Are You a Senior? Don’t Let Your ID Expire!

Are you a Senior, or know a Senior? When was the last time you looked at your Drivers License or California Identification Card?

It is easy to forget to renew a Driver’s License – especially if the Senior isn’t driving anymore. And in today’s world, it can be difficult to renew, or even obtain a California Identification Card. Sometimes we can’t take our loved one to the DMV, wait hours, and then wait weeks or months before a replacement Identification card arrives.
Having current identification is critical, at any age. Remember, Notary Publics must see valid and current identification in order to properly notarize documents. So, if a senior forgets to keep that identification current, they can no longer update their estate planning documents, have a Durable Power of Attorney signed, handle real estate transactions involving deeds (like sale, etc.), because Notarization is not possible with expired Identification. If that elderly person needs to suddenly plan or make changes to their estate plan documents – say for example they require skilled nursing care at $12,000.00 per month and wish to legally protect their assets – they cannot have their new documents notarized. The results can be devastating and very expensive.
So, please plan in advance. If you have an elderly parent, take a moment to look at their Identification. Even passports have expiration dates, so don’t rely on that backup Identification. And, make a copy for your records in the event that important ID is lost or stolen.
For an Estate Planning, Elder Law, Special Needs, or Trust Administration legal appointment, please contact the McNamara Law Firm at (661) 287-3260 or visit www.theMcNamaraLaw Firm.com.