The renewal period for a driver's license varies significantly depending on the state and, in some cases, the driver's age. There isn't a single, universal renewal period that applies everywhere.
Driver's License Renewal Periods by State and Age
To illustrate this variability, here are typical license renewal cycles for specific states, differentiating between the general population and older drivers where applicable:
| State | General Population Renewal Cycle | Older Population Renewal Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 years | 5 years |
| CO | 5 years | 5 years |
| CT | 8 or 6 years (phasing from a 6-year to an 8-year cycle) | 2 years permitted for people 65 and older, personal option |
As the table demonstrates, most states have a standard renewal period for the general driving population, which can range from 5 to 8 years. However, some states, like Connecticut, offer a shorter renewal option specifically for older drivers (e.g., those 65 and older), often as a personal choice to allow for more frequent assessments of driving ability. This highlights the importance of checking specific state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency guidelines for the most accurate and current information.
