You can keep an old Arizona driver's license, but you cannot use it to drive or as proof of identity once it expires

An expired Arizona driver's license is no longer valid for driving or for most forms of identification. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it before you can legally drive in Arizona or use it to board a plane, open a bank account, or prove your identity to government agencies. The state does not automatically renew licenses by mail — you must take action yourself.

If you still have an old license that has not yet expired, you can continue to use it. However, Arizona driver's licenses expire every 12 years for people under 65 and every 5 years for people 65 and older. Checking your expiration date is the first step to knowing whether you need to renew.

Key Takeaways

  • An expired Arizona driver's license cannot be used for driving or as a government-issued ID, even if it is only a few months past the expiration date.
  • You can renew your license in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Arizona MVD Now portal.
  • Renewing by mail takes about two weeks; renewing online or in person is faster but online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years.
  • You will need your current license, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of legal presence in the United States to renew.
  • If you have lost your old license, you can still renew without it, but the process takes longer and requires additional steps.

How to renew your Arizona driver's license by mail

Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no office visit. You can renew by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have not had any violations or address changes since your last renewal. You will need to send your current license, a completed process for Arizona Driver License or Identification License form (Form 40-1002), and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the Motor Vehicle Division.

The address to mail your documents is on the back of your license. Processing takes about two weeks from the time the Motor Vehicle Division receives your envelope. You will receive your new license by mail at your current address on file. If you need your license sooner, this method is not the right choice.

Renewing online through Arizona MVD Now

The Arizona MVD Now portal lets you renew online if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no address changes or violations on your record. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The fee is charged to your card when ready, and your new license ships within five to seven business days.

Online renewal is faster than mail and does not require a trip to an office. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use this method and must renew in person or by mail. You can access Arizona MVD Now through the official Arizona Department of Transportation website.

Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office

In-person renewal is the fastest option and works for any expired license, no matter how long ago it expired. You will need to visit a Motor Vehicle Division office with your current license, proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of legal presence in the United States (such as a passport or birth certificate). Bring payment for the renewal fee in cash, check, or card.

Wait times at Motor Vehicle Division offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Arizona Department of Transportation website before you go. Many offices are busiest on Fridays and during lunch hours, so visiting on a weekday morning may mean a shorter wait.

What to do if you have lost your old license

If you cannot find your old license, you can still renew. By mail, you will need to include a statement explaining that your license is lost or destroyed, along with your process and payment. In person, tell the Motor Vehicle Division staff that your license is missing — they can look up your record and process the renewal without the physical card.

Losing your license does not delay the renewal process significantly, but it does mean you cannot use the online portal. You will need to renew by mail or in person. If you need a replacement of your lost license before it expires (rather than a renewal), that is a separate transaction with a different fee.

Understanding Arizona license expiration dates and renewal windows

Arizona driver's licenses expire on your birthday in the year shown on the card. For most people, that is 12 years after the license was issued. If you are 65 or older, your license expires every 5 years. You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date, which gives you a wide window to plan ahead.

Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Arizona, even for one day. Arizona law does not have a grace period. If you are caught driving with an expired license, you can be cited. Renewing early — even six months before expiration — avoids the risk of accidentally driving on an expired license if you lose track of the date.

Fees and what documents you will need

The renewal fee for an Arizona driver's license depends on how long the new license will be valid. A standard 12-year renewal costs less than a 5-year renewal. You can find the exact current fee on the Arizona Department of Transportation website, as fees change periodically.

For any renewal method, you will need proof of Arizona residency and proof of legal presence. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. Acceptable proof of legal presence includes a U.S. passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, or visa. If you are renewing by mail, you do not need to provide these documents again if you have not moved or changed your legal status since your last renewal — but you should have them available in case the Motor Vehicle Division requests them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired Arizona license if I have already submitted my renewal?

No. You cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. Submitting a renewal process does not give you permission to drive. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you should renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, as they can issue a temporary license that day.

What is the difference between renewing and replacing an Arizona driver's license?

Renewal extends the expiration date of your current license and is used when your license is still valid or has recently expired. Replacement is used when your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, or when you need to update your photo or information. Replacement costs more than renewal and requires an in-person visit.

How long does it take to get a new license if I renew in person?

If you renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, you will receive a temporary paper license that day and your permanent card will arrive by mail within five to seven business days. The temporary license is valid for driving and as proof of identity during that time.

Can I renew my Arizona license if I no longer live in Arizona?

No. An Arizona driver's license is only for Arizona residents. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state. You should notify the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division that you no longer live in Arizona so your license can be cancelled.

What happens if I drive with an expired Arizona license?

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Arizona. You can receive a citation and a fine. The penalty is less severe than driving without a license, but it is still a violation. If you are stopped, tell the officer that your renewal is in progress and show proof that you have submitted your process if you have it.