Do I have to make an appointment to get my mom a new ID? She doesn’t need a driver’s license, just needs the ID. Her old driver’s license has expired.
Whether or not you need an appointment to get your mom a new state ID (non-driver ID) after her driver’s license has expired depends on your specific state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) rules.
Here’s a general breakdown of what you’ll likely find and how to proceed:
1. Check Your State’s DMV Website: This is the most important step. Every state has different procedures. Search for your state’s DMV website (e.g., “Georgia DDS,” “North Carolina NCDMV,” “California DMV”). Look for sections on:
- “Non-Driver ID Card” or “State ID”
- “Appointments” or “Online Services”
- “Required Documents”
2. Common Scenarios for Appointments:
- Some states require appointments for all in-person services, especially for first-time ID applications or if you need to provide new documentation.
- Other states may allow walk-ins for certain transactions, like renewals or simple ID replacements, but often recommend appointments to reduce wait times.
- REAL ID: If your mom wants a REAL ID compliant state ID (which has a star and will be required for domestic air travel and entry into certain federal facilities soon), you’ll almost certainly need to visit a DMV office in person and provide specific documentation. Appointments are highly recommended or sometimes required for REAL ID applications.
3. Required Documents (General): Regardless of whether an appointment is needed, your mom will need to bring specific documents. These typically include:
- Proof of Identity: Her expired driver’s license can often serve as one form of identity, but she’ll likely need another (e.g., birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate).
- Proof of Social Security Number: Social Security card, W-2 form, etc.
- Proof of Residency: Two documents showing her current address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement).
- Proof of Name Change (if applicable): Marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc., if her current name differs from her birth certificate or other primary identity document.
What to do now:
- Identify your state’s DMV website.
- Navigate to the section on “Non-Driver ID Cards” or “State IDs.”
- Look for information regarding appointments and required documents. You can often schedule appointments online.
It’s always best to be prepared with all the necessary documents and to confirm the appointment policy before heading to the DMV to avoid multiple trips.
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Whether seniors get a discount for ID cards largely depends on the specific type of ID card and the state or issuing authority. Here’s a breakdown:
State ID Cards (Driver’s Licenses/State Identification Cards):
Varies by State: Some states offer discounted or even no-fee ID cards for senior citizens. For example, California provides a no-fee senior citizen ID card for those 62 years or older. Georgia, on the other hand, does not generally offer senior citizen discounts on standard ID cards, though they may have reduced fees for “indigent” individuals (those with limited income) with a voucher.
Proof of Age/Residency: To qualify for any such discounts, seniors typically need to provide proof of age (like a birth certificate or existing ID) and residency.
National Park Senior Passes:
Significant Discounts: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) offers a “Senior Pass” (Lifetime or Annual) for U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or older. This pass provides admittance to over 2,000 federal recreation sites and often includes discounts on amenity fees like camping and boat launching. This is a very popular and beneficial discount for seniors who enjoy national parks and federal lands.
Other Senior-Specific ID Cards and Programs:
AARP Membership: While not a government-issued ID, AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) offers a membership for individuals aged 50 and over. This membership includes an AARP card that provides access to a wide range of discounts on things like:
Travel (hotels, car rentals, cruises, flights)
Restaurants
Shopping and groceries
Health and wellness services
Technology and wireless
Local and Business Discounts: Many businesses, both national chains and local establishments, offer senior discounts simply by presenting any valid ID that shows your age (like a driver’s license). You should always ask if a senior discount is available, as they are not always advertised. These can include discounts at:
Grocery stores
Movie theaters
Restaurants
Retail stores
Public transportation
In summary:
Check with your state’s DMV/MVA for specific information on discounts for state-issued ID cards.
Consider a National Park Senior Pass if you plan to visit federal recreation areas.
Look into an AARP membership for a broad range of everyday discounts.
Always inquire about senior discounts wherever you go, as many businesses offer them without requiring a specific “senior ID card.”