How to Report an Unsafe Older Driver and Request a License Review

There is no single national process for taking an older adult’s driver’s license. In the United States, state driver licensing agencies decide whether a person can keep driving, often after reviewing a report, medical information, or a driving evaluation. Age alone is generally not a reason to remove a license. When specific safety concerns arise, family members and others can document them, contact the appropriate state agency, and help the driver find safer transportation while the review proceeds.

Who Can Suspend or Restrict a Driver’s License?

State driver licensing agencies—often called the DMV, MVD, or Department of Transportation—issue, restrict, suspend, and revoke licenses. The agency’s name and procedures vary by state. Courts can also affect driving privileges in certain cases, but a family member, doctor, police officer, or caregiver ordinarily cannot personally take away another adult’s license.

A relative may hold the keys temporarily when there is an immediate danger, such as a driver who is confused, impaired, or unable to operate a vehicle safely. That is a short-term safety measure, not a legal license revocation. For longer-term action, the licensing agency must follow state law and its review process.

Age by itself is not proof that a person is unsafe to drive. Many older adults drive safely. A review should focus on observable driving behavior and relevant functional or medical concerns, not assumptions based on age, diagnosis, or family disagreement.

What Can Trigger a License Review?

A state may review a driver when credible information suggests that a medical, cognitive, sensory, or physical condition could affect safe driving. The rules differ, but reports may come from family members, law enforcement, health professionals, courts, or the driver. Some states accept reports from members of the public; others limit who may submit them or require particular forms.

Examples of concerns that may justify asking about a review include:

• Repeated crashes, near misses, or preventable traffic citations.
• Driving the wrong way, running red lights, or failing to yield in ways that create danger.
• Getting lost on familiar routes or appearing disoriented while driving.
• Difficulty seeing signs, staying in a lane, turning, braking, or operating vehicle controls.
• Confusion, delayed responses, or difficulty following traffic situations.
• A medical event or treatment that may affect alertness, judgment, coordination, or consciousness.

One mistake does not necessarily mean a driver should lose a license. The agency may consider the full record, whether the problem is temporary or treatable, and whether restrictions or additional testing could address the risk.

How to Report an Older Driver to the DMV

1. Identify the correct state agency

Search the official state government website for terms such as “medical review,” “unsafe driver report,” or “driver reexamination.” Use the agency that issued the license, not a private website that charges to file a report. State DMV pages typically explain which forms to use, whether reports can be anonymous, and how supporting information is handled.

For general information about state licensing and older-driver practices, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators provides resources for motor vehicle agencies. The exact rules, forms, and decision authority remain state-specific.

2. Document specific incidents

Write down what happened, when and where it happened, and why it raised a safety concern. Distinguish firsthand observations from information another person shared. Useful details may include a collision report number, a citation, a repeated pattern, or a concrete example of confusion behind the wheel.

A report is more useful when it describes behavior rather than labeling the person. For example, “He drove through a stop sign on Main Street on three occasions this month” is more informative than “He is too old to drive.” Avoid exaggeration and do not attempt to investigate by following the driver or creating a dangerous test.

3. Submit the required report or request

Follow the agency’s instructions carefully. A state may require a signed form, a written statement, medical documentation, or identifying details such as the driver’s name, date of birth, and license number. If the form permits anonymous reporting, the agency may still need enough information to identify the driver and understand the concern.

Ask the agency whether it accepts reports from relatives and whether it can disclose the outcome. Privacy laws and state policies often limit what officials can tell the person who made a report. A report does not guarantee that the agency will contact the driver or take action.

4. Provide information truthfully and securely

Only provide information requested by the agency and avoid sending unnecessary medical or personal records. Do not post the driver’s name, health details, or license information online. A false or knowingly misleading report can have serious consequences, and reporting rules may protect good-faith reporters differently from people who make knowingly false claims.

What Happens After a Report?

Procedures vary, but a licensing agency may screen the report, request records, contact the driver, require a medical statement, or schedule a reexamination. Some states have a medical review board or a designated staff process. The agency may decide that no action is warranted, seek more evidence, impose a restriction, or suspend or revoke driving privileges.

A review can include one or more of the following, depending on the state and the concern:

• Medical review: A clinician may be asked to describe the condition, treatment, stability, or effect on driving-related abilities. A diagnosis alone may not determine the outcome.
• Vision screening: The driver may need to meet state vision standards or provide an examination from an eye-care professional.
• Knowledge or road test: The agency may require a written test, behind-the-wheel assessment, or both.
• Restricted license: The agency may allow driving only under conditions such as daylight hours, a limited geographic area, or required corrective lenses, if state law permits.
• Suspension or revocation: If the agency finds the person does not meet applicable safety or licensing standards, it may remove driving privileges under state procedures.

Depending on state law, the driver may receive notice and have an opportunity to provide information, comply with testing, or appeal a decision. A family member should not promise a particular result or assume a report automatically cancels a license. The driver should read official notices promptly and follow any deadlines listed.

Doctors, Families, and Confidentiality

Health professionals may be able to report a condition that affects driving, but reporting duties and permissions differ by state. Some states require clinicians to report certain conditions; others permit reporting or restrict disclosure. Federal privacy rules do not create one nationwide rule requiring doctors to report every patient who may be unsafe to drive. Clinicians should follow state law, professional guidance, and applicable privacy requirements.

Families can share concerns with the driver’s clinician, but the clinician may be unable to discuss the patient’s care without authorization. A family member can still provide factual information for the care team to consider. The licensing agency, not the family or clinician, generally makes the licensing decision.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s older-driver resources explain how age-related changes can affect driving and emphasize planning for mobility and safety. The National Institute on Aging also offers guidance on recognizing driving changes and discussing them with an older adult.

How to Talk With an Older Adult About Driving

A conversation may be more effective before a crisis. Choose a calm time, describe specific incidents, and ask how the driver feels about driving. The aim is to address safety while preserving dignity and independence—not to make age the argument. If possible, include a trusted clinician or another person the driver respects.

It can help to suggest a step that preserves options, such as an eye exam, medication review, driving evaluation, or refresher course. The NHTSA notes that age-related changes can affect vision, cognition, and physical function, but changes vary considerably among individuals. A qualified assessment can help determine whether a specific person needs training, vehicle adaptations, restrictions, or a transition away from driving.

Do not hide the keys indefinitely, impersonate the driver, or destroy a license. If there is an urgent and immediate safety risk, prevent the person from driving if it can be done safely, contact local emergency services when appropriate, and seek prompt advice from the state licensing agency or a healthcare professional.

Alternatives When Driving Is Limited or Stops

Transportation planning can reduce the sense that license loss means isolation. Before driving ends, the driver and family can identify regular destinations, estimate costs, and arrange options that fit the person’s location, mobility, and budget.

• Ask relatives, friends, or neighbors to coordinate rides for appointments and errands.
• Check local public transit, paratransit eligibility, senior transportation programs, and community shuttles.
• Look into ride-hailing or taxi services, including whether the driver can use them independently and safely.
• Ask healthcare providers, pharmacies, grocery stores, and community organizations about delivery or transportation services.
• Plan clustered errands and telehealth visits where appropriate.

The Eldercare Locator, a service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living, can help locate local aging services. It is available at eldercare.acl.gov or by phone at 1-800-677-1116. Availability and eligibility vary by community.

Key Questions to Ask the State Licensing Agency

Because state procedures differ, direct questions can clarify the next step without relying on assumptions:

• Does the state accept reports from family members or other members of the public?
• Is there a required form, and can a report be submitted confidentially or anonymously?
• What evidence or medical documentation should be included?
• What types of review or testing may be required?
• Can the driver receive a restricted license, and what restrictions are available?
• How can the driver request reconsideration or appeal a decision?
• What support is available for transportation planning?

For an immediate hazard, call 911 or the appropriate local emergency number rather than waiting for a routine DMV review. For a nonemergency concern, use the official state process and keep a copy of submitted materials. A careful, fact-based report gives the licensing agency information to assess driving safety while allowing it to apply the state’s standards and procedures.