In Virginia, drivers aged 75 and older must renew their driver’s license every five years, rather than the standard eight-year interval for younger drivers. This renewal must be completed in person at a DMV customer service center or a DMV Connect location; online and mail renewals are not permitted for this age group. Each time a senior driver renews in person, a vision test is required. This can be done at the DMV or by submitting a Vision Screening Report (Med 4 Form) completed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist within 90 days of the renewal request.
If the DMV is notified of a medical condition that could impact driving safety, a medical review may be required, which could involve retaking the written exam or road skills test, or providing additional documentation from a physician. The DMV may place restrictions on a senior’s license, such as requiring corrective lenses or limiting driving to certain times of day, if deemed necessary for safety.
There is no grace period for driving with an expired license in Virginia. If a license is expired for more than one year, the driver must retake both the knowledge and road skills exams to renew. The renewal fee for a standard five-year license is typically $32. Seniors and their families should plan ahead to ensure timely renewal and bring all necessary documentation, including proof of identity and any required medical or vision reports, to the DMV.
Sources
[1] https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/license/renewing
[2] https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/mature
[3] https://www.eprbatterycpcb.in/new-u-s-driving-license-rule-for-seniors-starts/
[4] https://www.iihs.org/topics/older-drivers/license-renewal-laws-table
[5] https://www.wboc.com/archive/stricter-rules-for-senior-drivers-in-va-take-effect-jan-1/article_a220643c-a433-56a0-a9c7-c58943030ea2.html
