License renewal procedures for older drivers can include accelerated renewal cycles that provide for shorter renewal intervals for drivers older than a specified age, typically 65 or 70; a requirement that they renew their licenses in person rather than electronically or by mail where remote renewal is permitted; and testing (vision and road tests, for example) that is not routinely required of younger drivers.
These special renewal procedures for older drivers apply in addition to the procedures that exist in all states for evaluating licensed drivers of any age who may no longer meet the standards for licensure because of physical or mental infirmities.
In 2008 five states amended their laws to change driver's license renewal cycles:
- Virginia increased from 5 to 8 years the renewal cycle for all drivers (effective July 1, 2008)
- Rhode Island increased from 70 to 75 the age at which the 2-year accelerated renewal begins (effective July 1, 2008)
- Colorado allows drivers of all ages to renew by mail, provided the previous renewal was in person; the state also increased from 61 to 66 the age at which drivers can renew licenses electronically (effective August 6, 2008)
- Florida increased from 6 to 8 years the renewal cycle for all drivers and created an accelerated renewal cycle of 6 years for drivers 80 and older (effective October 1, 2008)
- Hawaii increased from 6 to 8 years the renewal cycle for all drivers (effective November 3, 2008)
