In Maryland, drivers age 40 and older must renew their driver’s licenses every five years unless otherwise notified by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Each renewal requires a vision test, which the MVA will administer free of charge; alternatively, drivers can have an ophthalmologist or optometrist conduct the exam and submit the results via a Vision Screening Form.
While a written or road test may be required, this only happens if the MVA detects signs of impairment during the renewal process.
The MVA can also impose driving restrictions after an evaluation, commonly requiring corrective lenses. Although Maryland extended license renewal periods from five to eight years in 2012 for all drivers, older drivers still face specific requirements such as mandatory vision tests at renewal.
There are no unique renewal intervals or explicit additional tests solely based on senior status beyond these vision and possible impairment checks. Maryland maintains a five-year renewal cycle with accompanying vision testing for seniors, emphasizing safety while accommodating older drivers.
Renewal can be completed online, by mail, or in person depending on the driver’s age and eligibility.
The process is designed to ensure that seniors maintain the necessary visual and physical capabilities to drive safely without imposing overly burdensome requirements solely due to age. This reflects the current Maryland driving laws and MVA procedures as of mid-2025.
Sources
[1] https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/maryland-driving-laws-seniors-older-drivers.html
[2] https://www.nursenextdoor.com/blog/6-tips-elderly-drivers-license-renewals
[3] https://afods.org/states/renewal/
[4] https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/renew-your-license-info.aspx
[5] https://www.iihs.org/research-areas/older-drivers/license-renewal-laws-table
