A few observations:
1. Based on what you have written, I really don’t see any compelling or strong reason for you to move out-of-state at all. A job offer, or to join family, etc., are good reasons and it is important to have them. Without a strong reason, the chance is great you will regret the move when you eventually and inevitably discover the things in your new state that don’t measure up to your expectations or to what you had before, since no place is perfect.
The older we get, the less our ability or willingness to adjust. There is absolutely no reason to rush and make a decision that is difficult to reverse and based largely on other people’s opinions. One man’s treasure is often another’s trash. Moreover, a long-distance move and settling in a new place is a very stressful, challenging, and protracted event even for someone in perfect health.
With your health concerns, I would think weather should take precedence over firearms, and I doubt you will be able to find better weather than what you have now in northern CA. Oregon near Eugene and Portland is very humid in winter since it rains most days during winter.
2. It seems your thought of relocating was prompted by frustrations with the driver’s license. Everyone needs a DL, if only to drive to the store to buy groceries. Here is something simple but definitely worth trying. Call the local office of your state representative and tell them you need their help because you’re having problem renewing your license with the DMV. Explain what documents you do have, why it is impractical to get a passport, etc. It is entirely possible an aide would call the DMV right away on your behalf and presumably reach someone high up who could resolve the case immediately. If not, keep up the effort to keep them on the case until resolved.
3. You wrote, “This may be the last chance I have to do so before declining health no longer allows that”
I have read that the control that our minds have over our bodies is much greater than we realize. Most of us do not put that control to good use, but rather, program ourselves in negative ways, such as when we say things like, “I catch colds every winter”, or “My knees have always been weak”. Sure enough, our bodies give us exactly those things.
And so we are admonished to stop reinforcing the negative like you did with your statement above; and instead, do this: “Every day when you get up, don’t let one negative thought come in. Negative thoughts will undoubtedly try to break through, but each time they do, immediately banish them.”
You sound like My old Sensei, and I truly mean that as a compliment. Let Me settle down from the previous post a bit and compose a proper reply after a short pause...
These are just a few of the reasons I am more and more deciding to "go Galt". My recent experiences at the State DMV merely rubbed salt in a festering sore that leaves Me more and more certain that I can not agree to abide by all the ever-increasing burdens the government, including county, state, and federal are placing on us merely for a source of revenue. As such, I might as well decide now where I will have the greatest opportunity for freedom while even a part of it exists. Before that too is taken away.
The increasing likelihood that this will sooner or later turn into a "sanctuary state" with favouritism biased towards the Illegals simply makes it all the more likely that I need to find another place which places more adherence to the Constitutional tenets upon which this country was founded upon. Not to mention that the governmental deliberate dismissal of tenets such as "Shall Not Be Infringed" makes a mockery of what our founding fathers believed in. Whether it be purchasing a firearm, building your own house, construcing your own boat, driving a motor vehicle, or repairing an electrical fault in your own home -or even attempting to set up a soapbox to state your personal opinions or even put up a bloody lemonade-selling stand, you need a "License" or at the very least a "Permit".
As far as health... well, I think perhaps I need to decide where I am probably going to end up for good now while I have even a slight chance of making a change if I need to. Weather does indeed remain a factor, witness My continuing refusal to relocate to any of the southernmost states such as Florida (or Lower California).
At the same time I realize that the laws for possessing the means to protect ourselves from a government gone rogue and uncaring of the rights spelled out for our Constitutional Republic are fast approaching a fatal event horizon, much as I am pained to admit it.
Unless you are an Illegal Alien or common street thug / gang member, that is. Illegal Alien? Sure, have free welfare, healthcare, Educational provisions including NonResident Student Grants! Heck, Here is a Driver's License and Lawyer's Diploma! It's not like you are a normal law-abiding citizen obligated to obey our laws, after all!
I am beginning to go off on a rant, I see, so I will simply add the following:
If I decide to move, I must make an informed decision as to where I will permanently wind up. Frisco, Los Angeles, or New York are not acceptable for many reasons.
Where I finally decide to stay, even if it is simply locally but as far away from town as possible, there must I know that I can gladly stand and say: "Enough". With that simple belief, that I am looking most positively at simply living life and not worrying about what other insane laws might be crafted in the myriad centres of government at all, I know I will be at peace.