A San Anselmo man’s idea for the state to provide photo identification cards to seniors who forfeit their driver’s licenses is headed to the Legislature for consideration.
Gary Newman’s idea was among more than 300 submissions to Assemblymember Damon Connolly’s latest “there ought to be a law” contest. If passed, the law would have the state automatically issue identification cards to seniors who gave up their licenses, and not require them to visit Department of Motor Vehicles offices to obtain the cards.
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Newman came up with the idea after he and his wife Anne faced challenges getting a photo identification card for her elderly mother, who gave up her driver’s license.
“Once our California seniors decide driving and overseas travel are no longer a part of their lives, an expired California driver’s license or passport should not limit use for everyday needs,” he said.
Connolly, a Democrat who represents Marin and part of Sonoma County, said the idea highlighted a problem for seniors. He noted the necessity of photo identification cards for everyday life.
“Our thinking is that when seniors forfeit their driver’s licenses, they should not be penalized for no longer having their identification card in their possession,” Connolly said.
The Newmans said they sought a basic California identification card for Evelyn Greenwood, 97, at the Department of Motor Vehicles office in Corte Madera. She is a former teacher whose husband Bob Greenwood, a Tamalpais High School music teacher, died in 2016.
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Gary Newman said his mother-in-law chose to “retire her driving career” in her 90s and gave up her license for medical reasons. But issues arose when Greenwood needed a current identification card to pick up certain medications at a pharmacy.
“All of a sudden, Evelyn had an expired driver’s license and an expired passport,” Gary Newman said.
Anne Newman noted that many drug stores, grocery chains and department stores use third-party services to deliver orders. One delivery driver told her that he could get fired if he accepted Greenwood’s expired identification card.
She and her mother underwent a long process in getting a photo identification card at the DMV. Anne Newman recalled seeing large numbers of elderly customers sitting in the waiting room and was concerned about seniors who had a difficult time “navigating the system there,” or who lack internet access.
“Let’s face it, we’re getting older in Marin,” she said, adding that automatic identification cards for seniors would be one less hassle for them and their families.
In 2023, 25% of Marin County’s population was 65 and older, according to census data.
Leaders of two Marin nonprofits that assist seniors said they support the bill.
“Some seniors are reluctant to give up their driver’s license for many years,” said Skip Schwartz, executive director of West Marin Senior Services. “But this law might help persuade them that they’ll still be respected and recognized as a person who matters.”
Joe O’Hehir, interim CEO of Vivalon in San Rafael, said the fastest growing segment of Marin’s senior population is residents over age 85.
“It’s imperative that we adapt our systems to support their independence and well-being,” he said. “This legislation honors and facilitates the autonomy of our elder community members, ensuring they retain access to essential services without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.”
State lawmakers will begin reviewing the legislation, titled Assembly Bill 1151, this spring.