Arizona driver's licenses expire after five years from the date of issue

Your Arizona driver's license is valid for exactly five years from the date you receive it. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner. When that date arrives, your license is no longer valid for driving, and you must renew it before you can legally operate a vehicle in Arizona or any other state.

The five-year term applies to standard adult licenses for drivers 18 and older. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) follow the same five-year cycle. Renewal is straightforward — you can renew in person at an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, by mail, or online through the ADOT website, depending on your situation and whether your license has been suspended or revoked.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona driver's licenses expire five years from the issue date, with the expiration date printed on the front of your card.
  • You can renew online through the ADOT website if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year.
  • In-person renewal at an ADOT office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you need to update your address or name.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date to explore.
  • Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona and can result in a traffic citation and fine.

Renewing online through the ADOT website

If your license is current and not suspended or revoked, you can renew online at the ADOT website without visiting an office. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

Online renewal is available if your license has not been expired for more than one year. If you have let your license lapse beyond that point, you must renew in person. The new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online transaction.

Renewing in person at an ADOT office

You can walk into any ADOT office to renew your license without an appointment. Bring your current license, proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid payment method. The renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is being printed.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address or legal name, if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you have a commercial driver's license. ADOT offices are located throughout Arizona, and you can find the nearest one on the ADOT website by entering your city or ZIP code.

Renewing by mail

You can renew your Arizona license by mail if your license is current and not suspended or revoked. Request a renewal form from the ADOT website or call the ADOT customer service line. Fill out the form, include a copy of your current license and proof of residency, and mail the packet to the address provided on the form along with your payment.

Mail renewal typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date ADOT receives your packet. This option is slower than online or in-person renewal, so plan ahead if you are approaching your expiration date. Like online renewal, mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a traffic citation and fine. The fine amount varies depending on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations. Even if you have a valid license at home, you must carry it with you — an expired license does not satisfy the legal requirement to have a valid license in your possession while driving.

If your license expires while you are out of state, it remains expired. You cannot legally drive in any state with an expired Arizona license. Renew your license before traveling or as soon as you return to Arizona if your license has already expired.

Renewing before your expiration date

You do not have to wait until your license expires to renew it. Arizona allows you to renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. Renewing early can be useful if you are planning a trip and want to may support your license is valid, or if you straightforward want to avoid the rush near your expiration date.

When you renew early, your new license will be valid for five years from the date of renewal, not from the date your old license would have expired. This means your new expiration date will be five years in the future from the renewal date, not from the original expiration date.

Special cases: Suspended or revoked licenses

If your Arizona license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit an ADOT office in person. The ADOT staff will review your case and determine whether you are may be able to access to renew. If your suspension or revocation has been lifted, you can proceed with renewal. If it is still in effect, you will not be able to renew until the suspension or revocation period ends.

Suspensions and revocations can result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, or accumulation of traffic violations. Check your status on the ADOT website before visiting an office to avoid a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal to arrive?

If you renewed in person at an ADOT office, you received a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. You can drive legally with that temporary license while your permanent card is being printed. If you renewed online or by mail, you should not drive once your license expires — the renewal is not complete until the new card arrives.

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

You must update your address with ADOT within 10 days of moving. You can update your address online through the ADOT website, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office. Updating your address does not extend your license expiration date — your license will still expire on the original date printed on your card.

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

If you renew online or by mail, ADOT will use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person at an ADOT office, you will have a new photo taken. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal by contacting ADOT directly, though this may delay your renewal.

What is the cost of renewing an Arizona driver's license?

The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license and the method of renewal. Standard license renewal costs less than obtaining a new license for the first time. Check the ADOT website for current fees, as they may change. Payment methods include cash, check, debit card, and credit card, depending on whether you renew in person, online, or by mail.