DH's handicap placard expires in March. I called about renewing it. Easy enough but he has to shows his driver's license. His license expired last March (2008). He hasn't driven in two years and has been quite content with me driving. I never told him that his license had expired. Three doctors have told me that he shouldn't drive. He needs to get an I.D. card. I have a feeling he's going to blow his lid about that not having a driver's license even tho he doesn't drive We go to our PCP in February. I thought I would ask him is he'd put something in writing to show the DMV. What do you guys think?
Could you be the one to have them issued to? Could the doctors (yours or his) qualify you on the basis that you have to take him wherever needed and he cannot walk far....and he cannot be dropped off alone while you park.
Oh, come ON. I think someone must have answered who didn't know what she was talking about. Many MANY people who've never driven in their lives have handicapped plates on their driver's cars - think of disabled kids, for instance.
I am pretty sure in WV you can get a Handicap plate, after the Dr. fills out the application there is a place on the form to put if you are the handicap person or the driver. You can access the form online for WV. Just go to WV Gov. so I imagine the same would be true for your state.
I had no problem in Maine getting a handicap plaque for my wife, even though she does not drive. It was to be used in whatever car she is in, with whoever is driving for her.
As Imohr and marsh said, he doesn't have to be a driver for you to have a handicap plate...download your state forms and have the doctor fill it out and take it to the license place, and they should issue you one. There may be another form you will need to fill out for him not driving. I seem to remember there was a different form for a driver than for a non driver in our state.
I'm in WA state, and the reason I mentioned finding out if you can just get the placard yourself is cuz I didn't have to take my DH in to the D.O.L. to renew his. We were sent renewal forms and I went in alone. All they asked was if I had POA. I pulled it out and they didn't even look at it, just wanted to know that I had it. Shortly after we received in the mail a wallet card with his permit number. So long as he is with me and we have that card it doesn't matter at all who is doing the driving.
Thanks for all the input. I looked on the registration card for the placard and it does have his driver's license number. I'm going to check further. Maybe it would be better for me to get the placard in my name. I'm just trying to avoid a blow-up with him. He doesn't even read anything anymore but just knowing that he doesn't have a driver's license would probably set him off.
In California once you had a permanent hanger they just sent you a new one when the old one expired. I don't know what will happen in Pennsylvania come September, but since I'm the one with the handicap, I'm not dealing with this problem.
You can also, in most states, just go to AAA, turn in the old license for medical reasons and ask for an ID card in return. I did that in PA and I know it would have worked in California. No need to go to the DMV for that. They used his old picture on the new card and sent it in the mail in PA.
We live in Florida. I looked on the website and to renew the card they need to see your valid driver's license. Of couse, since his has expired, it's not valid anymore. That's the problem. Even tho he doesn't drive anymore, I think he just likes to know that he has that driver's license in his wallet. He doesn't know that it's expired. I'm not sure if he's willing to part with it and get an id card.
When I was working, my boss broke his leg. He could drive with the 'other' one but couldn't walk very far. I called the DMV myself and had them send the paperwork. In his case, he had to have the doctor sign it and state how long he's probably need it. No problem. I sent it back to the DMV and, viole`, it came in a matter of days.
Parking plaque in MI is not hard. Dr. completes a short document of reason for need and whether Temporary or permanent. Once issued, when due to expire, we take into a Sec of State Office, surrender it and they issue a new one, since ours are Permanent. These hang on the rarview mirror of the car we are riding in, while it's parked. Handicapper license plates are a different story, as they are assigned to a specific car. They do not aurhorize using a handicapper parking space anymore.
The best thing to do would be to call your Sec of States Office and ask what to do about the license/plaque issue. Neither my hubby nor I have valid drivers licenses. We prsent our IDs.
I looked at Florida's website on this issue and your husband would need an ID card. It looked like you might be able to apply online for an ID as he would be in their system as having had a drivers license. It might be worth it to check it out. The website is http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/dlnew.html
Click on Online Services and then Original ID Card -- I hope this can work for you.
I had no problem getting a Handicapped mirror tag for my wife. I downloaded the application from the state web site, filled out our portion, the Neurologist signed it. I took it to the license tag office along with her DL, they issued the mirror tag without any comment. It is issued to her, can be used in any vehicle and is good for five years.
It has made life quite a bit easier, I used to drop her off at the store entrance, go park and join her at the store entrance or look for her in the store. She is now progressed into stage five, I am very uncomfortable letting her out at the door. I will be retiring soon so I will be stay home with her all of the time. I can tell the time is drawing near.
The Driver's license battle seems to be over at our house.
I just recalled about 2 friends with AD. Both of them called home from a town 10 miles away saying they could not remember how to get home. They were both driving their car. The family stopped the driving then.
My uncle drove his car off, became missing and the authorities were looking for him 24 hours. He eventually stopped at a gas station, where they knew him and asked him if he was lost. He told them yes and they called the authorities and this story had a happy ending. In the hours he was missing he drove 90 miles on Interstate (not usual) into a large city for WV, ran into some trees or shrubs, police headed him back toward his home (why, I don't know). Next place he showed up was at the service station.
My FIL handed the keys over to my MIL the day he couldn't find his way home and had to call her.
My mom hung hers up the day she scared herself. I remember one time riding with her - my husband and I were in the back seat. She pulled out in front of a car that just about hit us. I said something to her about it and her comment was, "when people see an old lady driving they know to slow down." That is the last time we rode with her!
Hi All, I don't post most here but do find the information from everyone very helpful. In an attempt to get DH's driver's license renewed last week, the form specifically asked about medical conditions. Of course when we wrote in Mild Cognitive Impairment they automatically issued a State I.D. instead of DL. We briefly discussed the cancellation possibility beforehand and although I've been driving for over a year now anyway, it was traumatic for both of us.
My question to you is how to handle getting him off the auto insurance as a insured driver. Do I call my agent and give them a 'heads up' or do I want for the state to notify them. I sure don't want to risk losing any coverage or cause any upset with our policy.
I called my insurance agent and got my husband off the policy as a driver, but they refused to take him off the policy I think because it had originally been issued in his name as primary driver (which he was at the time). At renewal time I told my agent to find me another company. I ended up getting a policy with me as the only driver for several hundred dollars less than I had been paying AND got a $50 check off my home owner's policy as well because the company with the best premium turned out to be the company that had the best home owner's premium as well and I'd been with them for several years already but for home owner's only.
as a retired insurance agent it was my experience that an insurance company (underwriting rules)cant have a person as a 'named insured' on a policy without a valid drivers license. if the automobile is in both your names you should try to get that redone so it only in your name now at a local title company with DPOA. then you can find another company or the same one that will rewrite your policy with only you on it as the insured. it does give you some benefits to have homeowners and auto together for discounts. there are also forms (515a) or was that insurance companies use to exclude persons from coverages under certain policies. if your spouse is unlicensed you should tell the company and let them decide how they will handle it. most will rewrite it in your name alone if you have them removed from the auto title. FYI- any person who is on a registered auto title must be on the insurance policy. at least it used to be: divvi
Right on, divvi. I had my DH removed from the policy (auto was in my name only) after DX'd and he had stopped driving. His drivers license expires next year and we won't renew it - he doesn't have a problem with that, but will get an ID card. Have homeowners and auto policies together - saves bucks! (He is named on the homeowners policy).
unfortunately the health care industry isnt the only insurance depts that look on ways to DENY claims. they are very happy when they find 'discrepancies ' on your auto insurance policies as well. dont give them any leeways to find those opportunites! divvi
I was thinking I should make the call to my insurance agent Before they find out the license was cancelled and I appreiciate your confirming it. We've got a 19 year old son on the policy (yuk!) as well so I'm prepared that rewriting the policy may cause an increase in premiums. We supposedly have an Allstate policy type that is not written anymore and one that cannot cancel you (only increase in premiums). Ok, I'm diving into that call in a few.
texasgirl...We have the same insurance company and when I called they advised me to leave him on. Since I am an older (old) driver I didn't want to rock any boats and have to answer any questions. He did not renew his drivers license and has not driven in over 3 years. By the way, he retired from this company having worked for them from their early days. Let me know what they tell you to do.
MCI or any medical impairment that can alter your abilities to operate a vehicle is cause for concerns- loss of licensing. i think your dr is the one who will determine if he is capable of still driving but i would get a LETTER to that effect to protect yourself. and have a continuing update at every visit- and esp with insurance companies auto policies they are esp wary of mental issues or disabilities that impair driving abilities.. we know that there are many drivers out there that are still driving that shoudnt be divvi
By the way, I was the owner of the car. My husband's name was never on that car, or the car that we brought in as a trade in. And I've never let him get behind the wheel once the doctor said no except the one time when I called the police. At that point he still had a valid driver's license.
Please note that the handicap placards are to be hung from the rearview mirror ONLY WHEN PARKED. Please DO NOT DRIVE AROUND WITH THE TAG HANGING. It is not meant to be used in that manner and it constitutes a hazard.
In NY they allowed me to use his expired license, and his VA card, which is a government issued ID. There's got to be a way. I haven't brought him for a state ID card either, Just don't want to make an issue of it.
Chris--I am wrestling with the expired license issue right now. It will expire in Oct., and I just don't want to rock the boat--same reason why I'm driving an old car instead of getting a new one! Based on this thread, I did some research. AAA in MD doesn't fool with expired licenses, ID cards, etc. They referred me to the Motor Vehicle Admin. I checked with our insurance agent, and he said to leave my husband on the car's title and the auto insurance. Removing him from the insurance would not lower the premium--we are already in the seniors category and are shown a driving for pleasure--that is the lowest rate.
I realized that my Dad gave up driving about 8 years ago, never got a State ID card. He has purchased CD's, gone to new doctors, been hospitalized, etc., and it has never been a problem. The only situation where my husband has been asked for a picture ID recently was when we refinanced the house, and we're not going to be doing that again. There is another thread--can't remember which--where we discussed situations that a photo ID would be required. There weren't many, and he does have a current passport, which I suppose could be used. I just know that getting the ID will be tricky because it is a "hot button" issue and would rather avoid it, if possible. If I find it is needed, perhaps later on it will be easier when he is more out of touch.
Here's a question--why isn't an expired license an acceptable photo ID? As long as the name, address, DOB etc. are correct, and the picture is reasonably current?
wont work, expired means exactly that and doesnt show a current valid expiration date on it. i tried here in texas nobody not even banks/groery store will cash a check without current updated ID. a passport will work but it would be a hassle to carry and a worry to lose. 'govt' ID. is acceptable divvi
When I went to renew my Mom's CD a couple years ago they said they needed a photo ID and we only had her expired DL. They went ahead and renewed it but told me to go ahead and get one at the Department of Motor Vehicles and bring it in for them to photograph. I am an only child and my name was on her CD's so I renewed it in my name the last time. If there are other heirs you couldn't do that. I put our Money Market money in my name only. (Hers and husbands)
believe me, i know whats at stake. its horrible to deal with this particular issue. i feel for all of you in this period of the disease! ours was as bad as what most of you are experiencing. divvi
Would any of your loved ones accept getting a state id and telling them it was in addition to having their drivers license. I know of quite a few people who have both (I'm in Illinois). Maybe you could tell them it is for health insurance or something.
My husband's license expires next year and already I've been telling him how we have to go to the DMV and get a state id for doctor visits. So far he seems okay with this--he hasn't driven since March and hasn't asked about it. Could be because we got a car from my grandmother when she gave up her license (at 94) and we needed a car as ours died.
My mother has a state id that she got when she was 65 and it has no expiration date on it.
deb,be a good idea to go ahead and do it while he accepts the explanation. I have found it pays to do things as soon as they are accepting. Our truck is a good example. He was ready to sell it 6 months ago but I didn't jump on it and then he changed his mind. Now that I think of it I haven't got a ID for my husband. He still has his valid drivers license in my purse. Will do that soon and it won't be a problem here.
Deb--what I'm concerned about is relinquishing the expired license with him right there and perhaps having the clerk say something about it. When it comes to driving, he might realize what is happening. If the whole thing could be done by mail, for instance, I'd have no problem with it. I've thought about telling him with the ID we'll get a discount on our auto ins., but think it's still chancey about giving up that license in person. We went in 2 yrs ago to add my name to the registration on the car--that was no problem, I used the discount story. But the license, well, I'm chicken!
Why should both be done at the same time. In Texas you can have both a State issued I.D., and a driver's license. We might go down to their office just to get a State issued photo ID. PERIOD!... Then later, just let the DL expire. That would be the easiest way for me to do that with my husband.
Nancy, you have a point. I assumed that the only reason for getting an ID was if you don't have a valid license. I'll have to give them a call and see if your idea will work in this state. Heck, I'll even get an ID myself if I have to do that to convince him!
To avoid losing our Driver's License, it's easier to have the photo ID issued by the State available. Then, if you don't get it back or if you leave it on the table, it's not as horrible as losing your Driver's License. Some people want your DL to confirm you're the person on the credit card, but I never let them take my DL out of my sight. (ID Theft being what it is!) There is nothing on the Tx. State ID Card like a SSN or DL no. You can also use the photo ID at airports instead of your DL. I have one. Use it all the time for domestic flights when we have to keep our ID out going through Security, etc.
I am considering getting my husband a state id before his license expires since he has been so agreeable about it. Everytime we go past the local DMV--it's just down the street from us--he asks when he has to get his new picture taken. The Illinois state id has an id number on it. My mother has never driven so this is the only card she has. She uses it for everything an id is needed for (writing checks, credit cards, doctor, traveling, casino :), etc.)
OK!!!!!!!!! The light bulb went on! I just reread the info on the website re the ID card, and it apparently has nothing to do with a driver's license. Deb and Nancy, thank you. I think we can go there will the appopriate proofs, apply and it will be mailed to us. Interestingly, it does have an expiration date too, like a license. Now I don't think it will be a problem.
Interesting, In New York you must turn in your valid DL in order to get a state ID. he doesn't even have a valid DL, because "he misplaced it" and I'm not about to find it now, Especially since they finally revoked it. They have been accepting his VA id, which is govt issued.
The expiration date on the ID card is so they can ask for new photos if and when they want them. They used my husband's six month old photo when we turned in his license for the ID photo, so we didn't need to take new photos.
Because the ID card looks exactly like a license, I did not put it into his wallet. The only time I knew I'd need a photo ID for him (to get a free credit check from our bank) I brought his passport. And frankly since we don't travel there is no reason for him to carry a photo ID most of the time.
interesting i went to look at DH texas ID card. no expiration date on it - when we told the guy at the counter he would not be renewing his tx drivers lic DH or I as DPOA had to sign a form that he 'relinquishes driving priveledges" and they gave him back his expired license to keep as souvenier. i am glad its over with it was traumatic more for me than him. giving up driving after 2/3 life is another reminder of AD. divvi
I've decided to hold off on call my insurance company about my husband's DL relinquishment. I believe I read somewhere on this site that someone commented your auto policy could be cancelled. I have doubts about that but want to be err on the side of caution before I make the call.
DH just failed the adaptive driver evaluation and I mentioned perhaps I should call ins agent to remove him from policy to which DH replied "you turkeys think I can't drive, I'll show you -- I'm going to take that test again".
Thought I'd provide an update on my discussion with my ins agent. Agent said there was no harm in leaving DH on the auto policy. He mentioned If DL should happen to slip out, drive, and get in an accident, they (Allstate) would pay (since he is still on the policy). He did state however that during the accident investigation, Allstate would most likely discover his DL had been cancelled and remove DH from the policy. I have hidden all keys and (so far) have not had an issue with DL wanting to drive. And with God's help, I hope it stays this way.
While I'm on the subject, when DH's State ID arrived in the mail the other day, it didn't seem to phase him. I, on the other hand, had a meltdown. Here's one more thing he's being robbed of, and I know it's for everyone's good, but it still hurts.
texasgirl. while i find that is what some 'agents' may tell you i think its a bit risky to think the insurance company would automatically 'cover' an accident that happens after a persons license has been revoked. its my understanding you cant offer coverage to an unlicensed person-period. its one thing to have an expired license and then renewing it but to have it cancelled by the state is another bag of worms. they have investigators that are paid to LOOK for reasons to not pay claims. its a business like any other and they want to save money where possible. i was also an insurance agent so i think i would have a problem with my own integrity by not stating its best you take him off the policy and off the roads -just my opinion. i know each acts according to his own situation. if the agent advises you on this and then a company denies a claim for any reasons, i would think the agent should be on the hook and hope he carries E&O insurance:) divvi ps SOME insurance policies have specific EXCLUSIONS stating in the coverage outlined that refer to unlicensed drivers or loss of licensing. be sure to check your policy.