What you need to do to renew in Arizona
Arizona renews driver's licenses by mail, online, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. The method you use depends on whether your license is expired, how close you are to expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, which takes a few minutes and costs less than an in-person visit.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 45 days before your license expires. That notice contains a barcode and instructions specific to your situation. If you have lost the notice, you can still renew, but you will need your driver's license number and date of birth to start the process online.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona sends a renewal notice by mail 45 days before expiration; use the barcode in that notice to renew online or by mail.
- Online renewal takes about five minutes, costs $12, and works if your address is current and your license is not suspended or revoked.
- Mail renewal uses the prepaid envelope in your notice and takes two to three weeks; you do not need a new photo unless your license is more than 40 years old.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is required only if your license is expired by more than five years, you need a new photo, or your address has changed and you cannot update it online.
- You can renew up to six months before expiration, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
Renewing online through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website
Online renewal is the fastest option. Go to azmvd.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have your renewal notice, the barcode on it will speed up the process.
The system will confirm your current address on file. If your address is correct, you can complete the renewal in about five minutes. The fee is $12, paid by debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation email when ready, and your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Online renewal does not work if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than five years. It also does not work if you need to change your address, name, or other information on your license. In those cases, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
If you have your renewal notice, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. The notice includes a prepaid return envelope and a form. Sign the back of your current license, fill out the form, and mail both items in the prepaid envelope. Do not include payment — the fee is already covered.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Motor Vehicle Division receives your envelope. You do not need a new photo unless your license was issued more than 40 years ago. Your current license stays valid during the renewal process, so you can continue driving while you wait for the new one.
Use mail renewal if you prefer not to go online or if your address is current and your license is not suspended. If you have lost your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail by calling the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 to request a form, or you can renew online instead.
Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office
Visit a Motor Vehicle Division office if your license is expired by more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you must update your address and cannot do so online. Bring your current license, proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2). If your name has changed, bring a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
The office will take a new photo, process your renewal, and issue a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. The fee is $12 for a standard license. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning usually means shorter lines.
Find the Motor Vehicle Division office nearest you on azmvd.gov. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time. Some offices are busier than others, so check the website for current wait times before you go.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as a current license. You do not need to take a new photo or provide additional documents. straightforward follow the mail or online steps above.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person and bring the documents listed in the "Renewing in person" section above. The office will treat this as a new license process rather than a renewal, though the fee remains $12.
Timeline and when to renew
Your renewal notice arrives about 45 days before expiration. You can renew as soon as you receive the notice — Arizona allows renewal up to six months before your license expires. Renewing early means your new license arrives before the old one expires, so you never have a gap in a valid license.
If you wait until after expiration, you can still renew by mail or online if the expiration was fewer than five years ago. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renewing before expiration is safer. If you have already received a renewal notice, do not wait until the last week; mail can be delayed, and the Motor Vehicle Division office can become very busy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I live out of state now?
No. Arizona requires you to be a resident to hold an Arizona license. If you have moved out of state, you must get a license from your new state. You can surrender your Arizona license by mail or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.
What if my renewal notice got lost in the mail?
You can still renew online or by mail without the notice. To renew online, go to azmvd.gov and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. To renew by mail, call 602-255-0072 and ask them to mail you a renewal form.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, unless your license was issued more than 40 years ago. The Motor Vehicle Division will use your current photo. If you want a new photo, you can request one at an office in person, but it is not required for renewal.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
By mail or online, your new license arrives within two to three weeks. If you renew in person at an office, you receive a temporary license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail within that time.
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?
No. You cannot legally drive with an expired license. Renew before your current license expires, or if it has already expired, renew when ready and do not drive until your new license arrives. If you are pulled over with an expired license, you can be cited.