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. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you're called. Online renewal, when available to you, takes a few minutes from home and costs less.
For either method, you'll need to bring or have ready your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form works), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your address has changed since your last license, bring two proofs of your new address instead of one.
You do not need a new photo unless your license has expired for more than five years, or unless you want to update it. If you do need a new photo, you must renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the ADOT website is faster and cheaper than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at any ADOT office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renew online or in person.
- The cost varies depending on the length of your renewal (four years or eight years), and online renewal is about $5 cheaper than in-person renewal.
Online renewal through the ADOT website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are not expired and have not changed your name since your last license was issued. Go to the ADOT website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against ADOT records.
You will choose whether to renew for four years or eight years. The eight-year renewal costs more upfront but is cheaper per year. You will pay by credit card or debit card. Once you submit, your new license is processed and mailed to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.
If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means one of your documents has changed or your record needs updating. In that case, you must renew in person at an ADOT office.
In-person renewal at an ADOT office
Walk into any ADOT office during business hours with your documents. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You will take a number and wait to be called. Bring all three documents (current license, Social Security proof, and address proof) even if you think you might not need them — staff can tell you on the spot if something is missing.
You will be asked whether you want a four-year or eight-year renewal. If you need a new photo, the office will take one. You will pay in cash, by card, or by check. The staff will hand you a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary paper license is valid for driving during that time, so you do not need to rush.
What to do if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a new photo, and additional documents such as proof of citizenship or legal residency. The process is longer and costs more than renewal.
If your license expired five years ago or less, you can still renew it. Bring the same documents you would for a regular renewal. The process is the same whether your license expired last month or five years ago.
Renewing early and temporary licenses
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The renewal process is exactly the same whether you are early or close to expiration.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, the temporary paper license you receive in person (or can request by mail) is valid for 45 days. If you renewed online, you can print a temporary license from the ADOT website while you wait for your permanent one.
Cost and payment methods
The cost of renewal depends on how long you choose to renew for. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Online renewal costs about $5 less than in-person renewal because there is no office fee. Exact prices change, so check the ADOT website for current amounts before you go.
At an ADOT office, you can pay in cash, by debit card, or by check. Online, you must pay by credit card or debit card. You cannot pay in installments or use other payment methods.
What happens if your documents are missing or wrong
If you arrive at an ADOT office without all three required documents, staff will tell you what is missing and you can go home and return with it. You do not lose your place in line — you can come back the same day or another day.
If your address proof is dated more than 60 days ago, it will not be accepted. Utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements are the most common proofs. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from your landlord, a mortgage statement, or a government document with your current address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. ADOT will not process a renewal if you have an unpaid traffic fine or a suspended license. You must resolve the ticket or fine first. Contact the court listed on your ticket to pay or set up a payment plan, then return to ADOT.
What if I changed my name since my last license?
You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. ADOT will issue a new license with your updated name.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renewed online or in person. The temporary paper license is valid for 45 days, so you can drive legally while you wait.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your license yourself, either online or in person. ADOT does not allow a family member or representative to renew on your behalf.
What if I want to change my address but keep my license number?
You can update your address during renewal. Bring two proofs of your new address instead of one, and ADOT will print your new address on your renewed license. Your license number stays the same.