Illinois Drivers Over 70 Face Major License Renewal Changes as New Law Requires In-Person Visits Starting at Age 79, Introducing Vision Tests and Updated Safety Rules While Raising the Mandatory Road Test Age to 87 Under the Newly Signed Road Safety and Fairness Act Taking Effect in July 2026
Beginning July 1, 2026, drivers in Illinois—particularly those over the age of 70—will experience notable changes to the way driver’s license renewals are handled. A new law, House Bill 1226, signed in August 2025, updates the renewal process for older motorists in an effort to balance road safety with fairness for senior drivers. While some…