Present Regulation in California
In California, drivers 70 years of age or older at the time their current driver license expires are generally required to appear in person to renew their driver license. A written test and vision test are required. The DMV sends a renewal notice to the address of record about 60 days before the license expires.
Sometimes, a physical or mental condition can impair a driver's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. The most common of these conditions is poor vision, but others, which may be age-related, include cognitive skills like memory, coordination and flexibility. In some circumstances, older drivers may have a restriction placed on their driver license. The types of restrictions vary, and are based on the results of the vision test, driving test, and the driving examiner's assessment. A restricted driver license is intended to ensure that the person is driving within their abilities. Some of the most common license restrictions are those that:
- * Require eyeglasses, corrective contact lenses, or bioptic telescopic lens to be worn at certain times.
- * Permit driving from sunrise to sunset only, or prohibit driving during rush hour.
- * Restrict the geographical area in which a person is permitted to drive, or prohibit freeway driving.
- * Require special mechanical devices, or an additional side mirror on the vehicle.
- * Require extra support in order to ensure a safe and correct driving position.
Potentially unsafe drivers can be reported to the DMV in various ways. For example, physicians are required by law to report to the DMV certain conditions or disorders characterized by loss of consciousness or control, including Alzheimer’s disease. The law also requires physicians to report other conditions, which in their opinion may affect one’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Unsolicited letters from family members, friends, or neighbors may also be sent to report that they believe someone is no longer able to drive safely. A law enforcement officer who stops an individual for a traffic law violation or is at the scene of an accident may also report unsafe driving to the DMV.
Once the DMV is made aware that a person has a medical condition that may cause a potential driving risk to himself/herself or others, or that the driving record indicates negligent driving activity, the DMV will evaluate the person’s driving skills to ensure he/she can drive safely. The DMV may do one of the following:
- * Request medical information from the driver. If it is clear from the medical information that one does not present a driving risk, the DMV’s evaluation may end, and no action will be taken.
- * Conduct a “regular” reexamination. The reexamination may be in-person or conducted over the telephone. The driver may be required to present medical information and submit to a written, vision, and driving test, if appropriate.
- * Conduct a Priority Reexamination. If a driver is served with a Notice of Priority Reexamination, he/she must appear for the reexamination within five days. The reexamination involves the immediate evaluation of an individual by a DMV Driver Safety hearing officer. It consists of an interview, and may also involve a vision test, a written test, and/or a driving test. Following the reexamination, the hearing officer will decide whether any action should be taken regarding one’s driving privilege, such as restrictions, probation, suspension or revocation.
- * Immediately suspend or revoke one’s driving privilege if his/her physical or mental condition presents an immediate threat to public safety.
-information cited from The California Department of Motor Vehicles
Below is renewal and additional tests for seniors in states other than California after a certain age.
State |
Length of Cycle |
Accelerated Renewal |
Other Provisions |
Alabama |
4 yr. |
None |
None |
Alaska |
5 yr. |
None |
Mail renewal not available to drivers 69 and older and to drivers whose prior renewal was by mail. |
Arizona |
License valid until age 65 |
5 yrs. for drivers 65 and older |
Drivers 70 and older may not renew by mail. Any driver 65 yrs. and older who is renewing by mail must submit a vision test verification form, provided by the department, or verification of an examination of the applicant’s eyesight. The vision test must be conducted not more than 3 months before. |
Arkansas |
4 yr. |
None |
None |
California |
5 yr. |
None |
At age 70, mail renewal is prohibited. No more than two sequential mail renewals are permitted, regardless of age. |
Colorado |
5 yr. |
None |
Mail or electronic renewal not available to drivers 66 and older unless a licensed physician or optometrist certifies that they passed a vision exam given within 6 months prior. No one may renew by mail or electronically if their prior renewal was electronic or by mail. |
Connecticut |
6 yr. |
Drivers 65 and older may choose 2-yr. or 6-yr. renewal cycle. |
A personal appearance at renewal generally is required. Upon showing hardship drivers 65 and older may renew by mail. |
Delaware |
5 yr. |
None |
None |
D.C. |
8 yr. |
None |
At age 70, or nearest renewal date thereafter, a vision test is required and a reaction test may be required. Applicant must provide a statement from a practicing physician certifying the applicant to be physically and mentally competent to drive. |
Florida |
8 yr. |
6 years for drivers 80 and older. |
Drivers over 79 are required to pass a vision test administered at any driver’s license office or if applying for an extension by mail must pass a vision test administered by a licensed physician or optometrist. Only one electronic or mail-in renewal may be made between in-person renewals, regardless of age. |
Georgia |
5 yr. or 10 yr. at the option of the driver; veterans’ licenses are valid until age 65 |
5 yr. for drivers 60 and older |
Vision test required at renewal for drivers 64 and older. |
Hawaii |
6 yr. |
2 yrs. for drivers 72 and older |
None |
Idaho |
4 yr. or 8 yr. |
Drivers 63 and older will receive a 4 yr. license |
Drivers who are 70 and older are required to renew their license in person. |
Illinois |
4 yr. |
2 yrs. for drivers 81-86; 1 yr. for drivers 87 and older |
Renewal applicants 75 and older must take a road test. |
Indiana |
6 yr. |
3 yrs. for drivers 75-84; 2 yrs. for drivers 85 and older |
Mail and electronic renewal are not available to drivers age 70 and older and drivers whose prior renewal was by mail or electronic. |
Iowa |
5 yr. |
2 yrs. for drivers 70 and older |
None |
Kansas |
6 yr. |
4 yrs. for drivers 65 and older |
None |
Kentucky |
4 yr. |
None |
None |
Louisiana |
4 yr. |
None |
Mail renewal not available to drivers 70 and older and to drivers whose prior renewal was by mail. |
Maine |
6 yr. or 8 yr. |
4 yrs. for drivers 65 and older |
Vision test required at the first renewal after driver’s 40th birthday and at every second renewal until age 62; thereafter, at every renewal. |
Maryland |
5 yr. |
None |
Vision test required at age 40 and older at every renewal. Age alone is not grounds for reexamination of drivers; applicants for an initial license age 70 and older must provide proof of previous satisfactory operation of a vehicle or physician’s certificate of fitness. |
Massachusetts |
5 yr. |
None |
Drivers age 75 and older must renew in person. |
Michigan |
4 yr. |
None |
None |
Minnesota |
4 yr. |
None |
Age alone is not a justification for reexamination. |
Mississippi |
4 yr. |
None |
None |
Missouri |
6 yr. |
3 yrs. for drivers 70 and older and 21 and younger |
None |
Montana |
8 yr., or 4 yr. if by mail |
1-7 yrs. depending on age for drivers age 68-74; 4 yrs. for drivers 75 and older |
A driver may not renew by mail for consecutive terms. |
Nebraska |
5 yr. |
None |
None |
Nevada |
4 yr. |
None |
Age alone is not a justification for reexamination; applicants for mail renewal 70 and older must include a medical report. |
New Hampshire |
5yr. |
None |
Renewal applicants 75 and older must take a road test. |
New Jersey |
4 yr. |
None |
None |
New Mexico |
4 or 8 yr. at driver’s option |
4 yrs. for drivers who would turn 75 in the last half of an 8 yr. renewal cycle; 1 yr. over 75 |
None |
New York |
5 yr. initial renewal, 8 yr. thereafter |
None |
None |
North Carolina |
8 yr. |
5 yrs. For drivers 66 and older |
Drivers 60 and older are not required to parallel park in the road test. |
North Dakota |
4 yr. |
None |
None |
Ohio |
4 yr. |
None |
None |
Oklahoma |
4 yr. |
None |
License fee reduced for drivers 62-64 and are waived for drivers 65 and older. |
Oregon |
8 yr. |
None |
Vision screening required for drivers 50 and over. |
Pennsylvania |