License Renewal Procedures Vary for Older Drivers

Just as they keep a tighter rein on teen drivers, many states also keep a closer eye on older drivers through more frequent driver license renewals.

People older than 50 made up almost half of all licensed U.S. drivers in 2013 — nearly 93.5 million of 212.2 million drivers — according to the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. That’s an increase of 22 percent since 2003 and accounts for more than 44.1 percent of total licensed drivers. Drivers older than 85 remain the fastest-growing group, according to the FHWA, nearly doubling from 1.76 million in 1998 to 3.48 million in 2013.

Related: Adaptive Devices Can Ease the Drive, Ride for Seniors

Since the changes that come with age can affect driving ability, it makes sense that many states have instituted age-specific renewal programs. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety updated its state-by-state compilation of license-renewal requirements this month and found that 22 states have shorter renewal periods for drivers older than a specified age and 19 states require more frequent vision screening for older drivers. Georgia enforces the youngest age for shorter renewal terms: Drivers 59 and older must renew their license every five years instead of every eight. New Mexico and Illinois have the shortest renewal terms for older drivers: every year starting at age 75 in New Mexico and age 87 in Illinois.

Among states that allow drivers to renew their licenses by mail or online, 15 states and the District of Columbia don’t give older drivers this option and others limit it.

State licensing agencies have the power to restrict or deny a driver’s license when there are concerns about a person’s cognitive or physical ability to drive. If a driver’s record shows a history of crashes or driving violations, or there are police or medical reports that indicate an issue that could affect driving ability, the state can require renewal applicants to undergo cognitive or physical exams or to retake licensing tests (vision, written or road). A state’s medical review board also can be asked to advise on the licensing of individual drivers. Following a review of a driver’s fitness to drive, the licensing agency can deny the renewal or approve it with restrictions like prohibiting nighttime driving or driving within a specific radius of the driver’s home.

The charts below details license-renewal procedures for all 50 states and the District of Columbia with information gathered from IIHS and AAA’s Senior Driving initiative.