Arizona driver's licenses expire on your birthday, five or ten years after you get them

Your Arizona driver's license has an expiration date printed on the front. For most adults, licenses last five years. If you are 65 or older when you renew, Arizona issues a license that expires in two years instead. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) expire every five years regardless of age.

The expiration date is your birthday in the year the license runs out. So if you turned 35 on March 15, 2019, and got a five-year license, it expires on March 15, 2024. You can renew starting 180 days before that date — roughly six months ahead — but you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you are only a few days past the expiration date. You can be cited and fined. If you are stopped in a traffic situation, an expired license can complicate things further.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona driver's licenses expire on your birthday, five years after issue for adults under 65, and two years after issue if you are 65 or older.
  • You can renew your license starting 180 days before the expiration date, either in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office or online through the Arizona Department of Transportation website.
  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but you must have a valid Social Security number and a current Arizona address on file.
  • If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online and must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person.
  • Bring your current license, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of Social Security number to any in-person renewal appointment.

Renewing online through the Arizona Department of Transportation

The fastest way to renew is through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website if you meet the requirements. You go to azdot.gov, find the Motor Vehicle Division section, and look for the online renewal option. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home.

Online renewal works only if your current license is not expired yet, your Social Security number is on file with the state, and your address has not changed. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The fee is lower for online renewal than for in-person renewal — currently $12 for a five-year license if you are under 65.

After you complete the online form and pay, the state mails your new license to the address on file. It usually arrives within two to three weeks. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives, as long as you renew before the expiration date.

Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office

If you cannot renew online — because your license is already expired, your address changed, or you prefer to do it in person — you must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office. Arizona has offices in most counties. You can find the nearest one and check hours on the ADOT website.

Bring your current license, proof that you live in Arizona (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the office location.

In-person renewal costs more than online renewal — currently around $24 for a five-year license under 65. Wait times at offices vary by location and time of day. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online through the ADOT website first. Check your local office's policy before you go.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the online renewal process. You must go to a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. The state treats this as a new license process rather than a straightforward renewal, which means the process takes longer and costs more.

You will need to bring the same documents as a regular in-person renewal — current or expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — plus you may need to retake the written knowledge test and the driving test depending on how long the license has been expired. Ask the office when you call or visit to find out what tests you will need.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses expire every five years on your birthday, just like regular licenses. You cannot renew a CDL online — you must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a current medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.

The medical certificate is required by federal law for anyone holding a CDL. It must be dated within the past 60 days. You can get one from your doctor, a clinic, or a certified medical examiner — search "FMCSA certified medical examiner" plus your city to find one near you. The cost varies but is usually $50 to $150.

Renewing before you move out of Arizona

If you are moving out of Arizona before your license expires, you do not need to renew it. Your Arizona license remains valid in other states for identification purposes, though you will need to get a license from your new state within the timeframe that state requires — usually 30 to 60 days after you move.

If you are moving within Arizona and your address is changing, you can update your address online through the ADOT website without renewing your license early. Go to the Motor Vehicle Division section and look for the address change option. This keeps your license current without paying for a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expired yesterday?

No. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even by one day. If you are stopped, you can be cited and fined. If your license is about to expire, renew it before the date on your card.

How long does it take to get a renewed license in the mail?

Online renewals usually arrive within two to three weeks. In-person renewals may be issued on the spot at some offices, or mailed within two to three weeks at others. Ask the office when you renew which option applies to you.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You will need to report it lost and get a replacement before you can renew. Visit a Motor Vehicle Division office with proof of residency and Social Security number. The replacement costs about $12, and you can renew at the same visit.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Motor Vehicle Division office?

It depends on the office. Some accept walk-ins during certain hours; others require online appointments. Check the ADOT website for your local office's policy before you go, or call ahead to ask.

What if I turned 65 and my license is about to expire?

When you renew at 65 or older, Arizona issues a two-year license instead of five years. You can renew online if you meet the other requirements, or in person at any Motor Vehicle Division office. The fee is the same either way.