How to Renew Your Arizona Driver's License

Arizona driver's license renewal: in-person, by mail, or online

Arizona offers three ways to renew your driver's license: online through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo.

The online option is fastest if you're may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes from home, and your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal is necessary if your license has expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you're changing your name or address on the license itself.

Your current license type matters too. Standard licenses and commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have different renewal windows and requirements. Arizona also distinguishes between residents and non-residents, and between licenses that are still valid and those that have lapsed.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through ADOT's website is available if your license expired within the last five years and you have not changed your name, address, or medical status.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but works for most people whose licenses are still current or expired less than five years ago.
In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a new photo, or you're changing your name or address.
The renewal fee is the same regardless of method — currently $25 for a standard five-year license — but online and mail renewal save you a trip to the office.
You'll need your current Arizona driver's license number and a valid payment method (credit or debit card) for online renewal.

Online renewal through the ADOT website

The ADOT website (servicearizona.com) handles online license renewal. You log in with your Arizona driver's license number and date of birth, answer questions about any changes to your information, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

You're may be able to access for online renewal if your current license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you have not changed your name, you have not changed your address (or you're changing it to another Arizona address), and you have no medical conditions that need to be reported to ADOT. If any of these don't explore to you, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.

After you complete the online renewal, ADOT mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives. There is no option to pick up your license at an office or to have it expedited through online renewal.

Mail renewal and what to send

To renew by mail, you request a renewal packet from ADOT, fill it out, and mail it back with your payment. You can request the packet online at servicearizona.com, by phone at 602-255-0072, or by visiting a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. The packet arrives within a few business days.

Inside the packet you'll find a form (usually the DL 44 or a renewal-specific form), instructions, and a return envelope. You fill out the form, sign it, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything back to the address shown on the envelope. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks total from the time you mail the packet back — longer if ADOT needs to contact you with questions. You can use your current license the entire time. Mail renewal works for most people whose licenses are still current or expired less than five years ago, and for anyone whose name or address is changing to an Arizona address.

In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office

You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, if you're changing your name, or if you're changing your address to an address outside Arizona. In-person renewal also applies if you have medical conditions that ADOT needs to document or if you're upgrading or downgrading your license class.

Find your nearest office on the ADOT website and check its hours before you go — some offices have limited hours or are closed certain days. Bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Arizona address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

At the office, you'll have your photo taken, answer questions about your driving history and medical status, and pay the renewal fee. The office issues you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Arizona's standard renewal fee for a five-year driver's license is $25. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some people pay less if they hold a military ID or have other specific discounts, but the base fee is $25.

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. If you're paying by check or money order in the mail, make it payable to "Arizona Department of Transportation."

What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your Arizona driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This means you'll need to take the written test and the driving test again, just as if you were getting your first license. You'll also need to provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Arizona residency, all in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.

The reapplication fee is higher than a renewal fee and varies depending on your license class. You should contact ADOT or visit a Motor Vehicle Division office to find out the current fee for your situation. Reapplication takes longer than renewal because you have to schedule and pass both tests.

Tracking your renewed license and what to do if it doesn't arrive

After you renew online or by mail, ADOT mails your new license to the address on file. There is no tracking number or way to check the status online. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, but mail delays can extend this.

If your new license doesn't arrive within 15 business days, contact ADOT at 602-255-0072 or visit servicearizona.com to report it. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. ADOT can check whether the license was mailed and, if necessary, issue a replacement. There may be a small fee for a replacement license if yours was lost in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona driver's license if I'm out of state?

Yes, if you're still an Arizona resident. Online renewal works from anywhere if your license is current or expired less than five years ago. Mail renewal also works from anywhere. If you need in-person renewal, you'll have to return to Arizona or contact ADOT about your specific situation.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office and bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Not automatically. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. You only get a new photo if you renew in person at an office. If you want a new photo but don't otherwise need in-person renewal, you can request one at an office, though there may be an additional fee.

What if I'm moving out of Arizona?

If you're moving to another state, you should get a license from your new state instead of renewing your Arizona license. If you're moving within Arizona, you can renew online or by mail as long as you update your address to your new Arizona address. If you're moving outside Arizona, contact ADOT to understand your options.

How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?

You cannot legally drive on an expired license. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, you should stop driving until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, renew in person to get the temporary license when ready.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.