How to Renew Your Arizona Driver's License

Arizona driver's licenses renew every 12 years for standard licenses and every 5 years for commercial licenses

Arizona sends you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a barcode and instructions for renewing online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You do not have to wait until the notice arrives — you can renew up to one year before expiration.

The method you choose depends on whether you need a new photo, whether your address or name has changed, and how quickly you need the renewed license. Online renewal is fastest if you are may be able to access, but not everyone qualifies. Mail and in-person renewal both work, but they have different timelines and document requirements.

Key Takeaways

Arizona sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration, but you can renew up to one year early without penalty.
Online renewal takes about 10 business days and costs $25, but you must have a current photo on file and cannot change your address or name.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice, a completed form, payment, and a new photo; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is the only option if you need a new photo, have changed your name or address, or want to correct errors on your current license.
You can drive on an expired license for up to 60 days after expiration while your renewal is being processed, as long as you have proof of submission.

Online renewal: fastest option if your information has not changed

Online renewal through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website is the quickest route if you meet the requirements. You need a valid email address, your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system verifies your identity using these details and pulls your existing photo from the Motor Vehicle Division database.

You cannot renew online if your address has changed, your name has changed since your last license was issued, you need a new photo, or your current license was suspended or revoked. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person. Online renewal costs $25 and takes about 10 business days. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

Mail renewal: requires the renewal notice and a new photo

Mail renewal works if you have received your renewal notice from Arizona. You will need to complete the renewal notice itself (do not fill out a separate form), include a new passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and send payment of $25 by check or money order. The address for mailing is printed on the renewal notice.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date Arizona receives your envelope. If you are renewing before your notice arrives, you can read form DL 44 from the ADOT website, but processing will take longer because the Motor Vehicle Division has to manually verify your information. Using the renewal notice is faster.

In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office

You must renew in person if you need a new photo, have changed your name or address since your last license, want to correct errors on your current license, or are renewing a commercial driver's license. Bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $25. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Motor Vehicle Division offices throughout Arizona handle renewals by appointment and walk-in. You can schedule an appointment online through the ADOT website, which usually reduces wait time. Processing at the office takes about 15 minutes, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your permanent license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license expires before your renewal arrives

Arizona allows you to drive on an expired license for up to 60 days after the expiration date if you have proof that you submitted a renewal request. Proof can be your renewal notice with a postmark, a confirmation email from online renewal, or a receipt from an in-person appointment. Keep this proof with you while driving.

If you are stopped by law enforcement during this 60-day window, show your expired license and your proof of renewal. After 60 days, driving on an expired license is a violation. If your renewal has not arrived within the expected timeframe, contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 to check the status.

Renewing a commercial driver's license in Arizona

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) renew every 5 years instead of 12. You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office because the renewal includes a vision test and a written knowledge test. Bring your current CDL, proof of address, and payment of $75. If you have any violations or suspensions on your driving record, you may need additional documentation.

CDL renewals cannot be done online or by mail. Schedule an appointment through the ADOT website to avoid long waits. The appointment process is the same as for standard license renewal, but the testing component adds 30 to 45 minutes to the visit.

Renewing after a name or address change

If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person. Bring a certified copy of the document that reflects the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Motor Vehicle Division will not accept photocopies or notarized copies.

If only your address has changed, you can renew by mail or in person, but not online. Mail renewal works the same way as a standard renewal: send your renewal notice, a new photo, and payment. In-person renewal requires proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days. Do not update your address separately before renewing — the renewal process handles the address change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona driver's license before I receive the renewal notice?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If you renew online or by mail before receiving the notice, you will need to read form DL 44 from the ADOT website and follow the same process, though mail processing may take longer without the barcode from the notice.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew by mail or in person without the notice. read form DL 44 from the ADOT website, include a new photo and payment, and mail it to the address listed on the form. In-person renewal does not require the notice at all — just bring your current license, proof of address, and payment.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license after I submit my process?

Online renewal takes about 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. These timelines assume normal processing; delays can occur during high-volume periods.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Motor Vehicle Division before you can renew. Contact the division at 602-255-0072 to find out what steps are required to clear the suspension or revocation from your record.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

Only if you renew in person, by mail, or if your current photo is more than 12 years old. Online renewal uses your existing photo. If you renew by mail, you must include a new 2 by 2 inch passport-style photo. In-person renewal includes a new photo taken at the office.

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.