew it again, but why should she get a state ID? She will not be flying or going to federal buildings, so I don't see a reason for her to have one. Am I missing something?

Quilting brings calm

Ed - you are thinking of Real Id - that’s the ID that will allow you on a plane or in a federal building ( passport will work for those too).  That requires additional documents. 

However, there is also the normal state ID.  You should probably get your wife that so that you can produce an unexpired ID for hospital or medical visits.  I think you will need one if you put her in respite care or in a facility etc.  in my state, people over 65 get one that never expires so that they only go through the process once.  Since your wife’s DL is expired less than a year, I think you could probably take her and it to the DMV without any additional paperwork. 

Cinsababe

I have to show a current ID to pick up some of DH's meds and he needed it for vaccination.  Also in January each year at doctor they take copies of ID and insurance cards. It only took a few minutes at the DMV to exchange his license for a state ID that doesn't expire.

shardy

For us we keep Jim's state ID for one main purpose. Filing federal income tax. Of course we also use it at Drs appointment or hospital entry.

Joydean

I just renewed my DH license over the internet. Not to drive but just for id purposes.

Jo C.

The ID was necessary.  We had to produce the state ID for several dynamics, and for sure, when applying for Medicaid.  They needed to have a copy of the current state ID to process the application for long term care.

In our county, the DMV had the ability to have the process done in the home IF a person was totally unable to go into the DMV office which was our issue.

They sent out two men with a camera and a screen for background. They sat one LO on a chair for the photo, the other was done in the wheelchair.  The process was completed fast; we got the IDs within two weeks.

Not all areas will have that service, but one can call and ask.

Good luck,

J.

Joe C.

Ed, I recall reading a post a couple of years ago were a members LO had no official government ID and it was causing them serious challenges in whatever they were trying to do at that time, I can’t remember the details. Anyways after reading that post I made a mental note to make sure DW always maintain an official government ID. DW’s license expires next January and I plan to switch her to a state identification card.

Davegrant

My first thought was for voting but that may vary.

Ed1937

Thanks for the replies. I never thought about Medicaid or voting. Or even the hospital. We'll have to get it done.

extex

Same situation here.  I see no reason other than maybe voting.  My wife votes by mail and so far they are taking the expired ID.  She also has a military ID card that doesn’t expire.