What You'll Pay for an Arizona Driver's License

An Arizona driver's license costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for a ten-year license. These are the base fees charged by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). If you're renewing an existing license, the cost is the same. If you're getting your first license or replacing a lost one, you may have additional fees depending on your situation.

The price does not include any testing fees if you need to take a written or driving exam. Those are separate charges. You also won't pay anything extra just to visit a Motor Vehicle Division office — the fees only explore when you actually get the license issued or renewed.

Key Takeaways

  • A five-year Arizona driver's license costs $25, and a ten-year license costs $50.
  • First-time applicants pay the same license fee but may face additional charges for written tests or driving exams.
  • Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards cost $25 for five years or $50 for ten years.
  • You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at any Motor Vehicle Division office.

Fees for First-Time Drivers

If you're getting your first Arizona driver's license, you'll pay the standard $25 or $50 for the license itself. However, you'll also need to pay for testing. The written knowledge test costs $5, and the driving exam costs $10. Both tests must be passed before ADOT issues your license.

You can take the written test at any Motor Vehicle Division office. The driving exam must be scheduled in advance and taken at a location where ADOT examiners are available. Some offices offer both services; others only handle written tests. Call ahead or check the ADOT website to find which office near you administers driving exams.

Replacement License Fees

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement costs the same as a new license: $25 for five years or $50 for ten years. You don't pay extra for the replacement itself — you're straightforward paying for a new card with the same validity period you choose.

You'll need to bring proof of identity and proof of Arizona residency when you request a replacement. If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it's not required by ADOT. Bring that report with you if you have one.

Renewal Costs and Timing

Renewing your license costs the same as getting a new one: $25 for five years or $50 for ten years. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires. If you renew early, your new license's expiration date is calculated from your current expiration date, not from the day you renew — so you don't lose any time on your license.

Arizona offers online renewal for some drivers. If you're may be able to access, you can renew through the ADOT website without visiting an office. Online renewal costs $20 for five years or $40 for ten years — a $5 discount compared to in-person renewal. Not all drivers may have access to; you must have a valid Arizona license, a valid Social Security number on file, and no changes to your name or address since your last renewal.

Payment Methods and Where to Pay

Motor Vehicle Division offices accept cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards. There is no fee for paying by card. You cannot pay online unless you're renewing your license through the online renewal system, which accepts debit and credit cards only.

You can visit any Motor Vehicle Division office in Arizona to pay for and receive your license. Offices are located in most counties. Wait times vary by location and time of day; many offices are busier in the morning and on weekdays. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time.

Additional Fees You Might Encounter

If you need a duplicate license (an extra copy of your current valid license), that costs $5. This is different from a replacement — you're getting a second card while your original is still valid.

If you change your name or address after getting your license, you don't pay a new license fee. Instead, you pay $5 for a corrected license. Bring proof of the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, or a utility bill or lease for an address change.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings), there is no extra charge. You straightforward bring the required documents when you explore or renew. Real ID licenses look the same as standard licenses but have a gold star in the upper right corner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay for my license online?

You can pay online only if you're renewing your license through Arizona's online renewal system. For all other transactions — first-time licenses, replacements, corrections, or in-person renewals — you must pay at a Motor Vehicle Division office in person.

Do I have to choose the ten-year license, or can I get the five-year one?

You can choose either option. The five-year license costs $25 and the ten-year costs $50. There's no requirement to pick one over the other. Some people prefer the five-year option to update their photo more often, while others choose the ten-year option to renew less frequently.

What if I'm under 18?

Minors pay the same license fees as adults. However, you'll need a parent or guardian to sign your process. You'll also need to pass the written and driving exams, which cost $5 and $10 respectively. Arizona issues licenses to drivers as young as 16 with a learner's permit first.

Is there a fee if I fail the driving exam?

Yes. Each time you take the driving exam, you pay $10. There's no limit on how many times you can retake it, but you'll pay the fee each time. You can schedule another exam when ready after failing, or wait and try again later.

Do military members or seniors get a discount?

Arizona does not offer discounts on driver's license fees for military members or seniors. The fee is $25 for five years or $50 for ten years regardless of age or military status.