In Wisconsin, all drivers—including seniors—are required to renew their driver’s license every eight years. However, there are special rules for older drivers.
Once you reach age 65, you must renew your license in person at a DMV Customer Service Center. Online renewal is only available to drivers up to age 64, and even then, only every other renewal period can be completed online.
Vision Testing Requirements
A vision test is mandatory for all in-person renewals. DMV staff will conduct this test free of charge, or you may have a licensed medical professional complete a Certificate of Vision Examination within 90 days of your renewal request.
If your vision does not meet the minimum standards, you may be required to submit additional medical documentation or undergo further testing. For a standard license, you need a minimum visual acuity of 20/100 in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Medical and Functional Assessments
There is no law in Wisconsin that sets an upper age limit for driving. The ability to maintain a valid license depends on your capacity to drive safely. DMV staff are responsible for determining whether any physical or cognitive condition might impair your ability to operate a vehicle.
If concerns arise—either from DMV observations or reports from the public or medical professionals—the DMV may require additional tests or a medical evaluation before renewing your license.
Fees and Costs
The standard renewal fee for an eight-year license is $34. However, drivers over 65 can renew their license for free. If your license has expired, an additional $5 late fee applies. If you are upgrading to a REAL-ID during renewal, there is no extra fee, but a $14 duplicate card fee applies if you upgrade later.
Additional Considerations
Wisconsin does not require routine re-testing (written or road tests) based solely on age, but these may be requested if there are concerns about your ability to drive safely. There is also no mandatory reporting requirement for doctors regarding senior drivers, but anyone can report an unsafe driver to the DMV for review.
Key Takeaways
Seniors age 65 and older must renew their license in person every eight years.
A vision test is required at each in-person renewal.
Renewal is free for drivers over 65.
No automatic written or road test is required based on age, but may be requested if there are safety concerns.
Safe driving ability, not age, determines license eligibility in Wisconsin.
Staying informed about these requirements can help seniors maintain their driving privileges and independence while ensuring safety on Wisconsin’s roads.
Sources
[1] https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wisconsin-driving-laws-seniors-older-drivers.html
[2] https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/older-drv/laws.aspx
[3] https://zutobi.com/us/wi-car/driver-guides/wisconsin-drivers-license-renewal
[4] https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/dmv/shared/bds345.pdf
[5] https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/mdcl-cncrns/olderdrivers.aspx
