Or they work under the table, do their own "consulting" business.
They don't go to a doctor or dentist, instead, they use the ER or a "free" clinic. They don't typically have new credit cards or loans that require them to put down anything more than a SSN.
Their bank accounts (and bank cards) are older, pre-Real ID.
You don't need need a state or Federal ID to go to public K-12, submit your taxes or get a tax refund, nor did you need one for most subscription accounts.
Some states may require a state or Federal ID for certificates and licenses, like marriage or CCs - but others might not.
It all depends on what might be required and what may be waiverable, if you need to fill out electronic forms or if you can go into a local office and sweet talk the clerk into waiving a driver's licence or Real ID that might be a requirement on an electronic form.
You only need a SSN for most things.
A lot of commercial businesses still don't require Real ID or official state/local ID to hire someone part time.
I know three people who don't have a current government picture ID. They all work under the table or for the family business, with family members who drive them around, or they use public transit or bicycles. And they get by just fine.
It's getting more difficult, but is still doable, even if you lost all your ID and are in the process of trying to replace what you need to get by.
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