In Oregon, seniors aged 65 and older face specific requirements for driver’s license renewal aimed at ensuring road safety, mainly focusing on vision standards and in-person renewal. Unlike younger drivers who can renew online or by mail under certain conditions, seniors must renew their licenses in person at a DMV office. During this renewal, they must either take an eyesight test administered by DMV staff or submit a medical form from a licensed vision specialist certifying that their eyesight meets state standards.
The vision certification, called a Certificate of Vision (DMV Form 735-24), must be completed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist and submitted along with the renewal application. It must confirm that the vision meets the requirements outlined in Oregon Administrative Rules, specifically that the person’s best eye has visual acuity at least 20/40, or if worse than 20/40 but better than 20/70, the driver may be issued a license restricted to daylight driving only. However, if the vision specialist provides a written opinion that the driver should not be limited to daylight driving, the restriction can be lifted with proper documentation.
The renewal cycle for all Oregon drivers, including seniors, is every 8 years. However, the in-person visit and vision assessment requirement applies specifically to those aged 65 or older at the time of renewal. The DMV sets the driver’s age for this rule as of the license expiration date or renewal application date, whichever is older.
During the renewal process, seniors pay the standard renewal fee, which as of recent information is around $40.00, payable by cash, check, debit, or credit card. After renewal processing, the new driver’s license card is mailed to the applicant’s address on file.
Oregon does not allow online or mail renewals for seniors who must renew in person unless the renewal falls under younger age brackets (below 65). This in-person requirement underscores the state’s focus on monitoring older drivers’ vision health to reduce accident risks caused by impaired sight.
If a senior’s license has been expired for more than two years, they may need to retake tests and reapply as if new, including paying an original license fee, but this is not specific to seniors alone.
Seniors in Oregon must renew their driver’s license every 8 years by appearing in person at a DMV office, pass or submit a vision test by a licensed specialist, pay the renewal fee, and possibly face daylight-only driving restrictions if their vision falls below certain standards. These rules prioritize safety while allowing seniors to continue driving with appropriate safeguards in place.
If you need more precise details or forms, consulting the Oregon DMV website or contacting them directly is advisable.
Sources
[1] https://www.iihs.org/topics/older-drivers/license-renewal-laws-table
[2] https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/view.action?ruleNumber=735-062-0060
[3] https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/online_quick_tips/driver_information.aspx
[4] https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/driverid/license
