Arizona driver's licenses last five years from the date they are issued

Your Arizona driver's license expires five years after the date printed on the front of the card. The expiration date appears in the bottom right corner. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which gives you time to plan ahead without rushing.

The five-year term applies to standard licenses for drivers aged 18 and older. If you are under 18, your license expires on your 18th birthday or five years from issue, whichever comes first. Once you turn 18, your next renewal will follow the standard five-year cycle.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona driver's licenses expire five years from the issue date, with the expiration date shown in the bottom right corner of your card.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
  • Licenses for drivers under 18 expire on their 18th birthday or five years from issue, whichever is sooner.
  • Renewing online through the Arizona Department of Transportation website is the fastest option if you meet the requirements.
  • Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if your renewal is in process.

Where to find your expiration date

Look at the front of your driver's license. The expiration date is printed in the bottom right corner and reads "Expires" followed by a month and year. For example, "Expires 03/15/2028" means your license will expire on March 15, 2028.

If you cannot locate your physical card or need to check the date before renewing, you can log into your account on the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to sign in. The website shows your current license status and expiration date.

How to renew before your license expires

Arizona offers three renewal methods: online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. You must have a valid Social Security number on file, no medical restrictions, and no changes to your address or name since your last renewal. You can renew online up to one year before your license expires.

To renew online, visit the ADOT website, select the renewal option, and follow the steps to pay the renewal fee. The fee varies but typically costs around $25 to $35 for a five-year renewal. After you complete the online process, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by requesting a renewal form from ADOT or downloading it from their website. Mail the completed form, your current license, and the renewal fee to the address provided. Processing by mail takes longer — usually 15 to 20 business days.

In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is also an option. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Walk-in appointments are available, but wait times vary by location. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

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 citation. The offense is typically treated as a minor violation, but it can result in a fine and points on your driving record.

If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, you may not be able to renew it through the standard process. ADOT may require you to retake the written test, vision test, or both. The exact requirements depend on how long your license has been expired, so it is best to renew before the expiration date.

Renewing after your license has expired

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired fewer than five years ago, you can typically renew through the standard process without retesting. However, if it expired more than five years ago, you will likely need to retake the written knowledge test and vision test, similar to getting a new license.

To renew an expired license, visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The staff will tell you whether you need to take the tests based on how long your license has been expired.

Special cases: Commercial and CDL licenses

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) in Arizona follow different renewal rules. A CDL lasts four years, not five. If you hold a CDL, check your expiration date carefully, as it comes up sooner than a standard license.

CDL renewal requires an in-person visit to a Motor Vehicle Division office. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. You will need to pass a medical examination and provide the results to ADOT as part of the renewal process.

Planning ahead for renewal

Mark your expiration date on a calendar or set a phone reminder for three months before your license expires. This gives you time to gather any documents you might need and choose your renewal method without feeling rushed.

If you plan to travel or move out of state, renew your license before you go. Some states will not accept an expired Arizona license for identification purposes, and having a current license makes travel smoother. If you are moving to another state, you will eventually need to get a license in that state, but your Arizona license remains valid until it expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive, even if you have submitted a renewal process and are waiting for your new card. If you are stopped, you could receive a citation. To avoid this, renew well before your expiration date so your new license arrives in time.

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

You will need to replace your lost license first, then renew it. Visit a Motor Vehicle Division office with proof of residency and payment for a replacement. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it through the standard process. You cannot renew a license you do not have in your possession.

Do I need to retake the written test when I renew?

No, not for a standard renewal if your license has not been expired for more than five years. You only retake the written test if your license expired more than five years ago or if ADOT requires it for other reasons, such as a medical restriction change.

Can I renew my Arizona license if I live out of state now?

Yes, you can renew by mail if you no longer live in Arizona. read the renewal form from the ADOT website, complete it, and mail it with your current license and payment. However, if you have changed your address to another state, you may want to get a license in your new state instead, as most states require residents to hold a license from that state.

How much does it cost to renew my Arizona driver's license?

The renewal fee for a five-year standard driver's license is typically $25 to $35, depending on the renewal method and any additional services. Check the ADOT website for the exact current fee, as prices can change. CDL renewals cost more and have different fee structures.