Documents

Driver License or ID Card

Mom's driver's license expired in 2021.    She was blind and so she was not able to drive.  However, since the driver's license was also being used as her identification, the expired license occassionally caused an issue when dealing with car insurance and other similar issues.  She still owned her car and so insurance had to be maintained on it.

In my case, I was never able to renew her license (or convert it to an ID card as allowed in Florida), because mom was never strong enough to wait in a county office.  I was lucky that her license was recently expired and her passport was still valid.  Between both documents, I was able to conduct business with notaries and attorneys.

Important Documents

In Florida, driving on an expired license has consequences. (read here).  If your loved one is still driving, maintaining a valid driver's license is important to avoid legal penalities if they are stopped by law enforcement.

However, from a caregiving standpoint, ensuring your loved one's ID is up to date is crucial for various reasons. For example, when signing legal documents that require notarization, like a Last Will and Testament, a valid ID is necessary for the notary. Without it, the notarization process can become complicated or even impossible.

Below are a list of documents I needed to deal with that required notarization:

  • Limited Power of Attorney to Sell Condo - In 2022 when I sold mom's condo, she was not in any condition to speak with realtors, potential buyers, etc.  So, I needed to sign a limited Power of Attorney with the realtor in order to sell her condo without her involvement.
  • Durable Power of Attorney - I needed this document to manage all of mom's affairs; including handling her estate after she passed away.
  • Personal Caregiver Contract - Mom and I signed this contract at the request of the law firm while we working on the Medicaid application.
  • Advance Health Care Directive (Living Will) - This document was very important to legally communicate mom's Do Not Resusitate wishes to hospitals and emergency rooms.
  • Residential or Long-Term Care Agreements - When admitting mom to Assisting Living Facilities, I had to sign documents on her behalf.  A valid ID and the Power of Attorney documents were critical.