Americans aged 65 and above who operate a motor vehicle fall under the category of older or mature drivers. Due to their age, these people are quite vulnerable to motor accidents. A U.S. Department of Transportation—National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research note states that fatal traffic crashes involving drivers aged 65+ increased by 4.7% from 7,515 in 2021 to 7,870 in 2022, the highest since 1975.
The following state departments have strict laws for older drivers to promote safe behavior. This list is based on data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and other official websites of the respective state. However, verifying this information from your state administration is advisable because it is subject to change periodically.
Arizona
Arizona residents aged 60 and above must renew their driving license every five years. They must also provide proof of adequate vision at every renewal and remain physically present at the Department of Driver Services or Motor Vehicle at the time of renewal.
California
All California drivers must renew their licenses every five years, regardless of age. Drivers 70 years or older must also undergo a vision test. Drivers 80 and above cannot apply for mail or online renewal. A physical presence at the Department of Driver Services or Motor Vehicles is necessary.
Connecticut
Connecticut has relaxed rules for vision tests and mail or online license renewal for senior drivers. However, they have a strict law regarding the age bracket for the license renewal cycle. Drivers aged 65 and above must apply for renewal every two years.
Florida
Florida requires citizens aged 80 years and above to renew their licenses every six years. They must clear the vision test if appearing in person. They must provide a physician’s letter if renewing online or by mail.
Georgia
MatureGeorgia mature drivers can renew their licenses every eight years. However, drivers 64 years and above should take a vision test each renewal period. They can renew online by uploading vision test documents. They can also apply in person for renewal and a vision test. The mail renewal option is available only for those unable to renew their ID card online or in person.
Illinois
Senior drivers aged 81-86 must renew their licenses every two years. The renewal frequency is one year for drivers aged 87 and above. A vision test is mandatory for all drivers aged 75 and older. Drivers must also renew the license in person; mail or online renewal is prohibited.
Indiana
The license renewal cycle in this state is three years for drivers 75-84 and two years for 85 and above. After they reach 75, every driver must pass a vision test for every renewal. Mail and online renewal are permitted.
Iowa
People 78 years of age and older must apply for license renewal every two years, and people 70 must clear a vision test. Mail and online renewal are impermissible for people 70 years of age and older.
Maine
Maine enforces strict laws for senior drivers when they reach their 60s. They must renew their licenses every four years. Those aged 62 and above must prove their eyesight is good enough to drive safely. They also have to renew their license in person.
Maryland
While the license renewal cycle is eight years in Maryland, regardless of age, they have mandated a vision test for drivers 40 years and older at every renewal. Mature drivers can apply for online or mail renewal provided their photograph is newer than 16 years.
New Jersey
This state provides an option of license renewal every two or four years for people 70 years of age and above. All drivers in New Jersey have to undergo a vision test once every ten years, irrespective of age. Mail and online renewal are permissible for both the general and older population.
North Carolina
North Carolina mandates that citizens 66 years and older renew their licenses every five years. They have to undergo a vision test. They can apply online for renewal.
Oregon
Oregon residents can renew their licenses every eight years without age constraints. However, drivers aged 50 years and above must provide proof of adequate vision if they appear in person for renewal. Online and mail renewal options are also available.
Rhode Island
Rhode Islanders aged 75 and older must renew their license every two years. The local authorities have prorated the license expirations to 75. They must also take a vision test. The only relaxation in the law is mail or online renewal.
Texas
Texas requires its senior drivers 85 years of age and older to apply for license renewal every two years. Drivers above 78 must provide adequate vision documents for every renewal and appear personally at the concerned state department office.
Utah
Utah’s general population and senior drivers have an eight-year license renewal cycle. However, those over 64 must prove adequate vision at renewal, even when they do it online.
Virginia
Virginia requires its senior citizens 75 years of age and older to apply for license renewal and take a vision test every two years. They must complete the entire procedure in person, as mail or online renewal is prohibited.
Washington
Both the general population and the elderly have the same driving laws. They can apply for license renewal every six or eight years and appear for a vision test at every renewal. The only exception is that people 70 years and older do not have permission to apply online or through mail.