Where to renew your Arizona driver license

You can renew your Arizona driver license in person at any Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, or online through the ADOT website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster — you can complete it from home in about 15 minutes — but it is only available if your license is not expired, you have not had any address changes, and you do not need to update your photo.

If you renew online, ADOT mails your new license to the address on file. If you need to renew in person, you can walk into any ADOT office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours on certain days.

You can also renew by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you do not need a new photo. Mail renewal takes longer — typically three to four weeks — but requires no trip to an office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through ADOT's website is the fastest option if your license is current and your address has not changed.
  • In-person renewal at any ADOT office takes about 30 minutes and does not require an appointment, though you may wait depending on the location.
  • You will need your current driver license, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of Social Security number for in-person renewal.
  • Mail renewal is an option only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you do not need a new photo.
  • A renewed Arizona driver license is valid for five years from the date of issue.

What documents you need to bring

For in-person renewal, bring your current Arizona driver license and two forms of identification that prove your Arizona residency. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address. The documents must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to show proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

If you are renewing online, you do not need to bring documents to an office, but ADOT will ask you to verify your information on their website. Make sure you have your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready before you start.

The cost of renewal in Arizona

A standard five-year driver license renewal costs $25 in Arizona. This fee is the same whether you renew online, in person, or by mail. If you are over 65 years old, the renewal fee is $10.

ADOT accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at in-person locations. If you renew online or by mail, you will pay by credit or debit card. There are no additional fees for online or mail renewal — the cost is the same across all three methods.

How long renewal takes

Online renewal is the fastest: you can finish in 15 minutes, and ADOT mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal at an ADOT office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal takes the longest. You send in your process and documents, and ADOT processes it over two to three weeks. Your new license then arrives by mail, so the total time from mailing your process to receiving your card is usually three to four weeks.

If you need your license before the standard mailing time, you can request expedited processing at an in-person ADOT office for an additional fee. Ask the staff member at the office what that fee is, as it varies.

Renewing online through ADOT

To renew online, go to the ADOT website and select the driver license renewal option. You will enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. ADOT will verify this information against their records.

Next, you will review your current information and confirm that your address, name, and other details are correct. If anything needs to change, you cannot complete the online renewal — you must go in person instead. You will then pay the $25 renewal fee by credit or debit card.

After you submit your payment, ADOT sends you a confirmation email. Your new license is mailed to the address on file. You can check the status of your renewal on the ADOT website using your driver license number.

What to expect at an ADOT office

When you arrive at an ADOT office, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will verify your residency proof, Social Security proof, and current license. You will then have your photo taken for your new license.

After your photo is taken, you will pay the $25 renewal fee. The staff member will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your permanent license during those 30 days.

The entire process at the office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. If the office is very busy, you may wait longer, but ADOT does not take appointments for standard renewals, so you cannot reserve a time slot.

If your license is expired or you need a new photo

If your Arizona driver license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This requires taking the written test and vision test again, and it costs more than a renewal.

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person or by mail. Online renewal is not available for expired licenses. At an in-person office, the staff member will take a new photo as part of the renewal process.

If you want to update your photo before your license expires, you can do so at any ADOT office. Bring your current license and proof of residency. The photo update costs $5 and takes about 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona driver license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip and want to make sure your license is current, or if you prefer not to wait until the last minute. The new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expires.

What if I have moved to a different address?

If you have changed your address, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at an ADOT office or by mail. Bring proof of your new Arizona residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The staff member will update your address in the system and issue your new license with the correct address.

Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?

ADOT takes a new photo when you renew in person. If you renew online or by mail, your photo stays the same as your current license. If you want a new photo but are renewing online, you will need to go to an ADOT office instead.

What if I lost my current driver license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a replacement license. Go to an ADOT office with proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. A replacement license costs $10 and takes about 30 minutes to process.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your license yourself, either online or in person. ADOT requires you to verify your identity and take a new photo (if renewing in person). A family member or friend cannot do this on your behalf.