Real ID or passport problems

brooksaskins

Hi everyone and thank you in advance for any assistance. I live in Colorado but my mother is in a memory care facility in SC. As her disease progresses, it’s just too hard to have her so far away. I’m desperately trying to get her to CO to a new facility but I don’t have her original birth certificate or SS card and she simply doesn’t remember some needed details to get items re-issued (my grandmothers maiden name, where old docs are, etc)). Oh and it appears it could take 90 days to get a new birth certificate and I need to get her moved in the next month or so.

Any suggestions on docs that may work for a single time travel with TSA Cares maybe as opposed to a full Real ID or passport? She’s not been able to drive for years so her old license is too old.

Thank you

harshedbuzz

I suspect an expedited passport might be simpler than dealing with the DMV. There are companies that do this for a fee and may have experience in getting the documents you need quickly.

You can apply for a replacement SS card online. They come fairly quickly. Her old license may still be acceptable as ID in some circumstances. Her U.S. or state level congressman's office may be able to help you navigate this.

I know people who opted to drive as a last resort.

HB

GothicGremlin

What @harshedbuzz suggests is probably easiest.

But there's also this from Papers, Please:

REAL-ID FAQ: What will happen at US airports on May 7, 2025?

About a quarter of the way down the page you'll see a title "Does the law require you to have ID to fly?

There's a lot of info there, and it's dense reading. The very short answer is your mom will likely be able to fly, but given that she's in memory care now, if the TSA asks her questions, she may not be able to answer. I'd talk to TSA Cares and explain your situation and see what can be done … like, will TSA allow you to answer questions for your mom?

harshedbuzz

@GothicGremlin There was a person interviewed on the local news radio here who talked about flying without in an emergency. They were separated from their party, interviewed briefly and given a thorough pat-down.

HB

GothicGremlin

That's as I understand it too (interview and pat-down). I don't know what they'd do with someone who is in memory care though, and likely can't be successfully interviewed.

My own experience with TSA Cares was good. My sister was still at probably late stage 4, and the TSA agent assigned to us was really helpful.

ronda b

Does she have a state id?

Arrowhead

Passports can be obtained from the Post Office. Unfortunately, I don't remember what proof is needed, but they could tell you.

harshedbuzz

@Arrowhead good point about the post office. Unfortunately, not all P.O.s offer this service (the one nearest me is in another state) and an appointment will be required. Two of the public libraries in my county offer passport services as does the prothonotary's office at the county courthouse.

Unfortunately, the lag time for processing can be 4-6 weeks plus mailing time. If one uses a private service, they can come in a matter of days but the OP would have to show proof of international travel. A refundable airline ticket would suffice for this.

HB

brooksaskins

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/242955#Comment_242955

Just her expired drivers license. We have issues getting her birth certificate due to family complications with my grandparents.

brooksaskins

Thanks all. The passport is a problem as well due to missing birth certificate. I’m hopeful we can get through TSA Cares as she has no short term memory but her long term memory is ok so she won’t recall why or where she is traveling but knows who she is and her children. Thanks to alll for the help and support here.