Renewal Frequency by Age
- Ages 21–80: Renew every four years.
- Ages 81–86: Renew every two years.
- Ages 87 and older: Renew annually.
In-Person Renewal Requirements
- Ages 75 and older: Must renew in person at a Secretary of State facility. Online or remote renewal is not permitted for these age groups.
Vision Test
- All seniors renewing in person must pass a vision test. This can be done at the DMV or by submitting a Vision Specialist Report completed within six months of renewal.
Driving Test Changes (2025 Update)
- New Law (House Bill 1226): The mandatory behind-the-wheel driving test for license renewal is now required only at age 87 and above, up from the previous threshold of 79.
- Ages 79–86: No longer required to take a driving test for renewal, but must still renew in person.
- Age 87+: Must take a driving test with a state employee at each annual renewal.
Additional Safeguards
- Immediate family members can now submit concerns to the Secretary of State if they believe a senior relative is unsafe to drive, allowing for possible review or restriction of driving privileges.
- The Secretary of State can impose restrictions based on medical or vision conditions, such as requiring corrective lenses or limiting driving to daylight hours.
Restricted Local Licenses
- Seniors who cannot qualify for a standard license but can drive safely within their community may be eligible for a restricted local license, permitting driving only on specific, familiar routes.
Table
| Age Group | Renewal Frequency | In-Person Required | Vision Test | Road Test Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21–80 | Every 4 years | No (unless notified) | Yes (if in person) | No |
| 81–86 | Every 2 years | Yes | Yes | No |
| 87+ | Every year | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Takeaways
- Most seniors will no longer face a road test until age 87.
- In-person renewal and vision testing remain mandatory for those 75 and older.
- New provisions allow family members to report safety concerns.
- Illinois remains one of the strictest states for senior license renewal, but recent changes aim to balance safety with fairness.
Sources
[1] https://www.ilsos.gov/services/bap.html
[2] https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/illinois-driving-laws-seniors-older-drivers.html
[3] https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/illinois-bill-could-raise-age-for-mandatory-license-renewal-driving-test-for-seniors/
[4] https://www.ilsos.gov/services/services_for_seniors/programs.html
[5] https://abc7chicago.com/post/illinois-driving-test-lawmakers-approve-bills-easing-tests-seniors-renew-licenses-79-87/16153067/