Illinois has some of the strictest rules in the nation for senior driver’s license renewal, but recent legislative changes are making the process easier while still prioritizing road safety. Here’s a concise overview of what seniors and their families should know in 2025.
Renewal Periods by Age
- Ages 69–80: Must renew every four years, in person.
- Ages 81–86: Must renew every two years, in person.
- Age 87 and older: Must renew every year, in person.
Testing Requirements
- Vision Test: Required at every renewal for all seniors 75 and older.
- Road Test: Previously, all drivers 79 and older had to take a road test at renewal. A new bill (the Road Safety and Fairness Act) proposes raising this requirement to age 87, meaning only those 87 and older would need to take a road test to renew their license. This change is designed to reduce unnecessary barriers, as studies show senior drivers have lower crash rates than other age groups.
In-Person Renewal
- Seniors 75 and older must renew their license in person at a Driver Services facility. Online or mail renewals are not permitted for this age group.
- All seniors must pass a vision screening at each renewal visit.
Reporting Unsafe Drivers
- Illinois is moving toward allowing family members to report concerns about a senior’s driving ability, a change from previous policy. If a family member or healthcare provider believes a senior is unsafe to drive due to a medical condition, they will be able to notify the Secretary of State’s office for further review.
Why the Change?
- The new legislation is a response to data showing that older drivers in Illinois are among the safest on the road, with lower crash rates than younger drivers.
- The aim is to balance road safety with fairness, ensuring seniors are not unnecessarily burdened while still identifying those who may need additional evaluation.
Key Takeaways
- Renewal frequency increases with age, and in-person visits are mandatory for seniors 75 and older.
- Vision tests are required at every renewal; road tests will only be required for those 87 and older if the new law is enacted.
- Family members may soon be able to report unsafe senior drivers for evaluation.
If you or a loved one is approaching a license renewal milestone, it’s wise to check the latest requirements and prepare for an in-person visit. Do you have questions about medical requirements or need tips for passing the vision test? Let me know how I can help!
Sources:
- https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/safe_driver/home.html
- https://www.iihs.org/topics/older-drivers/license-renewal-laws-table
- https://mblawfirm.com/insights/license-renewals-understanding-the-new-rules-for-senior-drivers/
- https://www.illinois.gov/services/service.renew-driver.html
- https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/illinois-bill-could-raise-age-for-mandatory-license-renewal-driving-test-for-seniors/
