How to Get and Renew Your Arizona Driver License Through ADOT

What ADOT is and what it handles

ADOT stands for the Arizona Department of Transportation. It is the state agency that issues driver licenses and ID cards in Arizona. When you need a new license, a renewal, a replacement, or a name change on your license, ADOT is the office that processes it. ADOT also handles commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and motorcycle endorsements.

ADOT operates driver license offices across Arizona. You cannot get an Arizona driver license by mail or online — you must visit a physical office in person, bring required documents, pass a vision test, and have your photo taken. The office location closest to you depends on which county you live in.

Key Takeaways

ADOT is Arizona's state agency for driver licenses and ID cards, and you must visit an office in person to get or renew one.
You will need proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or an ITIN to explore.
Arizona driver licenses are valid for 12 years for most adults, and you can renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions.
ADOT offices have different hours and wait times depending on location, so checking ahead can save you time.
If you are a new resident or moving within Arizona, you have a set window to update your address or get a new license.

Documents you need to bring to an ADOT office

ADOT requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. For proof of identity, you can bring a passport, a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, a military ID, or a tribal ID. A birth certificate must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

For proof of residency, ADOT accepts a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank statement, or an insurance policy — all dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Arizona address. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring one in a spouse's or parent's name along with a marriage certificate or birth certificate proving the relationship.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter from the IRS instead. ADOT will not issue a license without one or the other.

How long an Arizona driver license lasts

A standard Arizona driver license is valid for 12 years from the date it is issued. If you are under 18 when you get your first license, it expires on your 18th birthday. If you renew before your license expires, your new license will be valid for another 12 years from the renewal date.

ADOT will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. The notice tells you whether you can renew by mail or online, or whether you must visit an office in person. Most people can renew by mail or online if their address has not changed and they do not need a new photo.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If ADOT sends you a renewal notice saying you can renew by mail, you can mail back the form with a check or money order for the renewal fee. The fee varies depending on how many years you are renewing for. Mail the form to the address shown on the notice. ADOT typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks.

If the notice says you can renew online, you can go to the ADOT website and complete the renewal there using your license number and date of birth. You will pay the fee by credit or debit card. Online renewals are usually processed within a few days, and ADOT will mail your new license to your address on file.

You cannot renew by mail or online if your address has changed, if your name has changed, if your license was lost or stolen, or if you need a new photo. In those cases, you must visit an ADOT office in person.

Getting a new license as a new Arizona resident

If you move to Arizona from another state, you have 10 days to get an Arizona driver license. You do not have to wait for your out-of-state license to expire. Visit an ADOT office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. ADOT will issue you an Arizona license, and you can surrender your old license at that time.

If you move within Arizona and your address changes, you have 10 days to update your license. You can do this by visiting an ADOT office or, in some cases, by mail. Check the ADOT website or call your local office to see whether you can update by mail or must visit in person.

Finding an ADOT office and what to expect

ADOT operates driver license offices in most Arizona counties. You can find the office nearest you on the ADOT website by entering your city or ZIP code. The website shows the office address, phone number, and hours of operation. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours.

Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities tend to have longer waits, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon. Some ADOT offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time. Check your local office's page to see whether appointments are available.

Bring all required documents, arrive early if possible, and bring a pen to fill out forms. The visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will take a vision test and have your photo taken at the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at an ADOT office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license. You do not need to bring your Social Security card again if ADOT already has your number on file, but it does not hurt to bring it.

A replacement license costs less than a new license and is valid for the remainder of your original license's expiration date. For example, if your license was set to expire in 5 years and you get a replacement after 2 years, the replacement will expire in 3 years, not 12 years from the replacement date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Arizona driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter from the IRS instead. ADOT requires one or the other but will accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number.

What if I moved to Arizona but my out-of-state license is still valid?

You have 10 days from the date you move to get an Arizona license. You do not have to wait for your old license to expire. Visit an ADOT office with your out-of-state license, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of identity. You can surrender your old license at that time.

How do I know if I can renew by mail or online?

ADOT will tell you in the renewal notice it mails to you about 60 days before your license expires. The notice will say whether you can renew by mail, online, or whether you must visit an office. If you lose the notice, call your local ADOT office and give them your license number.

What happens if I visit an ADOT office without an appointment?

You can walk in without an appointment at any ADOT office, but you may wait longer than if you had made one ahead of time. Some offices allow online appointments; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your local office's website to see what system they use.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to 12 months before it expires. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for 12 years from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date. This means you can extend your license's life by renewing early.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.