Arizona driver's license fees by document type
Arizona charges different amounts depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost card. A standard five-year driver's license costs $25. A ten-year license costs $50. An Arizona ID card (for people who do not drive) costs $25 for five years or $50 for ten years.
These are the fees the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicles Division charges at the point of issue. You pay them when you visit a Motor Vehicles office or, in some cases, through an authorized third-party vendor. The fee covers the cost of producing and issuing the card itself, not the written test, driving test, or instruction permit if you need one of those first.
If you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, the replacement fee is $10. If you need a duplicate card sent to a different address, that also costs $10. Changing your name or address on an existing license without getting a new card is free if you do it online through the ADOT website, but if you do it in person at a Motor Vehicles office, there is no separate charge — it is included in the renewal or replacement fee.
Key Takeaways
- A standard five-year Arizona driver's license costs $25; a ten-year license costs $50.
- Replacing a lost or damaged license costs $10, separate from the original license fee.
- You pay the license fee when you visit a Motor Vehicles office or approved vendor, after passing any required tests.
- ADOT accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices, though payment methods vary by location.
- If you renew online through the ADOT website, you pay the fee by credit or debit card at that time.
What the fee covers and what it does not
The license fee pays for the physical card and the administrative cost of issuing it. It does not cover the written knowledge test, the driving skills test, or the instruction permit you may need before you take the driving test. If you are a first-time driver, you will pay the license fee only after you have passed both tests and are ready to receive your card.
The written test itself has no separate fee — you take it at a Motor Vehicles office as part of the licensing process. The driving test also has no separate fee. However, if you fail the driving test and need to retake it, you do not pay again; you can schedule another test at no additional cost. The instruction permit, which you get before you are ready to take the driving test, costs $10 and is valid for one year.
Payment methods and where to pay
At ADOT Motor Vehicles offices, you can pay the license fee with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices also accept money orders. Call ahead or check the ADOT website to confirm which payment methods your local office accepts, because policies can vary slightly between locations.
If you renew your license online through the ADOT website, you must pay by credit or debit card. Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had any changes to your medical status or driving record that would require an in-person visit. The online fee is the same as the in-person fee — $25 for five years or $50 for ten years.
Third-party vendors authorized by ADOT, such as some insurance agencies and vehicle registration services, can issue licenses in some cases and accept payment on behalf of ADOT. They typically accept the same payment methods as ADOT offices. If you use a vendor, confirm the fee amount before you complete the transaction, because some vendors may charge a small service fee on top of the ADOT fee.
Renewal fees and timing
When you renew your license before it expires, you pay the same fee as a new license: $25 for five years or $50 for ten years. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If you renew online, the process takes a few minutes and you receive your new card by mail within one to two weeks. If you renew in person at a Motor Vehicles office, you can get your card the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's workload.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may be required to retake the written test or pass a vision screening, depending on how long it has been expired. The fee remains the same. Some people find it faster to renew before expiration rather than after, because expired licenses sometimes trigger additional requirements.
Fees for special license types
A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more than a standard license. A five-year CDL costs $50, and a ten-year CDL costs $100. You must pass additional written tests and a skills test specific to the type of vehicle you will drive. These tests have no separate fee, but you do pay the CDL license fee when you receive your card.
A motorcycle endorsement added to a standard driver's license costs $10. You must pass a motorcycle-specific written test and skills test, but the endorsement fee is separate from the license fee. If you are getting your first license and also want a motorcycle endorsement, you pay both the license fee and the endorsement fee.
An Arizona ID card for non-drivers costs the same as a driver's license: $25 for five years or $50 for ten years. Some people get an ID card instead of a license if they do not drive but need a state-issued photo ID for other purposes, such as banking or air travel.
What happens if you cannot pay the full fee at once
ADOT does not offer payment plans for license fees. You must pay the full amount when you explore or renew. If cost is a barrier, you have a few options: you can choose the five-year license ($25) instead of the ten-year license ($50) to reduce the upfront cost, though you will need to renew more often. You can also renew online if you are may be able to access, which may be faster and more convenient than visiting an office in person.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, ADOT does not have a fee waiver program for driver's licenses. However, some community organizations and nonprofits in Arizona offer transportation information or help with identification costs. Contact your local community action agency or 211 Arizona (a referral service) to ask about local resources.
Fees for address changes and corrections
Changing your address on your license is free if you do it online through the ADOT website. If you change your address in person at a Motor Vehicles office, there is no separate charge — the office updates your record at no cost. You do not receive a new card with the address change unless you request one, and requesting a new card with an updated address costs $10 (the replacement fee).
Correcting an error on your license, such as a misspelled name, is also free. You can request a correction in person at a Motor Vehicles office or, in some cases, online. If the correction requires a new card to be issued, you pay the $10 replacement fee. If the error was ADOT's mistake, some offices may waive the replacement fee, so ask when you report the error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the license fee online before I go to the Motor Vehicles office?
No. You pay the license fee in person at a Motor Vehicles office or authorized vendor when you explore or renew. The only exception is online renewal, where you pay the fee as part of the online transaction and receive your card by mail. You cannot prepay the fee for an in-person visit.
What if I lose my license within a year of getting it?
You pay the $10 replacement fee to get a new card. You do not pay the full license fee again. The replacement card is valid for the remainder of your original five-year or ten-year term, so you will not renew sooner than you would have with your original card.
Do I have to pay the license fee if I only want to take the written test?
No. You pay the license fee only when you receive your actual license card after passing both the written and driving tests. Taking the written test costs nothing. If you fail the driving test and do not get your license, you do not owe the fee.
Is the license fee the same in every Arizona county?
Yes. ADOT sets the license fee statewide, so you pay the same amount whether you visit a Motor Vehicles office in Phoenix, Tucson, or any other Arizona city. Some third-party vendors may charge an additional service fee on top of the ADOT fee, so confirm the total cost before you pay.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind about renewing my license?
ADOT does not issue refunds for license fees once the card has been issued. If you paid for a license and have not yet received it, contact the Motor Vehicles office where you applied to ask about your options. If you paid online and your process was rejected before the card was produced, you may be able to get a refund — contact ADOT customer service for your specific situation.