Arizona driver licenses renew every 12 years, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation
Arizona's Department of Transportation (ADOT) handles driver license renewals. Most people renew online through the ADOT website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $25. If you cannot renew online—because your license is suspended, you need a new photo, or you have medical restrictions to update—you will need to visit an ADOT office in person. Mail renewal is available only in limited cases, usually when you are out of state.
Your license is valid for 12 years from the date you renew it. Arizona sends no reminder notice, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, which gives you flexibility to do it when it is convenient.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the ADOT website is the fastest option for most people and costs $25 for a 12-year license.
- You must renew in person at an ADOT office if your license is suspended, you need a new photo, or you have medical conditions to report.
- Arizona does not mail renewal reminders, so check your license expiration date yourself and plan ahead.
- Bring your current license, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of legal presence (passport, birth certificate, or visa) to any in-person renewal appointment.
- In-person renewals typically take 30 to 45 minutes at an ADOT office, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Renewing online through the ADOT website
Online renewal is available if your license is valid (not expired or suspended), you have a current Arizona address on file, and you do not need to change your photo or medical restrictions. Go to azdot.gov and select "Driver License" from the main menu, then "Renew Your License." You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
The system will show you a preview of your renewed license with your current photo. If you accept it, you pay $25 by debit or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need a replacement before then, you can request a temporary paper license at the same time for an additional fee.
Online renewal does not work if you have an out-of-state address, a suspended or revoked license, or if you want to update your photo, medical information, or organ donor status. In those cases, you must visit an ADOT office.
Renewing in person at an ADOT office
Visit any ADOT office if you need a new photo, have medical conditions to report, want to change your name or address, or if your license is suspended or expired. ADOT has offices in most Arizona cities; you can find the nearest one and check current wait times on the ADOT website. You do not need an appointment—offices operate on a walk-in basis, though you can call ahead to ask about typical wait times at your preferred location.
Bring your current license, proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of legal presence (U.S. passport, birth certificate, visa, or permanent resident card). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The renewal fee is $25 for a 12-year license.
The process takes 30 to 45 minutes on average. You will have a new photo taken, answer questions about medical conditions or restrictions, and sign the process. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask for a temporary paper license.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. However, if you can show proof that you submitted your renewal process before the expiration date, officers sometimes issue a warning instead of a ticket.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it. Go to an ADOT office with the same documents listed above. The renewal fee remains $25. There is no penalty fee or late charge for renewing after expiration, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.
Renewing by mail (limited cases)
Mail renewal is available only if you are a U.S. citizen living outside Arizona and your license is not suspended or expired. You must request a mail renewal form from ADOT by phone at 602-255-0072 or through the ADOT website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $25, a copy of your current license, and proof of your out-of-state address. Mail everything to the address provided on the form.
Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date ADOT receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to your out-of-state address. This option is slower than online renewal and requires more steps, so most people use it only when they cannot visit an Arizona office.
Medical restrictions and organ donor updates
If you have medical conditions that affect your driving—such as vision problems, seizure disorders, or hearing loss—you must report them during renewal. You can do this in person at an ADOT office. Bring documentation from your doctor if ADOT requests it. Depending on your condition, ADOT may add restrictions to your license (such as "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only") or may require you to take a vision or driving test.
You can also update your organ donor status during renewal. In person, you can choose to register or remove yourself from the Arizona Donor Registry. Online renewal does not allow you to change donor status, so you must visit an office if this is your only reason to renew in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended. You must visit an ADOT office in person. The office will tell you whether you need to pay a reinstatement fee or meet other requirements before renewal is possible. Bring your current license and the documents listed in the in-person renewal section.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the renewal process, whether you renew online or in person. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the time of renewal for an additional fee.
What if I moved to a different Arizona address?
If you moved within Arizona, you can renew online if your license is not suspended and you do not need a new photo. The system will update your address during renewal. If you need to change your photo or have other changes, renew in person at an ADOT office and bring proof of your new address (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days).
Do I need an appointment to renew at an ADOT office?
No, ADOT offices operate on a walk-in basis and do not require appointments. However, you can call the office ahead of time to ask about typical wait times, or check the ADOT website for real-time wait information at some locations.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online. Visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or visa) and proof of Arizona residency. ADOT will issue a replacement license. The fee is $25 for a 12-year license.