In the United States, there is a senior’s surrender driving license process that may be completed by those senior citizens who are interested in eliminating their driving privileges. Although this process is relatively straightforward, the implications of a surrendered driver’s license for seniors can mean a reduction in insurance and overall car expenses, as well as peace of mind for those relatives close to a senior driver. In addition, a senior’s voluntary surrender of driving license privileges can be traded for photo-only identification, which may not need to be renewed, and will still allow the senior to enjoy other privileges afforded by state-validated identification. Whether a senior citizen is interested in surrendering his or her drivers license due to a lack of driving or the ability to drive, there is a variety of methods available so that seniors surrender driving license documentation within the state’s legal process, as opposed to simply not driving. Review these methods below, and learn about the benefits that may be afforded to a senior who is considering a license surrender – either temporarily or permanently.
Why would you surrender your driving license privileges?
Unless a senior citizen opts to surrender drivers license privileges, there is no reason that he or she may not continue driving, except if he or she lacks the adequate mental and physical conditions needed to obey traffic laws. Oftentimes, reasons for a senior’s voluntary surrender of driver’s license documentation include any of the side effects of old age, such as unfocused thoughts, decreased reaction speed and becoming easily lost. These conditions are dangerous to both the driver and other motorists, and as such, there are voluntary surrender forms for seniors which are provided by each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to remove impaired drivers from the road.
There are also some considerable financial incentives that seniors may be interested in pursuing through the senior’s voluntary surrender of a driver’s license, in addition to the concern many seniors may have for their own safety and that of others. For example, there may be a reduced need for travel as an elderly person becomes less mobile. Many seniors surrender driver’s licenses to eliminate the costs of registering a car, renewing license plates and licenses and maintaining car insurance, as well as car loan payments, as they grow older.
How to Complete a Voluntary Surrender of Your Driving License
Several state governments, through their respective DMV offices, have worked to reduce the number of inappropriately licensed drivers on the road by making available voluntary surrender forms for seniors, as well physical tests for driver applications and renewals. Throughout the U.S., drivers over the age of 65 are required to begin renewing their licenses in person each year in order to take these physical tests, unlike younger persons who may be able to renew through other means. Drivers interested in completing the process for seniors to surrender driving license privileges may do so in two ways: by simply surrendering the license or surrendering it and opting for a non-driver ID card.
By completing a senior voluntary surrender form, elderly drivers can surrender their licenses without opting for non-driver ID cards. This form notifies the state Department of Transportation that a driver has elected to forego his or her driving privileges either temporarily or permanently. Senior filers may submit this form via mail to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles office, along with their drivers licenses.
Seniors who surrender driving license privileges and opt for non-driver identification cards may do so via mail through the same process as the previously discussed option. However, an additional non-driver ID request form will be required. In most states, this may be completed via mail, while in others, it can be completed online. Senior citizens who are still interested in voting will benefit from this driver’s license surrender option. Given that a majority of Americans utilize their drivers licenses as picture IDs for voting purposes, a non-driver identification card will allow for surrendered seniors to still exercise their voting rights. Seniors surrender driving license privileges in exchange for this ID card, which is free for voting purposes. Additionally, residents over the age of 65 may also apply for non-expiring ID cards.
Can you reinstate a voluntarily surrendered driving license?
A senior’s surrendered driving license can be reinstated, provided that the original surrender was voluntary. Elderly persons may have become temporarily incapacitated and opted to surrender licensure in their states in order to reduce costs. Although each state differs in the reinstatement process, a surrendered driver’s license for seniors can generally be reinstated through a reapplication for a drivers license in the state. This will involve a retest of the senior’s driving skills. Should a senior driver be found still capable of completing this application and maneuvering a motor vehicle, his or her surrendered driving privileges will be reinstated.