Mature Drivers
The chart below describes the statewide driver licensing law provisions related to older drivers across the country. Use the arrows below the chart to toggle through the states in alphabetical order. To advance slowly, click the single right arrow (>). To jump to the end, click the double arrows (>>). Or use the filter by state feature to jump to a specific state.
Scroll down for a summary overall totals of the number of states that have specific provisions.
Last updated in May 2024. Laws last reviewed by State Highway Safety Offices in March 2024.
| California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
5 years |
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
10 years |
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
Choice of 4 or 6 years |
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
8 years |
| Provisions for Mature Drivers
70 and over: License renewal in person at a DMV field office, unless otherwise instructed by the DMV. Knowledge and vision tests are also required. Most drivers 70 and older are eligible for open book no-fail eLearning course. |
Provisions for Mature Drivers
80 and older: electronic renewal requires passage of vision exam within the prior 6 months |
Provisions for Mature Drivers
65 and over: choice of 2- or 6-year renewal, mail renewal requires demonstration of hardship |
Provisions for Mature Drivers
None |
5 years
70 and over: License renewal in person at a DMV field office, unless otherwise instructed by the DMV. Knowledge and vision tests are also required. Most drivers 70 and older are eligible for open book no-fail eLearning course.
10 years
80 and older: electronic renewal requires passage of vision exam within the prior 6 months
Choice of 4 or 6 years
65 and over: choice of 2- or 6-year renewal, mail renewal requires demonstration of hardship
Mature Drivers
More and more Americans are outliving their ability to drive safely. As a result of impairments in three functions that are important for driving – vision, cognition and motor function – older drivers have a higher crash risk than middle aged adults.
To address this issue, many state driver licensing laws have specific provisions for older drivers.
- 37 States and the District of Columbia have special provisions for mature drivers. These include: accelerated renewal frequency; restriction of online or mailed renewals; vision test; road test; or reduced or waived renewal fees.
NOTE: GHSA does not compile any additional data on mature driver laws other than what is presented here. For more information, consult the appropriate State Highway Safety Office (SHSO).
Sources: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and SHSOs.
Last updated May 2024. Laws last reviewed by SHSOs in March 2024.