This is a complete tangent, but FWIW: you can pay taxes in NY with an expired license.

Source: I've been paying taxes in NY with a learner's permit that's been expired for well over a decade.

Edit: I've also used said expired permit to buy pseudoephedrine. In my experience, they get frustrated and put random garbage into the tracking system when the card doesn't verify, demonstrating that it's all theater. It did take a while, though, so your point about this being a waste of time holds.