Pros and Cons of Not Renewing Your Driver’s License

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If you’re anything like me (over 50 and afraid to drive), you may have considered the pros and cons of not renewing your driver’s license. 

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately because I would rather take public transportation than have to drive. Living in a city gives me easy access to uber drivers, taxi services, and public transporation. So, I don’t really need to drive, but what are the implications of not renewing your driver’s license?

Ultimately, I think I’m going to continue renewing my license, even if I don’t use it. At the very least, it comes in handy to use as an identification card when needed. 

​Have you considered the pros and cons of not renewing your driver’s license? 

Deciding whether to renew your driver’s license can be a significant choice, especially for older drivers or individuals who may no longer need, or want, to drive.

Strong emotions can come from making the decision to give up a driver’s license, no matter what the reason. It’s that tie to independence that feels lost when you can’t drive anymore. 

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What if you CAN drive, but you just don’t want to. Is it the same thing as having the Department of Motor Vehicles revoke your license? I don’t think it is the same.

I believe that making the decision for myself is a completely different experience than being told I’m no longer fit to drive. 

Do you have driving anxiety?

I’m a terribly anxious driver that I think makes me more of a liability on the road. Read I’m Over 50 and Afraid to Drive.

But what are the consequences of not renewing your driver’s license?

While having a valid driver’s license is essential for most people in the United States and Canada, there are pros and cons to not renewing it.

As you’ll see in the post below, it’s a big decision with plenty to think about.

Not renewing your driver’s license in a small town is a lot different than if you live in a big city.

You have multiple ways of finding your way around a city whether it’s public transportation, Uber, taxi services, riding a bicycle, or just walking where you need to go.

​I have already made the decision that I don’t want to drive anymore. The question is whether to renew my driver’s license. If I let it go, I would have to start over to get it back in the future. I believe that would include testing for a learner permit and so on. 

On the other hand, if I keep renewing my license, I will have it in case of an emergency or to use as a piece of government issued identification when needed. 

Disclaimer

The laws, restrictions, and privileges of owning a driver’s license may vary depending on your geographical location. There may be differences from state to state, or between provinces. Please check with your local department of motor vehicle office for the most accurate information on the pros and cons of not renewing your driver’s license.

Pros of Not Renewing Your Driver’s License

Choosing not to renew your driver’s license can be advantageous if you no longer need or want to drive. 

It eliminates the hassle of paying renewal fees, taking vision or driving tests, and dealing with in-person DMV visits, especially for older drivers or those with medical conditions.

However, before making this decision, it’s important to consider how much you rely on your driver’s license as a form of identification. 

You’ll need to ensure you have alternative ID options, such as a state ID card or U.S. passport, for activities like banking, travel, or accessing certain federal facilities.

In Canada, other forms of government issued ID (other than your driver’s license) include a Canadian passport, Provinicial or Territorial Photo ID Card, Federal Government Employee ID (for those working for the federal government), military identification, and in some cases a birth certificate and social insurance number can be used. 

Additionally, think about whether there might be future circumstances where driving could become necessary again, as reinstating your license may require additional testing or fees.

1. Avoid the Renewal Fee

Every license renewal comes with a renewal fee, which can be a burden for some. Older drivers or those who no longer rely on driving may find it financially unnecessary to keep paying for renewals, especially if other forms of identification (like a state ID card or military identification documents) suffice.

2. Simplifying Life for Older Drivers

​Older drivers may struggle with passing the vision test, written test, or road test required for renewal.

Opting out of the renewal process may be a good idea for those who feel uncomfortable driving, have medical conditions, or simply want to avoid the hassle of in-person renewals at the local DMV office.

3. Use Other Identification Documents

You can still maintain valid identification even if you don’t have a driver’s license.

A U.S. citizen can get a valid U.S. passport, state IDs, or a military ID card. Additionally, consular IDs and other identity documents can serve as proof of identity at banks, federal courthouses, and secure federal buildings.

4. No Need for a Driving Test

If you’re no longer driving, you can avoid the pressure of taking a driving test, including a road test, written test, or vision test. Not having to prove your driving skills is a significant advantage for those who rarely or never drive.

5. Reduced Risks for Elderly Drivers

Choosing not to renew a driver’s license can prevent potential safety issues.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, older drivers are more prone to accidents due to declining vision or slower reaction times. Letting go of your license can be a responsible choice for ensuring road safety.

Cons of Not Renewing Your Driver’s License

​Not renewing your driver’s license means you lose the legal right to drive, which can limit your independence and ability to travel, especially in areas without reliable public transportation.

Additionally, many services, such as renting a car, boarding domestic flights without a REAL ID, or entering certain federal facilities, may require a valid driver’s license.

It also serves as a widely accepted form of photo identification, so without it, you may face challenges proving your identity for everyday tasks like banking, accessing healthcare, or interacting with law enforcement.

That said, you should be able to get a state ID card by visiting your local DMV office. You’ll need to show your birth certificate as proof of identity, and may also be required to show your social security card. If you decide to opt for a photo ID card, call your local DMV ahead of time to find out what forms of identification you need to bring with you.

1. Limited Access to Certain Facilities

Without a valid driver’s license, you may face difficulty entering military bases, federal courthouses, and other secure federal facilities. Some of these places require a REAL ID or another government-issued ID to ensure proof of legal presence.

2. Trouble with Domestic and Commercial Flights

If your driver’s license isn’t renewed, it may also mean you’re no longer REAL ID compliant. The Real ID Act requires updated licenses or alternative forms of ID like a valid U.S. passport for boarding domestic flights. This could limit your ability to travel by air without additional documentation.

3. Dealing with Law Enforcement

An expired driver’s license may cause complications when interacting with law enforcement. A police officer may require proof of your identity during routine checks. Without a current license or photo ID, this interaction could lead to delays or legal trouble, depending on your state.

4. Inconveniences in Everyday Activities

Driver’s licenses are a common form of photo identification, used not only for driving but also for accessing certain services. Tasks such as opening a bank account, showing ID at a doctor’s office, or proving your identity at the Social Security Administration can be more difficult without a current license.

5. Extra Paperwork for Federal Agencies

Federal agencies like the Social Security Administration may require legal proof of the change to your identification. This might include providing a birth certificate, Social Security card, or marriage certificate, along with other forms of identity documentation. If your name or mailing address has changed, you will need to show additional information to update records.

6. Loss of Driving Privileges

By not renewing your license, you lose the freedom to drive. If you decide you want to drive again, you may have to apply for a new license and possibly retake the written and road tests, depending on the state’s requirements. New drivers must provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or Social Security card, and might also need additional fees or documents like a marriage license or court order showing your current legal name.

Consequences of an Expired License

Most states offer a grace period after your license expires, but driving with an expired license is illegal after that period.

In some states, such as New York and Pennsylvania, driving with an expired driver’s license could result in fines or penalties, and your car insurance may not cover you in the event of an auto accident. It’s essential to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles for the most up-to-date information on the expiration date and grace period of your license.

Conclusion: Is Not Renewing Your License a Good Idea?

Deciding not to renew your driver’s license depends on your lifestyle, age, and personal circumstances.

If you no longer drive or have alternative forms of identification, this may be a reasonable choice.

However, for those who rely on driving, the convenience of a driver’s license for access to federal facilities, domestic flights, or even proving your identity at the bank or doctor’s office, it may be worth renewing it before the expiration date.

Keep in mind the impact it may have on your daily life and consider other options like a state ID card, especially for undocumented residents or active duty military personnel who need access to military bases and other secure federal buildings.

In the end, it’s a personal choice that should be based on a clear understanding of your needs and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen or resident.

I have chosen to renew my driver’s license because I think it’s a great piece of identification to have on hand. This allows me to still drive if I want to without needing to start the process of getting a new license at some point down the road.