Arizona driver's licenses are valid for 12 years if you're under 65, and 5 years if you're 65 or older
Your Arizona driver's license doesn't expire after a set number of months — it lasts for years. If you're between 16 and 64, your license is good for 12 years from the date it was issued. If you're 65 or older when you get your license, it's valid for 5 years instead. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card, so you can check exactly when yours runs out by looking at the date in the bottom right corner.
The reason Arizona gives older drivers a shorter renewal window is to may support more frequent vision and medical checks. This doesn't mean your license is less valid — it just means you'll need to renew it sooner.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona driver's licenses last 12 years for people under 65 and 5 years for people 65 and older.
- Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license card in the bottom right corner.
- You can renew your license up to 6 months before it expires, either online, by mail, or in person at an MVD office.
- Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you're only a day past the expiration date.
- If your license expires while you're out of state, you can still renew it by mail or online when you return.
When to renew before your license expires
Arizona lets you start the renewal process up to 6 months before your license expires. This gives you plenty of time to get it done without rushing. If your license expires on December 15, you can renew it starting June 15.
Many people renew online through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) website, which is the fastest option if you haven't changed your address, name, or other information. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. Your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
If you need to update your address or other details, you'll have to renew in person at an MVD office or by mail. In-person renewals take about 30 minutes, and you'll get a temporary license to use while your permanent one is being made.
What happens if your license expires
Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Arizona. This is true even if you're only one day past the expiration date. Police can stop you and issue a citation for driving with an expired license, which carries a fine and can affect your insurance rates.
If you're pulled over with an expired license, you may also face additional penalties depending on how long it's been expired. Arizona distinguishes between a license that expired less than a year ago and one that expired longer ago, with harsher penalties for older expirations.
The good news is that renewing is straightforward once you realize your license has expired. You can still renew online or by mail even after the expiration date has passed — you don't have to wait until a specific time to start the process.
Renewing online, by mail, or in person
The Arizona MVD offers three ways to renew your driver's license, and which one you choose depends on whether you need to update any information.
Online renewal works if your license hasn't been suspended or revoked, you haven't changed your address or name, and you don't need a new photo. You'll pay the renewal fee (which varies based on how many years you're renewing for) and your new license arrives by mail. This is the fastest and cheapest option.
Mail renewal is an option if you meet the same requirements as online renewal. You'll fill out a form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the MVD. Processing takes longer than online — usually 2 to 3 weeks — but it works if you prefer not to use the website.
In-person renewal is required if you're changing your address, name, or photo, or if your license was suspended or revoked. You'll go to an MVD office, bring your current license and proof of residency, and pay the renewal fee. You'll get a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 days.
What documents you need to renew
For online or mail renewal, you only need your current Arizona driver's license and a payment method. The MVD already has your information on file, so there's nothing else to submit.
For in-person renewal, bring your current license and one document that proves your current address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address. If you're changing your name, you'll also need to bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
If you've lost your license or it was stolen, you can't use online or mail renewal — you'll have to go in person and report it to the MVD. They'll issue you a replacement license on the spot.
Renewal fees and how long they last
The cost of renewing your Arizona driver's license depends on how many years you're renewing for. You can renew for 5 years or 12 years (or 5 years if you're over 65). A 12-year renewal costs more than a 5-year renewal, but it means you won't have to renew again for over a decade.
The exact fee changes periodically, so check the Arizona MVD website for the current price before you renew. When you renew online, the website will show you the fee before you pay, so there are no surprises.
If you renew in person at an MVD office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online and mail renewals require a credit or debit card.
Special situations: military, out of state, or medical holds
If you're on active military duty outside Arizona, you can renew your license by mail or online even if you're not in the state. You don't need to be physically present in Arizona to renew.
If your license has been suspended or revoked due to a medical condition, DUI, or other reason, you cannot renew online or by mail. You'll have to go to an MVD office in person, and you may need to provide additional documentation or take a test before your license is reinstated.
If you're over 65 and your license is expiring, some Arizona counties offer a shortened renewal process at certain locations. Check with your local MVD office to see if this is available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?
No. Your license must be valid on the day you drive. If it expires tomorrow, you cannot legally drive starting tomorrow. However, you can renew online or by mail today, and Arizona will honor your renewal even if your current license has technically expired, as long as you've submitted the renewal before the expiration date.
What if I renew my license but the new one hasn't arrived yet?
If you renewed online or by mail and your old license has expired but your new one hasn't arrived, you're in a gap period. You can print your online renewal confirmation and carry it with you as proof that you've renewed, though it's not a legal substitute for your actual license. If you need to drive when ready, renew in person at an MVD office instead — you'll get a temporary license on the spot.
Do I have to renew my license in person if I'm 65 or older?
Not necessarily. You can renew online or by mail at 65 or older as long as you haven't changed your address, name, or photo, and your license hasn't been suspended. If any of those things have changed, you'll need to go in person.
What if I move out of Arizona before my license expires?
Your Arizona license remains valid until its expiration date, even if you move to another state. However, you should get a driver's license from your new state as soon as you establish residency there. You don't have to wait for your Arizona license to expire first.
Can I get a longer-lasting license if I'm under 65?
No. Arizona sets the renewal period at 12 years for people under 65. You can't choose to renew for a longer period, but you can renew for 5 years if you prefer to renew more frequently.