Frustration and Delay getting ID

BikingOldMan · October 2

Yesterday was a day filled with frustration trying to arrange what I would think would be a simple procedure. I want to replace my DW's (now expired) real ID driver's license with a Massachusetts real ID. The procedure is handled by the RMV. I've now realized that my DW no longer has any kind of valid ID for government purposes because her drivers license is expired. Not good! On line procedure is unclear and phone service is non-existent. I had to make an appointment to renew her license (she isn't driving and shouldn't be!). As best as I have been able to determine is that she has to turn in her license and then would be alowed to submit an application for a "free" real or state issued ID! It apparently can't be done in advance so involves another trip to the registry and who knows what else. Earliest appointment I could get at the nearest registry is mid November! With no official ID she can't even go into a courthouse! This just doesn't seem right.

Has anyone else gone through difficulties getting or changing their legal ID's?

Timmyd · October 2

I think each state handles these matters as per their state specific procedures. My recommendation would be to call the ALZ help line and see if they can put you in contact with some agency in Massachusetts who has experience with the process. You are certainly not the first person to face these circumstances so I would see if you can work the phones to get some help from people in your state who know the specifics of how best to navigate the process. The goal is to reduce the number of in person visits to the absolute minimum and make use of whatever accommodations DW is entitled to as per her disability.

Chance Rider · October 2

I’m sorry that what should be a simple transaction is so challenging, on top of everything else we go through.

My husband’s driver’s license will expire in a month, though he hasn’t driven in about 4 years. We have an appointment tomorrow to (hopefully) turn in his driver’s license and apply for the free senior state id card. In our case at least he still has a valid passport. We’re in CA.

Carl46 · October 2

In Missouri, it is a simple procedure similar to renewing a driver's license but without the vision test. DW surrendered her real ID DL and received a non-driving real ID. However, had her DL been expired, she would have been required to submit birth certificate, marriage certificate, and proof of residence as if she had not had a real ID DL. I suggest you check out the MA requirements for a real ID so you are prepared for whatever hoops you have to jump through in November.

SDianeL · October 2

you may need a doctor to write a statement if you are turning in a DL. There is an online form for that on the MA DMV website. I completed the form in Florida and they scheduled a video hearing and said he had to be present. Ridiculous! I cancelled the hearing. By then he didn’t need an ID since he was in MC in stage 7.

BikingOldMan · October 2

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/255067#Comment_255067

Thanks for your insight Carl46. I do plan on having the proper papers for the ID with me at the meeting with the RMV. The problem seems to be that the license is expired. However, I've seen conflicting results about whether the expired license is in fact still renewable. I envision maybe to renew the expired license, then immediately surrender it for a new Mass ID. No matter what, I know DW needs to be there for picture ID purposes, and she will be.

RetiredTeacher · October 2

DH hasn't driven in 3 yrs since processing time and reaction time are extremely slow. His DL was going to expires soon and we were not able to book an appt before it expired so we went went to DMV early before it opened mid week, less crowded, and waited in line for it to open. Fortunately they had a handicapped ♿️ line, DH uses a walker, and we were seen relatively quickly. We took his DL, all documents needed to get his new CA ID card and were able to get it done. We have had good luck going early in person to avoid the crowds.

Joe C. · October 4

I live in MA and experience the same problem and I was never successful at getting DW a state ID. As crazy as it sounds it is really easy to renew the drivers license online in MA but a real pain in the but to convert from a drivers license to a State ID. I called my elected officials to see if there was anyway of getting an ID without bring her to the registry, they said that would require a letter from a doctor saying DW was not longer ambulatory. Although DW was still ambulatory, taking her anywhere was a monumental task and getting her to follow the simplest of instructions like “look at the camera” was impossible. My suggestion is to just renew her drivers license, it’s much simpler. You need to answer no to the few questions they ask about her physical condition and they renew the license, answer yes to any of the questions and you have to jump through hoops to get a state ID. ONLY IN The PROGRESSIVE STATE OF MA could they make it so difficult for a caregiver.

Frustration and Delay getting ID

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