Entry in Medical Conditions, Medications and Car Insurance
Licence Renewal Rules for Older Drivers
The kinds of age-based licence renewal rules states apply—shorter cycles, vision tests, in-person renewal, medical referrals—and how they interact with insurance.
By Margaret Hale · Editor
Published · Updated
Answer in brief
Roughly two-thirds of states apply some age-based licence rule: shorter renewal cycles after 65–75, vision tests at renewal, in-person renewal rather than online, or acceptance of medical referrals. A valid licence with restrictions observed is a condition of coverage; a lapsed licence or a violated restriction can complicate a claim.
| Rule type | Typical form |
|---|---|
| Shorter renewal cycle | Every 2–4 years instead of 5–8, after 65–75 |
| Vision test | At every renewal after a set age |
| In-person renewal | No online or mail renewal after a set age |
| Medical referral | Physicians, family or law officers may refer for review |
| Restrictions | Daylight only, corrective lenses, radius limits, no highways |
Rules change frequently; check your state's licensing agency. The insurance implications are in the health and driving guide.
Terms: Medical review (licensing)
Sources and references
Legal figures on this page (minimum limits, filing periods, statutory benefits) are checked against the primary law or the state insurance regulator listed below. Links and figures last verified Nov 2026.
- Vehicle Code § 16056 — minimum liability limits — California Legislative Information, Cal. Veh. Code § 16056Primary lawPolicies issued or renewed on/after 1 Jan 2025: $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident bodily injury / $15,000 property damage. From 1 Jan 2035 the limits rise by $20,000 / $40,000 / $10,000 (to 50/100/25).
- Va. Code § 46.2-472 — minimum liability limits — Virginia Law (LIS), Va. Code § 46.2-472Primary lawFor policies effective on/after 1 Jan 2025: $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident bodily injury / $25,000 property damage.
- Acts of 2024, Chapter 275 — An Act relative to motor vehicle insurance — Massachusetts General Court, Mass. Acts 2024, c. 275 (2024)Primary lawRaises compulsory bodily injury limits to $25,000 / $50,000 and property damage to $30,000 for policies issued or renewed on/after 1 July 2025.
- Utah Code § 31A-22-304 — motor vehicle liability policy minimum limits — Utah Legislature, Utah Code § 31A-22-304Primary lawPolicies issued or renewed on/after 1 Jan 2025: $30,000 per person / $65,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage (or $90,000 single limit).
- HRS § 431:10C-301 — required motor vehicle policy coverage — Hawaii State Legislature, HRS § 431:10C-301Primary lawLiability of at least $40,000 per person / $80,000 per accident and $20,000 property damage (effective 1 Jan 2026 under Act 138 of 2024); PIP $10,000; UM/UIM offered with written rejection.
- Changes to the rating of automobile insurance policies, effective July 1, 2025 — North Carolina Department of Insurance (2025)State insurance regulatorMinimum limits rose from 30/60/25 to 50/100/50 for policies issued or renewed on/after 1 July 2025; underinsured motorist coverage now included on all policies.
- Bulletin 25-06 — auto insurance coverage limits (P.L. 2022, c. 87) — New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (2025)State insurance regulatorSecond-phase increase to $35,000 per person / $70,000 per accident for policies issued or renewed on/after 1 Jan 2026; property damage stays $25,000.
- Older drivers — Insurance Institute for Highway SafetyIndependent researchCrash involvement, fragility and licensing research for drivers 70+.
Practical guidance on this page is original editorial work. Cited sources support factual statements and do not endorse this site. Dollar ranges described as typical or illustrative are editorial estimates, not figures from these sources.