Arizona driver's licenses are valid for 12 years for most adults, though the length depends on your age and whether you have a standard or commercial license.
When you first get an Arizona driver's license as an adult, it will expire 12 years from the date it was issued. That means if you receive your license on January 15, 2024, it will expire on January 15, 2036. You do not have to renew it before that date — you can wait until the expiration date arrives.
The 12-year term applies to standard driver's licenses for people aged 18 and older. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the renewal period is different and depends on the type of commercial driving you do. If you are under 18, your license will expire sooner, typically when you turn 18, and then you will receive a standard 12-year license at that point.
Key Takeaways
- A standard Arizona driver's license for adults lasts 12 years from the date of issue.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, either in person at an MVD office or online through the Arizona Department of Transportation website.
- Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you are only one day past the expiration date.
- If your license expires while you are out of state, you can still renew it online or by mail without returning to Arizona first.
- Commercial driver's licenses have different renewal periods depending on the class and type of endorsement you hold.
When you can renew before expiration
Arizona allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. This means if your license expires on January 15, 2036, you can start the renewal process as early as January 15, 2035. Many people renew several months early to avoid the rush or to make sure they have a valid license for travel.
You do not have to wait until close to the expiration date. Renewing early does not shorten the life of your new license — your new license will still be valid for 12 years from the date you renew it, not from the date your old one expired. So if you renew in January 2035, your new license will expire in January 2047.
How to renew your Arizona driver's license
You have two main options for renewing: online through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office. The online renewal is faster and does not require you to visit an office, but it is only available if you meet certain requirements — your license must not be expired, you must have a valid address on file, and you cannot have any medical or vision restrictions that need to be updated.
If you renew in person at an MVD office, you will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Arizona address. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive your new license in the mail within one to two weeks.
If you are out of state when your license expires, you can still renew online or by mail. You do not have to return to Arizona to get a new license. Contact the ADOT website or call the MVD to find out which method works for your situation.
What happens if your license expires
Driving with an expired Arizona driver's license is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement and your license has expired, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, even if you expired it by only one day. This is a separate violation from any other traffic offense you might receive.
If your license has expired but you have already submitted a renewal request, you may be able to show proof of that renewal to an officer, though this does not may provide you will not receive a citation. The safest approach is to renew before the expiration date arrives.
Commercial driver's licenses and other special licenses
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), your renewal period depends on the class of CDL you have and whether you transport hazardous materials. A CDL is typically valid for four years, which is shorter than a standard driver's license. You will need to renew it more frequently and may need to pass additional tests or medical examinations.
If you have a license with a medical restriction or a vision restriction noted on it, you may have a shorter renewal period. Arizona may require you to renew more often if you have certain medical conditions. Check your license to see if any restrictions are listed, and contact the MVD if you are unsure about your renewal date.
Replacing a lost or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can request a replacement at any MVD office. A replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license — it does not extend your license period. You will pay a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a full renewal.
You can also request a replacement online through the ADOT website if your license was lost or stolen. You will receive your replacement license in the mail within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license expired yesterday?
No. An expired license is not valid for driving in Arizona, even by one day. You must renew before you drive. If you are stopped, you can be cited for driving with an expired license.
Do I have to renew in person, or can I do it online?
You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have a valid address on file, and you have no medical or vision restrictions. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person at an MVD office.
What if I moved to a different state after getting my Arizona license?
You can renew your Arizona license online or by mail even if you live out of state. You do not have to return to Arizona. However, if you now live permanently in another state, you should consider getting a license from that state instead.
How much does it cost to renew an Arizona driver's license?
The renewal fee varies depending on whether you renew online or in person, and whether you are renewing a standard license or a CDL. Contact the ADOT website or an MVD office for the current fee amount, as prices can change.
If I renew early, does my new license expire sooner?
No. Your new license will be valid for 12 years from the date you renew it, regardless of when you renew. If you renew one year early, your new license will still last the full 12 years.