How to Get and Renew Your Arizona Driver License

What you need to know about Arizona driver licenses

An Arizona driver license is issued by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division. You need one to drive legally in Arizona, and you'll use it as identification for many other purposes — banking, voting, air travel, and age verification. The process differs depending on whether you're getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost card.

Arizona offers a standard driver license and an optional Enhanced Driver License (EDL), which costs more but lets you cross the U.S.-Mexico border by land without a passport. Most people get the standard license. The state also issues Instruction Permits for people learning to drive and Occupational Licenses for people whose licenses have been suspended.

Key Takeaways

You can renew your Arizona driver license online, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office, depending on how much time has passed since your last renewal.
First-time applicants must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
Arizona driver licenses expire on your birthday, five years after issue for people under 65 and eight years for people 65 and older.
You can renew online up to one year before your license expires, and the renewal takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you may be able to get an Occupational License that lets you drive to work, school, or medical appointments.

Getting your first Arizona driver license

If you've never had an Arizona driver license, you must visit an ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office in person. You cannot do this online or by mail. Bring the following documents: a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, out-of-state driver license, military ID, or tribal ID), proof of your Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form).

At the office, you'll take a written test on Arizona traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. You can study for the written test using the Arizona Driver License Manual, available free on the ADOT website. The driving test happens in your own vehicle or a vehicle you arrange. After you pass all three tests, you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

If you're under 18, the rules are stricter. You must first get an Instruction Permit, hold it for six months, and complete a driver education course before you can take the driving test. Your parent or guardian must be present when you explore.

Renewing your Arizona driver license online or by mail

If your license is not suspended or revoked, and you have not had a name change or address change since your last renewal, you can renew online or by mail. Online renewal is faster and costs less. You can renew online up to one year before your license expires. You'll need your current driver license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The renewal takes about two weeks to arrive.

If you prefer to renew by mail, read the DL 44 form from the ADOT website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes longer — usually three to four weeks. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years.

If you have had a name change or address change, or if your license has been suspended or revoked, you must renew in person at an ADOT office.

Renewing your Arizona driver license in person

Visit an ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office with your current driver license and proof of your current Arizona address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll pay the renewal fee, take a new photo, and receive a temporary paper license. Your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than five years, or unless ADOT sends you a notice requiring you to do so.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Arizona driver license

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can replace it in person at an ADOT office or online if your license is not expired. For an online replacement, go to the ADOT website, enter your driver license number and date of birth, and pay the replacement fee. Your new card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

If your license is expired, you must visit an ADOT office in person. Bring your proof of identity and proof of Arizona residency. You'll pay the replacement fee, take a new photo, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot.

Arizona driver license fees and expiration dates

Arizona driver license fees vary by type and renewal method. A standard five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal. An Enhanced Driver License costs more than a standard license. The ADOT website lists current fees for each type and method.

Your Arizona driver license expires on your birthday. If you were born on an even-numbered year, your license is valid for five years (or eight years if you're 65 or older). If you were born on an odd-numbered year, your license is valid for five years (or eight years if you're 65 or older). You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If your license expires, you can still drive for a grace period of a few days, but it's safer to renew before the expiration date.

What to do if your Arizona driver license is suspended or revoked

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit an ADOT office in person. The office staff will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you need to do to restore your license. This might include paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

If you need to drive during a suspension, you may be able to get an Occupational License. An Occupational License lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs, but not for other purposes. You must explore in person at an ADOT office and show proof that you need to drive for one of these reasons. An Occupational License costs more than a standard license and is valid for a shorter time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona driver license if I've moved out of state?

No. You must be an Arizona resident to hold an Arizona driver license. If you've moved out of state, you should get a driver license from your new state. If you're moving back to Arizona, you can explore for a new Arizona license once you establish residency there.

What if I fail the written or driving test?

You can retake the test. There is usually a waiting period of a few days between attempts. You'll pay a fee each time you retake the test. The ADOT website lists the current fee and waiting period.

How do I find an ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office near me?

The ADOT website has a location finder where you can enter your city or zip code and see all nearby offices, their hours, and whether you need an appointment. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Appointments fill up quickly, especially near the end of the month.

Can I get an Arizona driver license if I don't have a Social Security number?

You must provide proof of your Social Security number to get an Arizona driver license. If you don't have a Social Security number, you'll need to explore for one from the Social Security Administration before you can get a driver license.

What's the difference between a standard driver license and an Enhanced Driver License?

An Enhanced Driver License (EDL) costs more but allows you to cross the U.S.-Mexico border by land without a passport. A standard license does not. Both are valid for driving in all 50 states. Most people get a standard license unless they frequently cross the border.

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.