Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Arizona driver's license in person at any Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, or online through the ADOT website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.

Before you go to an ADOT office or start an online renewal, gather these documents: your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

ADOT offices are located in most Arizona cities. You can find the one nearest you and check wait times on the ADOT website before you go. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online, which usually cuts your wait time significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed — the process takes about 10 minutes.
  • In-person renewal at an ADOT office works for everyone and takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on wait time; scheduling an appointment online reduces the wait.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number to any ADOT office.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you renew; you can use your old license until it arrives.
  • Arizona licenses are valid for 12 years, so you won't need to renew again until your expiration date.

Renewing online through ADOT

The online renewal process is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the ADOT website, select "Driver License Services," and choose "Renew Your License Online." You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

Next, you'll confirm your address and choose whether to keep it the same or update it. If you're updating your address, you'll need to upload a photo of a document that shows your new address — the same documents ADOT accepts in person (utility bill, lease, bank statement). You'll also upload a new photo of yourself, which must meet ADOT's requirements: a clear, straight-on shot with your face visible, taken against a plain background, and taken within the last 30 days.

Once you submit your renewal, you'll pay the renewal fee online using a debit or credit card. ADOT will mail your new license to the address you provided. The whole process takes about 10 minutes online, and your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing in person at an ADOT office

Walk into any ADOT office with your current license, proof of address, and Social Security number. Tell the staff member at the counter that you're renewing your license. They'll take your documents, verify your information, and ask you to sit for a new photo.

You'll pay the renewal fee at the counter — ADOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, and you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.

If you want to avoid the wait, schedule an appointment online before you go. ADOT allows you to book a specific time slot, which usually means you'll be seen within 15 minutes of your appointment time.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Arizona license has been expired for more than 5 years, you cannot renew it — you'll need to explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to an ADOT office, a written test, and a driving test. If your license expired fewer than 5 years ago, you can still renew it using the same process as above.

If your license expired recently but you need to drive before your new one arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the ADOT office. This is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to be mailed.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Arizona driver's license renewal costs $25 for a 12-year license. This is the standard fee for most drivers. Some drivers may pay a different amount — for example, if you're renewing a commercial driver's license or if you're adding a Real ID endorsement — but the basic renewal is $25.

You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at any ADOT office. If you renew online, you'll pay by debit or credit card only. ADOT does not accept checks or money orders.

Real ID endorsement and what it means

Your Arizona driver's license may already have a Real ID endorsement, which is a gold star in the upper right corner of your license. This endorsement means your license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license has this star, your new license will automatically have it too when you renew.

If your current license does not have a Real ID endorsement and you want one, you'll need to visit an ADOT office in person — you cannot add it through online renewal. Bring your current license, proof of address, proof of Social Security number (like a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of citizenship or legal residency (like a birth certificate or passport). The Real ID endorsement costs an additional $24 on top of the $25 renewal fee.

After your renewal is complete

Once you've renewed — whether online or in person — your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. ADOT typically mails licenses within 1 to 2 business days after you renew, and delivery takes 5 to 10 business days depending on where you live. You can continue driving with your old license until your new one arrives.

If your new license doesn't arrive within 14 days, contact ADOT to check the status. You can call their customer service line or visit an ADOT office with your old license. If your license was lost in the mail, ADOT can reissue it at no additional cost.

Your new Arizona driver's license is valid for 12 years from the date you renew. You won't need to renew again until that expiration date, which will be printed on your new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Arizona issues driver's licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens but have legal residency status. You'll need to bring proof of your legal residency — such as a valid passport, visa, or employment authorization document — along with your current license and proof of address. The renewal process is the same as for citizens.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current license and proof of address. You can renew in person at any ADOT office. Online renewal is not available if your name has changed.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

Yes. ADOT will take a new photo of you at the office if you renew in person. If you renew online, you'll upload a new photo that meets ADOT's requirements. You cannot use the photo from your old license.

What if I move out of Arizona after I renew?

Your Arizona license remains valid in other states for driving. If you move to another state and want to get a driver's license there, you'll need to contact that state's motor vehicle department. Your Arizona license does not automatically transfer.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your license yourself, either online or in person at an ADOT office. ADOT requires you to verify your identity and provide a new photo, so proxy renewal is not an option.