In Michigan, drivers of all ages, including seniors, must renew their licenses every four years. The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) does not impose special requirements solely based on age. However, as drivers age, the state has implemented some procedures to ensure that older adults can continue to drive safely.
General Requirements
To renew a driver’s license in Michigan, applicants must:
- Be a resident of Michigan.
- Hold a valid, unexpired driver’s license.
- Meet the vision and medical requirements set by the state.
- Provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number (if applicable).
Renewal OptionsMichigan offers three ways to renew a driver’s license:
- In-Person: In-person renewal at a Secretary of State office is necessary if certain conditions apply. This includes renewing or upgrading to a REAL ID, if the last renewal was done by mail or online, if a duplicate license was requested in the last four weeks, if there’s been a change of address within the last ten days, health changes that could affect driving ability, if there is no Social Security Number on file, or if the license hasn’t been renewed in over four years.
- By Mail: This option is available if the renewal notice specifically invites the driver to renew by mail. The applicant must fill out and sign the renewal notice, update the address if needed, and pay by check or money order.
- Online: If the driver is a U.S. citizen and renewed their driver’s license in person at a local Michigan Secretary of State office last time, they may qualify to renew online.
Vision TestsA vision test is required at renewal. SOS personnel will conduct a test free of charge. If required, the driver must have an additional eye exam performed by an outside ophthalmologist or optometrist, who must complete a Vision Specialist’s Statement of Examination within six months of the renewal request.
Other Considerations
- Road Test: A road test is required only if the SOS receives indications of driver impairment.
- Requests for Reexamination: The Michigan SOS will accept requests for driver reexaminations from medical professionals, law enforcement, family members, friends, or concerned citizens. All information provided remains confidential.
- License Renewal Time Limit: Licenses must be renewed every four years. There is no grace period, and driving with an expired license is illegal. A late renewal fee of $7 is charged if renewed after expiration.
- The SOS can place restrictions or conditions on a person’s driver’s license after administering a driving test and discussing possible restrictions with him or her. The most common restriction for older drivers is to require glasses or corrective contact lenses.
SOURCES:
- https://greatergc.com/2024/08/17/2024-license-renewal-for-seniors-in-michigan-all-you-need-to-know/
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/michigan-driving-laws-seniors-older-drivers.html
- https://www.michiganautolaw.com/blog/2024/04/12/michigan-elderly-driving-laws/
- https://www.stilt.com/auto/how-to-renew-a-michigan-drivers-license-in-person/