Do dementia patients ever need a form of current ID?

Yes he definitely needs an ID and you should go ahead and get the REAL ID even though it is not required until next year. The deadline kept getting changed due to COVID. If you don't have a Real ID, consider taking care of this for you at the same time. Later, it may be harder for you as his caregiver to schedule for yourself since you would either have to find a sitter or bring him along. You don't have to wait for yours to expire to get the Real ID.

https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs

Even if you don't travel, you will need it to enter a Federal Building... think Social Security, etc.

I just turned in my 96 yo mom’s driving license and got her a real ID instead. She seldom has to show it now, but it does happen and I might have to take her on a plane someday. I let her passport expire because I don’t expect any international travel, but domestic flights are a possibility.
I took her into the DMV, expecting a wait, but when I got there I found out our state has gone to an appointment system and walk-in service is almost impossible. When I told the clerk it was for my 96 yo mom, however, she took us right through. Great age occasionally has its privileges.

Yes he needs a current ID.
Bring him in when the license is about to expire and just get an ID.
And this might also be needed if you ever have to travel with him.

Most DMV where you get the ID will have reduced fees for Seniors as well

I was able to renew mom's ID online thru the California dmv. Never thought she would need it but in fact she needed it to get her covid vaccine at a pharmacy and again at a clinic. Also was needed to get her disabled parking placard issued (so I could park when driving her to dr appts). I would definitely get the ID. You just never know when you will need it.

You will need his ID if he ever has to sign a legal document. (POA, medical care, update will).
You need a legal ID to get medical care.
You will need a legal ID if he is ever admitted to a medical or residential facility.
You may need a legal ID if you stay in a hotel or motel.
He can't board a flight without a current legal ID.
When you go to renew his license get the Real ID instead. Make him a laminated photocopy to carry in his wallet along with a few dollars. Keep the real one somewhere safe or with you.

Yes, we have run into this problem several times in the last couple of years with my mom whose drivers license expired. It’s a pain not having current ID and a pain to get it back once it’s been expired a while, if I had it to do over I would have transitioned her DL into a state ID card before the license expired.

Yes, a person with dementia needs a state ID, not drivers license.

My Mom uses her state ID to withdraw cash from her bank account (she wanted to take us out to eat), to renew a CD because we were changing the account, and changing her will and trust (because her son died and he was the POA and successor trustee). An id is also needed when she has to prove that she is over 65 (good grief the lady is over 95), proof of residency, id when the National Parks pass is used or free entry because they are a patron (e.g. museum, zoo).

I liked it because it showed my Mom that she is still important in this world.

My Mom calls her ID a "Walking license". And yes, all adults need forms of identification for various uses.

My dad has his tri-care for life card and thankfully the bank took that as a form of ID. We were closing accounts and opening new ones. My dad is 90 and in assisted living but was advised to get a current ID card. His license had expired a few years previously. So you never know when a current ID will be asked for. I'm going to try to get for him online because he hates going anywhere these days. Mostly because of his mobility issues. Hope this helps

Good Morning,

I believe the government recently came out with a Real ID. These covers both license and legal identification. At least this is what they do in my State.

The Real ID is an identification card that one can also use dual purpose as a license.

You can check out your local DMV or Senior Center and see how they work it in your State. Everyone needs an ID these days especially with all the doctor's appointments. They always ask for ID and insurance card.

Hope this helps.