Oregon seniors aged 50 and older must pass a vision screening during driver’s license renewal, available in person at DMV offices up to one year before or after expiration. Licenses renew every eight years with a $40 fee, and those 65+ face additional in-person requirements amid 2026 federal guidelines for drivers over 70.
Renewal Basics
Oregon issues Class C driver’s licenses for eight years, renewable within two years of expiration to avoid driving bans. Seniors 50+ at renewal time undergo a vision test checking acuity (20/70 minimum with lenses) and field of vision (110 degrees minimum). In-person visits to DMV offices require proof of identity, residency, and legal presence, plus a new photo.
Age-Specific Rules
Drivers 65 and older renew in person only, passing vision tests without exceptions for mail or online options. No hard age cutoff exists, but repeated failures or unsafe patterns trigger suspensions via medical reviews or road tests. REAL ID-compliant cards, marked with a star, become standard upon renewal for federal compliance.
2026 Federal Framework Impact
A U.S. DOT Senior Driver Safety Framework, effective January 1, 2026, mandates vision exams every two years, reaction-time screenings every four years, and cognitive courses every six years for those 70+. Oregon aligns by offering telehealth vision options and online refreshers while upholding state vision mandates.
Process Steps
Complete the application form online or on-site, gather documents like birth certificates or passports, and pay $40 via cash, check, debit, or credit. Interim cards issue immediately; full licenses arrive in 10-14 days. Late renewals risk fines or hearings if over two years expired.
Safety and Restrictions
Oregon monitors seniors through crash data and physician reports; restrictions like daylight-only driving apply post-review. No revocation occurs solely by age, emphasizing competence over chronology.
SOURCES:
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/oregon-driving-laws-seniors-older-drivers.html
- https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/realidtraveler.aspx
