Arizona drivers license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

Arizona charges different fees based on whether you are getting a standard driver's license, a commercial license, an ID card, or a renewal. A standard five-year driver's license costs $25. A ten-year license costs $40. If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is $50 for five years or $80 for ten years. An Arizona ID card, which is not a driver's license but serves as state identification, costs $10 for five years or $15 for ten years.

These are the base fees charged by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicles Division. You may also pay additional fees depending on your situation — for example, if you need a duplicate license, a name change, or if you are paying by credit card instead of cash or check.

The fee covers the cost of producing the physical card, processing your process, and maintaining the state's driver licensing system. Arizona does not charge a separate "set up" fee or require you to pay anything beyond the license fee itself to use your license once it arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Arizona driver's license costs $25 for five years or $40 for ten years.
  • Commercial driver's licenses cost $50 for five years or $80 for ten years.
  • Arizona ID cards cost $10 for five years or $15 for ten years.
  • Additional fees may explore for duplicates, name changes, or certain payment methods, but the license itself requires no separate set up or processing fee.

Where the fee goes and what it covers

The Motor Vehicles Division uses license fees to cover the cost of producing the physical card, which includes the security features, photograph, and data encoding. The fee also covers the staff who process applications, the computer systems that store your driving record, and the infrastructure that allows law enforcement to look up your license information.

Arizona's fee structure has not changed in recent years, though the state legislature can adjust fees if the Motor Vehicles Division requests it. The division does not charge separate fees for routine services like address changes or correcting information on your existing license — those are handled at no cost when you renew or visit an office in person.

Additional fees you may encounter

If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, Arizona charges $10 for a five-year duplicate or $15 for a ten-year duplicate. This is less than a full renewal because the Motor Vehicles Division does not need to re-verify all your information.

If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to provide the legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your process. The name change itself does not add a fee to your license renewal, but if you are also renewing your license at the same time, you pay the standard renewal fee.

Credit card payments may carry a convenience fee charged by the payment processor, not by Arizona. This fee varies depending on which payment method you use and whether you pay online or in person at a Motor Vehicles office.

How to pay your fee when you explore

You can pay your Arizona driver's license fee in several ways depending on how you explore. If you explore online through the Motor Vehicles Division website, you must pay by credit or debit card. If you explore in person at a Motor Vehicles office, you can pay by cash, check, or card. Some offices may have additional payment options, so it is worth calling ahead if you have a preference.

When you renew by mail, you will need to include a check or money order with your process. The Motor Vehicles Division does not accept cash by mail. Make sure your check is made out to "Arizona Department of Transportation" and include it in the same envelope as your renewal form and supporting documents.

Renewal fees and how often you pay

Arizona offers two renewal periods: five years and ten years. The five-year renewal costs $25 for a standard license and is the most common choice. The ten-year renewal costs $40 and is available to most drivers, though some restrictions explore — for example, if you are under 18, you cannot get a ten-year license.

You will receive a notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. This notice tells you the fee amount and gives you instructions for renewing online, by mail, or in person. You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.

If your license expires and you do not renew it, you cannot legally drive. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may need to retake the written test and vision test when you renew, not just pay the fee.

Special situations that affect your fee

If you are a military member stationed outside Arizona, you may be able to renew your license by mail without visiting an office. The fee remains the same, but you will need to provide proof of your military status and current address.

If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you will need to pay the standard renewal fee plus any reinstatement fees required by the Motor Vehicles Division. Reinstatement fees vary depending on why your license was suspended — for example, suspension due to unpaid traffic fines carries a different reinstatement fee than suspension due to a DUI conviction.

If you are a new resident of Arizona and need to transfer your out-of-state license, you will pay the standard Arizona license fee. You do not pay a transfer fee — you straightforward pay for the new Arizona license itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I do not use my license for the full five or ten years?

No. Arizona does not refund license fees if you move out of state, let your license expire, or stop driving before the expiration date. The fee is non-refundable once you have been issued the license.

What happens if I cannot afford the license fee right now?

Arizona does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for driver's licenses. If you cannot pay the full fee, you will need to wait until you have the funds available. If your current license is still valid, you can continue to use it until you are ready to renew.

Do I have to pay the fee again if I renew early?

Yes. If you renew before your current license expires, you pay the full renewal fee and your new license will be valid for another five or ten years from the date you renew. The old license becomes invalid once the new one is issued.

Is there a fee to change my address on my license?

No. You can change your address at a Motor Vehicles office or online at no cost. You do not need to renew your license to update your address — the Motor Vehicles Division will issue you a new card with the updated address, and you only pay if you are also renewing your license.

What if I lose my license before it expires — do I pay the full fee for a duplicate?

You pay a duplicate fee, which is $10 for five years or $15 for ten years. This is less than a full renewal. The duplicate will have the same expiration date as your original license, so you are not extending the validity period.