Arizona driver licenses expire on your birthday, five years after you received them

Your Arizona driver license has an expiration date printed on the front. That date is your birthday, five years after the Department of Transportation issued your license. For example, if you turned 25 on March 15 and received your license that day, it expires on March 15 five years later. You can continue to drive legally until midnight on that date.

Arizona does not send you a reminder notice in the mail, so you are responsible for tracking the date yourself. You can check your license expiration by looking at the card in your wallet or by logging into your account on the Arizona Department of Transportation website.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Arizona driver license expires on your birthday, five years after you received it.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last day.
  • Renewal by mail takes about two weeks; renewal in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office takes one day.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residence, and proof of legal presence in the United States to renew.
  • If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you cannot legally drive until the new one arrives.

Renewing before your expiration date

You can renew your Arizona driver license up to one year before it expires. This means if your license expires on March 15, you can start the renewal process on March 15 of the previous year. Renewing early gives you time to handle the process without rushing and ensures you have a valid license on hand before the old one stops working.

The Arizona Department of Transportation offers two main ways to renew: by mail or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. By mail, you fill out the renewal form, gather your documents, and send them in; this usually takes about two weeks from the time they receive your packet. In person, you visit an office, complete the same paperwork, and usually receive your new license the same day or within a few days.

Documents you need to renew

To renew your Arizona driver license, you will need your current license, proof of your current address, and proof that you are legally present in the United States. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail sent to your home within the last 60 days. Proof of legal presence can be your birth certificate, passport, permanent resident card, or employment authorization document.

If your name has changed since your license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or court order—you will also need to bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you are renewing by mail, you will need to send copies of these documents, not originals.

Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office

To renew in person, visit any Motor Vehicle Division office in Arizona. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Arizona Department of Transportation website. Bring your current license, proof of address, proof of legal presence, and the renewal form (which you can fill out ahead of time or at the office). The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot.

Wait times at Motor Vehicle Division offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities tend to be busier during lunch hours and after work. If you want to avoid a long wait, visit early in the morning or on a weekday rather than a weekend.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the Arizona Department of Transportation website or request one by phone. Fill out the form completely, gather copies of your proof of address and proof of legal presence, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee; the current fee is listed on the Department of Transportation website and changes periodically.

After you mail your packet, the Department of Transportation will process it and send your new license to the address you provided. This process usually takes about two weeks, but can take longer during busy periods. You can check the status of your renewal by logging into your account on the Arizona Department of Transportation website.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot legally drive. However, you can still renew it using the same process—by mail or in person—and you do not have to take a new written test or driving test. You will still need your expired license, proof of address, and proof of legal presence.

If you have been driving with an expired license, you could be stopped by police and cited. The penalty depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations. If you realize your license is expired, stop driving and renew it as soon as you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona driver license online?

No. Arizona does not offer online renewal for driver licenses. You must renew either by mail or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You can check your expiration date and the status of a renewal you have already submitted online, but you cannot complete the entire renewal process through the website.

What if I move to a different state before my license expires?

Your Arizona license remains valid in other states until it expires. However, if you become a resident of another state, you should obtain a driver license from that state. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving there. Check the requirements of your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes. When you renew in person, the Motor Vehicle Division will take a new photo for your license. If you renew by mail, you will need to submit a new photo with your renewal packet. The photo must meet specific requirements, which are listed on the Arizona Department of Transportation website.

How much does it cost to renew an Arizona driver license?

The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license and how long you are renewing it for. Check the Arizona Department of Transportation website for the current fee. You can pay by check or money order if you renew by mail, or by cash, check, debit card, or credit card if you renew in person.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

Bring the document that shows your name change—such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—along with your other renewal documents. If you are renewing by mail, send a copy of the name-change document. The Motor Vehicle Division will update your name on your new license.