Home Car insurance Senior drivers Licensing-renewal procedures for elderly drivers Licensing-renewal procedures for elderly drivers View Carriers Please enter valid zip Compare top carriers in your area Written by Penny Gusner Penny Gusner Penny is an expert on insurance procedures, rates, policies and claims. She has extensive knowledge of all major insurance lines -- auto, homeowners, life and health insurance. She has been answering consumers’ questions as an analyst for more than 15 years and has been featured in numerous major media outlets, including the Washington Post and Kiplinger’s. Reviewed by Michelle Megna Michelle Megna Michelle, the former editorial director, insurance, at QuinStreet, is a writer, editor and expert on car insurance and personal finance. Prior to joining QuinStreet, she reported and edited articles on technology, lifestyle, education and government for magazines, websites and major newspapers, including the New York Daily News. Updated on: September 13, 2024 Why you can trust Insure.com Quality Verified At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry. As drivers age, many states implement specific procedures to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. These licensing renewal processes often include more frequent renewal intervals, mandatory vision tests, and, in some cases, a written or road test. Knowing what to expect can help elderly drivers and their families prepare in advance and ensure a smooth renewal experience. It’s essential to check your state’s specific regulations, as requirements can vary widely. Preparing for your license renewal: Tips for elderly drivers Preparation is key to a successful license renewal. Start by scheduling any required medical or vision exams well in advance, gathering necessary documents, and reviewing any new road rules or regulations. Consider practicing driving skills if a road test is required, and ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Staying informed and prepared can reduce anxiety and increase the chances of a hassle-free renewal. StateLicense renewal cycleProof of adequate vision required at renewalMail or online renewal permittedAlabama4 yearsNoOnline, every other renewalAlaska5 years69 and older, every renewalNot permitted 69 and olderArizona5 years for people 60 and older (effective 09/14/24)Every renewalNoArkansas4 or 8 years for people 70 and older, personal optionEvery other renewalNoCalifornia5 years70 and older, every renewalNot permitted 80 and olderColorado5 yearsEvery renewalBoth, if photograph is newer than 16 yearsConnecticut2 years permitted for people 65 and older, personal optionNoBoth, every other renewalDelaware8 yearsevery renewalNoDistrict of Columbia8 yearsevery renewalNot permitted 70 and olderFlorida6 years for people 80 and older80 and older, every renewalBoth, every other renewalGeorgia8 yearsEvery renewalBoth, every other renewalHawaii2 years for people 72 and olderEvery renewalBoth, limited to 2 consecutive renewals, but must appear in person at least every 16 years (effective 07/01/25)Idaho4 years for people 63 and olderEvery renewalNot permitted 70 and olderIllinois2 years for people 81 – 86; 1 year for people 87 and older75 and older, every renewalNot permitted 75 and olderIndiana3 years for people 75-84: 2 years for people 85 and older75 and older, every renewalBoth, every other renewalIowa2 years for people 78 and older70 and older, every renewalNot permitted 70 and olderKansas4 years for people 65 and olderEvery renewalNot permitted 65 and olderKentucky4 or 8 years, personal optionEvery renewalBoth, if photograph is newer than 16 yearsLouisiana6 years70 and older, every renewalNot permitted 70 and olderMaine4 years for people 65 and older62 and older, every renewalNot permitted 62 and olderMaryland8 years40 and older, every renewalBoth, if photograph is newer than 16 yearsMassachusetts5 years75 and older, every renewalNot permitted 75 and olderMichigan4 yearsWhen renewing in personBoth, every other renewalMinnesota4 yearsEvery renewalNoMississippi4 or 8 years, personal optionNoOnline, every other renewalMissouri3 years for people 70 and olderEvery renewalNoMontana4 years for people 75 and olderEvery renewalBoth, every other renewalNebraska5 years72 and older, every renewalNot permitted 72 and olderNevada4 years for people 65 and older71 and older, every renewalBoth, every other renewal for people 65 and olderNew Hampshire5 yearsEvery renewalOnline, every other renewalNew Jersey2 or 4 years for people 70 and older, personal optionEvery 10 yearsBothNew Mexico4 years for people 71-78; 1 year for people 79 and older75 and older, every renewalNot permitted 75 and olderNew York8 yearsEvery renewalBothNorth Carolina5 years for people 66 and olderEvery renewalOnline, every other renewalNorth Dakota4 years for people 78 and olderEvery renewalNot permitted 70 and olderOhio4 years for people 65 and older65 and older, every renewalNot permitted 65 and olderOklahoma4 or 8 years, personal optionNoBoth, every other renewalOregon8 years50 and older if renewing in personOnline, every other renewalPennsylvania2 years or 4 years for people 65 and older, personal optionNoBothRhode Island2 years for people 75 and olderEvery renewalOnline, every other renewalSouth Carolina8 yearsEvery renewalBothSouth Dakota5 years65 and older, every renewalBoth, every other renewalTennessee8 yearsNoBothTexas2 years for people 85 and older79 and older, every renewalNot permitted 79 and olderUtah8 years65 and older, every renewalOnline, every other renewalVermont2 or 4 yearsNoBy mail, unless new photo requiredVirginia5 years for people 75 and older75 and older, every renewalNot permitted 75 and olderWashington6 or 8 years, personal optionEvery renewalNot permitted 70 and olderWest Virginia8 yearsEvery renewalOnline, every other renewalWisconsin8 yearsEvery renewalNoWyoming5 yearsEvery renewalBy mail, every other renewal * In Louisiana, people aged 70 and older can renew their driver’s license by mail or online if they have a disability that makes it difficult to renew in person. They need to provide a sworn statement from a physician that confirms that they possess the cognitive ability to drive safely. *According to N.J. Stat. § 39:3-10f, drivers aged 64 and younger can use the same stored photo to renew their license for two consecutive four-year periods, but they must update their photo after 12 years. However, drivers aged 65 and older with a standard driver’s license can continue using the same stored photo for every renewal indefinitely. Navigating challenges: What to do if your license renewal is denied If an elderly driver’s license renewal is denied, it’s important to understand the reasons behind the decision and explore the next steps. This could involve addressing medical or vision issues, completing a driving course, or appealing the decision with additional documentation. In some cases, alternative transportation options may need to be considered. Understanding the available resources and knowing how to proceed can help maintain independence and mobility. Penny GusnerContributor . .Penny is an expert on insurance procedures, rates, policies and claims. She has extensive knowledge of all major insurance lines -- auto, homeowners, life and health insurance. She has been answering consumers’ questions as an analyst for more than 15 years and has been featured in numerous major media outlets, including the Washington Post and Kiplinger’s. QuickTake How much does car insurance cost for seniors in 2024? Seniors: Take a Class, Get an Auto Insurance Discount See more > In case you missed it Best Car Insurance Companies of 2024 Car insurance rates by state in 2024 What is full coverage car insurance? How much does car insurance cost for seniors in 2024? A complete guide to adding a teenager to your car insurance policy in 2024 What to do after a car accident that’s not your fault Total warfare: What to do when your auto insurer totals your car Car insurance claims: Who gets the claims check? Used car insurance costs: Most and least expensive models to insure The Best Car Insurance for Bad Credit of 2021 The best car insurance companies for speeding tickets Car insurance after a DUI Guide to car insurance discounts Proper insurance coverage for college-bound children How to read your auto insurance policy A complete list of car insurance companies New driver insurance grace period: What you need to know How much do insurance agents make? Autonomous cars: 5 delightful and 5 distressing things Busted! Part 1: How insurance companies spot bogus claims Insurance options for rideshare drivers 10 things that are illegal but shouldn’t be 1/1 ZIP Code Please enter valid ZIP See rates