You can renew an expired Arizona license by mail, online, or in person at an MVD office
Arizona lets you renew an expired driver's license through three routes: mail, the MVD website, or walking into a Motor Vehicle Division office. The method you choose depends on how long your license has been expired and what documents you have on hand. Mail and online renewals are faster and cheaper than in-person visits, but they have limits on how old your license can be.
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. Either way, the process takes the same basic documents and costs the same fee — currently $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license, though fees can change.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired fewer than five years ago can be renewed by mail or online; licenses expired more than five years ago require an in-person visit to an MVD office.
- Online renewal through the Arizona MVD website is the fastest option and requires only your license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your expired license, a completed form, and payment to the MVD address.
- In-person renewal at an MVD office requires your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Arizona residency, and can be completed the same day.
- You will need to pass a vision test if you renew in person, but not if you renew by mail or online.
Renewing online through the Arizona MVD website
The online renewal process is the quickest option and can be completed in minutes. Go to the Arizona MVD website (azmvd.gov) and select the renewal option. You will need your expired driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
The system will ask you to confirm your current address and whether any information on your license has changed. If you need to update your address, phone number, or emergency contact, you can do that during this step. Once you submit the form and payment, your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You will receive a confirmation number by email.
Online renewal is only available if your license expired fewer than five years ago. If your license is older than that, the website will direct you to mail or in-person options.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal takes longer than online but requires no trip to an office. read or request the process for Renewal of Driver License form (Form DL 43) from the Arizona MVD website. Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, and current address. Sign and date the form.
Mail your completed form, your expired driver's license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division at the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your new license mailed back to you faster. The MVD will process your renewal in two to three weeks and mail your new license to the address on file.
Like online renewal, mail renewal is only available if your license expired fewer than five years ago. You will not need to pass a vision test, and you do not need to provide proof of residency or Social Security number.
Renewing in person at an MVD office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, and it is also an option for any expired license. Bring your expired driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Arizona residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will also need to pass a vision test at the office.
Visit any Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Arizona MVD website. Bring all required documents and your payment method. The renewal will be completed the same day, and you will receive a temporary paper license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Wait times at MVD offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday morning typically means shorter waits.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Expired license number, date of birth, payment method | 1–2 weeks |
| Expired license, completed Form DL 43, payment | 2–3 weeks | |
| In Person | Expired license, proof of SSN, proof of residency, payment | Same day |
Paying the renewal fee
Arizona driver's license renewal costs $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license. When you renew online, you can pay with a credit or debit card. When you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — the MVD does not accept credit cards by mail. When you renew in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
The fee covers the cost of the new license and the processing. There are no additional fees for renewing an expired license, though you may pay extra if you request expedited mailing or a replacement license before your renewal is processed.
What happens after you submit your renewal
After you renew online or by mail, the MVD will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within one to two weeks for online renewal or two to three weeks for mail renewal. Your old expired license remains valid for identification purposes until your new one arrives, though you cannot legally drive with it.
If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and can drive right away. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Keep the temporary license with you while you wait for the permanent one.
If you do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the Arizona MVD to check the status. You can call their customer service line or visit an office in person with your confirmation number or receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while my renewal is being processed?
No, you cannot legally drive with an expired license. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and can drive with it. If you renew by mail or online, you should not drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, renew in person instead.
What if my address has changed since my license expired?
You can update your address during online or mail renewal by providing your new address on the form. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new Arizona residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The MVD will print your new address on your renewed license.
Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail or online?
No. Mail and online renewals use the photo from your expired license. If you renew in person, the MVD will take a new photo at the office. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you must renew in person instead.
What if my expired license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Arizona MVD to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Call their customer service line or visit an office to find out what steps are required before you can renew.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
For mail renewal, yes — someone else can mail your form and license on your behalf. For online renewal, only you can complete it using your license number and date of birth. For in-person renewal, you must be present to pass the vision test and sign the process.