You can renew an expired Arizona license in person, by mail, or online depending on how long it has been expired
An expired Arizona driver's license can still be renewed, but the process depends on when it expired. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person — the state treats this as a new license process rather than a renewal.
The fastest route is usually online through the Arizona Department of Transportation website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a five-year renewal. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired fewer than five years ago can be renewed online, by mail, or in person; licenses expired more than five years ago require an in-person appointment.
- Online renewal through the Arizona Department of Transportation website is the fastest option and requires your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your expired license, a completed form, and payment to the Motor Vehicle Division; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal requires an appointment at a Motor Vehicle Division office and proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
- You will receive your new license by mail within two weeks of approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Renewing online through the Arizona Department of Transportation website
Online renewal is available only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have not changed your name, address, or other personal information since your last renewal. Go to the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division website and select "Renew Your License Online." You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card.
The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and choose whether you want a standard license or an enhanced license (which allows entry into federal facilities and some border crossings). Standard renewal costs $25 for five years; enhanced renewal costs $50. After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks.
If the online system rejects your renewal — usually because your address or name has changed — you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
Renewing by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago
To renew by mail, read or request the process for Renewal of Driver License form (Form DL 44R) from the Arizona Department of Transportation website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a copy of your expired license. Mail the form, your expired license, and a check or money order for $25 (standard) or $50 (enhanced) to the Motor Vehicle Division address listed on the form.
The Motor Vehicle Division will process your renewal within two to three weeks of receiving your packet. You will receive your new license by mail. If you need your license sooner, this method is slower than online or in-person renewal, so consider those options if you have an urgent need.
Keep a record of when you mailed your renewal. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to confirm they received your packet.
Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, and it is also an option if your license expired fewer than five years ago. You must schedule an appointment through the Arizona Department of Transportation website — walk-ins are not accepted at most locations. Bring your expired license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or card.
At your appointment, a Motor Vehicle Division staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The fee is $25 for a standard five-year license or $50 for an enhanced license. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks.
To find a Motor Vehicle Division office near you and book an appointment, visit the Arizona Department of Transportation website and use the office locator tool. Some locations have shorter wait times than others, so if one office is fully booked, try a nearby location.
What to do if your license expired more than five years ago
If your license expired more than five years ago, the state requires you to renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. This is treated as a new license process, not a standard renewal, so you cannot use the online or mail options. Schedule an in-person appointment and bring the same documents listed above: expired license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
The process at the office is the same as a standard in-person renewal — you will have your photo taken, your information verified, and you will pay the renewal fee. The cost is still $25 for a standard license or $50 for an enhanced license. Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired Arizona license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may be fined and your vehicle could be impounded. Even if your renewal is in progress, you should not drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your new license is ready, request a temporary paper license at a Motor Vehicle Division office during an in-person appointment.
If you have already been cited for driving with an expired license, you will need to address that citation separately through the court system. Renewing your license does not dismiss a citation that has already been issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have changed my name or address?
If you have changed your name or address, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. When you renew in person, bring a document that shows your new name or address, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or utility bill. By mail, include a note explaining the change and supporting documentation.
What if I lost my expired license and do not have it to send in?
If you lost your expired license, you can still renew in person or by mail. For in-person renewal, bring your proof of identity and residency as usual — the Motor Vehicle Division can look up your license information in their system. For mail renewal, include a note explaining that your license was lost and send the form and payment without the physical license.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
After you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within two weeks. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives within two weeks. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to check the status.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Arizona does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets, but some courts may place a hold on your license if you have failed to pay or appear in court. Before you renew, check with the court that issued the ticket to see if there is a hold. If there is, you will need to resolve the ticket before the Motor Vehicle Division can issue your new license.
What is the difference between a standard and enhanced Arizona license?
A standard Arizona driver's license is valid for driving within the United States. An enhanced license allows you to enter federal facilities, cross the U.S.-Mexico border by land, and board domestic flights without a passport. Enhanced licenses cost $25 more ($50 total instead of $25) and require additional proof of citizenship or legal residency. Choose enhanced only if you regularly need these additional uses.