Renewal

States vary in their approach to license renewal for older drivers. Twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia have special provisions in place for older driver’s license renewal. Several states require in-person renewal of a driver’s license in combination with a shorter renewal period for older drivers. In 2012, Maryland extended its license renewal for all drivers from five to eight years; there are currently no special provisions in place for older drivers.

State	Standard Renewal	Age-based Requirements
Illinois	4 years	Every 2 years beginning at 81 years; Annually beginning at 87 years
Iowa	5 years	Every 2 years beginning at 70 years; In-person renewal
Hawaii	8 years	Every 2 years beginning at 72 years
Maryland	8 years	None
New York	8 years	None
Wisconsin	8 years	None

Comparison of Select States License Renewal Frequency

Wisconsin

Proposed legislation requires renewal of motor vehicle operator’s license of persons 75 years old or older: required every 4 years and renewal by mail and electronic means established

Read Wisconsin State Senate Bill 480

Track Legislation

Proposal: Wisconsin Legislation to Require More Vision Exams
The Journal Times – January 2, 2014

Older Drivers Would Have To Renew Licenses Every 4-Years
December 10, 2013

Wisconsin Editorial Supports SB480

Journal Times editorial: Proposal to test senior drivers’ vision is reasonable

January 7, 2014

Virginia

The most detailed and comprehensive study of its kind prepared by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to study whether the Commonwealth should adopt additional objective criteria in current license renewal requirements as a means of assessing mature drivers’ continued capability to remain active, safe, independent, and mobile on the road as they age. As a result of this study legislation was introduced in 2014 to address mature driver issues.

Mature Drivers Study

2013 Report

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

November 2013

Proposed legislation provides for a course in mature driver motor vehicle crash prevention and provides that such course is an option for the court in adjudicating defendants. The bill also lowers the age at which drivers are required to appear before the DMV for renewal from 80 to 75 and requires that licenses issued to persons age 75 or older be valid for no more than five years.

Read Virginia State House Bill 771

Track Legislation Here and Here

75 Is The New Old: VA DMV Study Recommends Fitness Tests For Aging Drivers
The Washington Times – December 15, 2013

Bill Proposes Changing In-Person Renewal For Older Drivers In Virginia
Daily Press – January 13, 2014

House Panel OKs Tighter Regulation of Older Drivers
Pilot Online – January 23, 2014

Virginia Renewal Legislation Passes

Mature driver crash prevention. Provides for a course in mature driver motor vehicle crash prevention and provides that such course is an option for the court in adjudicating defendants. The bill also lowers the age at which drivers are required to appear before the DMV for renewal from 80 to 75 and requires that licenses issued to persons age 75 or older be valid for no more than five years. The bill contains a delayed effective date.

Maryland

A Final Report to the Maryland General Assembly Concerning Older Driver Safety Study Prepared by Maryland Motor Vehicles Administration. January 2014

An Interim Report to the Maryland General Assembly Concerning Older Driver Safety Study Prepared by Maryland Motor Vehicles Administration. January 2013

Massachusetts

Massachusetts legislature has cut the renewal period for drivers 75 and older in half, to five years, and requires in person renewals, and a vision exam.

Proposed legislation would add a road (or simulated) test for those 85 and up.

Renewal

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