What you need to do to change your Arizona driver's license

To change your Arizona driver's license, you visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring the documents they require, and pay a fee. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter. You cannot renew or change your license by mail or online — Arizona requires you to appear in person and pass a vision test.

The most common reasons to change your license are a name change (usually after marriage or divorce), an address change, or a photo update. Each requires slightly different documents, but all start the same way: finding your nearest ADOT office and scheduling an appointment or arriving during walk-in hours.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your name or address change.
  • A name change requires a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order; an address change requires a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days.
  • The fee for a standard license change is $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license.
  • ADOT offices operate by appointment and walk-in hours; you can check availability and book online at azdot.gov or call your local office.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until it arrives.

Documents you need for a name change

If you are changing your name on your license, bring your current Arizona driver's license, your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and proof of your legal name change. Proof of a legal name change means one of these: an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order from a judge approving the name change.

A photocopy is not enough — ADOT needs an original or certified copy. If you do not have the original, you can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the document was issued. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes a few days to a week by mail.

Documents you need for an address change

If you are changing only your address, bring your current Arizona driver's license, your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and one piece of proof of your new address. Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document with your name and new address.

The document must show your full name and your current Arizona address. A cell phone bill, insurance bill, or letter from an employer usually does not count. If you have just moved and do not yet have a dated document in your name, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date, or bring a utility bill in a roommate's name plus a lease showing your name.

How to find an ADOT office and book an appointment

Visit azdot.gov and use the office locator tool to find the ADOT office nearest you. The site shows each office's address, phone number, and hours. Most offices operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offering Saturday hours. You can book an appointment online through the same site, which usually reserves a time slot within the next few days.

If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, most offices accept walk-ins during their regular hours, though wait times vary. Calling your local office before you go is a good idea — staff can tell you how busy they are and whether you should book ahead. During busy seasons (summer and early fall), appointments fill up faster, so booking online saves time.

What happens at your appointment and what it costs

At your appointment, bring all your documents, your current license, and your Social Security card. An ADOT employee will check your documents, ask you to sign a form, and have you take a new photo. You will also pass a vision test — if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.

The fee is $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license. ADOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide, arriving in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your old license until the new one arrives.

What to do if your documents are not in order

If you do not have a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order, contact the county clerk's office in the county where the document was issued. You can usually request a certified copy by phone, mail, or in person. Some counties now offer online ordering. The cost is typically $10 to $25, and it takes 3 to 10 business days by mail.

If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document showing your number instead: a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement. If you do not have proof of your new address dated within 60 days, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter, or wait until you receive a bill at your new address. You do not need to delay your license change — you can return to ADOT once you have the missing document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online or by mail?

No. Arizona requires you to appear in person at an ADOT office to change your license. You cannot renew or change it by mail or online, even for an address change only.

What if I lost my current license?

You will need to report it lost and request a replacement. Bring your Social Security card, proof of your current address, and a form of ID (passport, tribal ID, or military ID). The replacement fee is $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license.

How long does my new license take to arrive?

Your new license is mailed to the address you provide and typically arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives. If it does not arrive within two weeks, call your local ADOT office.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Most ADOT offices accept both appointments and walk-ins. Booking an appointment online at azdot.gov usually gets you in faster, especially during busy times. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day.

What if my name change document is from another state?

ADOT accepts name change documents from any state. Bring the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, along with your current license and Social Security card.