General Discussion

PatSeg

(52,843 posts)

34. I've been house-bound for several years now

Wed Feb 25, 2026, 07:54 PM

Yesterday

and I haven't driven a car since 2009. My driver's license expired and being I no longer drive, I was going to get a state ID, but they changed the requirements and I didn't have any of the documentation that they asked for to prove residency (very limited selection). Out of frustration and because I've been ill, I just quit trying, though I suddenly felt invisible.

I don't go anywhere and I don't write checks. I vote absentee and live in an apartment in my son's house. I do most things online.

It's funny, I was thinking the other day that when I was a young adult I didn't have a driver's license as I didn't have a car. I rented three or four apartments, opened more than one checking account, and had credit cards to several retail stores. I knew a lot of people who didn't have driver's licenses or state IDs back then.

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Can someone please explain to me how anyone in the U.S. functions without a government issued I.D.? [View all] PeaceWave Yesterday OP

I don't think it's possible. Melon Yesterday #1

It would be really hard if you lived alone for sure AZJonnie Yesterday #4

It's possible. In fact, it's no trouble at all. I haven't had a valid driver's license since early May 2020. rsdsharp Yesterday #31

ID. You have no ID? Melon Yesterday #32

I have no driver's license or state issued identification card. rsdsharp Yesterday #33

I've been house-bound for several years now PatSeg Yesterday #34

I get it. I've got a long term degenerative health issue Melon Yesterday #36

In recent years, PatSeg Yesterday #37

Poorly and on the margins RockRaven Yesterday #2

This message was self-deleted by its author PeaceWave Yesterday #20

If some thing requires a government-issued photo ID, and you don't have one, then you can't do that thing AZJonnie Yesterday #3

Some people don't even have bank accounts. Haggard Celine Yesterday #5

It's not about ID, it's about ID that shows proof of citizenship. Nevilledog Yesterday #12

They goto payday lenders Johonny Yesterday #15

Check cashing places ask for ID also in my experience EX500rider Yesterday #24

That's right, I forgot about the payday lenders. Haggard Celine Yesterday #28

It can be horrible. Blue Full Moon Yesterday #6

such concern! Skittles Yesterday #7

I don't think one could Figarosmom Yesterday #8

Aside from flying and applying for social security... Easterncedar Yesterday #9

Just idle curiosity, eh? Torchlight Yesterday #10

I think it's a fair question PCIntern Yesterday #17

What do you think their motivation is? BannonsLiver Yesterday #19

You don't do the things that require one, generally. You might find work-arounds (people who look the other way, WhiskeyGrinder Yesterday #11

You can do many things with expired ID which isn't acceptable under voter ID acts dsc Yesterday #13

You'll need your birth certificate or passport Dave says Yesterday #16

I know some without a DL or State or Federal issued ID GusBob Yesterday #14

Once you get an ID you can go for a long time without it. RoeVWade Yesterday #18

They didnt go to college, work for a family business and don't drive. haele Yesterday #21

This message was self-deleted by its author PeaceWave Yesterday #22

Your driver's license will not be sufficient under the SAVE Act Quiet Em Yesterday #23

Why are you asking why people don't have something NOT EVEN INCLUDED AS PROOF TO VOTE obamanut2012 Yesterday #25

elderly people, who no longer drive UpInArms Yesterday #26

Off the grid, man. Off the grid lame54 Yesterday #27

Proof of citizenship is required when you register to vote. Katinfl Yesterday #29

Yeah PJMcK Yesterday #30

Trump says you need a picture ID to buy groceries. Norrrm Yesterday #35

Sometimes its an elderly person who is being taken creeksneakers2 23 hrs ago #38