Renewal

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

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
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.
Track Legislation Here and Here
House Panel OKs Tighter Regulation of Older Drivers
Pilot Online – January 23, 2014
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