Adults aged 70 to 75 in Puerto Rico can now renew their driver’s license electronically through CESCO Digital. Governor Jenniffer González Colón signed Senate Bill 1005, authored by senators Roxanna Soto and Karen Román, which extends the digital renewal option to drivers older than 70. The measure aims to promote digital inclusion of older adults and optimize services at the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP).
The governor did not immediately explain her reason for signing. According to the bill’s statement of motives, Law 22 had limited online renewal to drivers between 21 and 70, requiring those 71 or older to complete the process in person, even though both methods demand similar documents, such as a medical certificate of the applicant’s physical and mental condition.
The bill argues the distinction creates inequalities and unnecessary burdens, forcing older adults to travel to driver service centers (CESCO), where they face lines, wait times and possible health risks, especially with mobility limitations. The legislative committees’ reports do not state how many drivers would benefit. They cite a 2023 Primera Hora report finding about 703,365 drivers were older than 60 at the time, 34.8% of all drivers in Puerto Rico.