The fastest way to renew in Arizona
You can renew your Arizona driver's license online through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. The online route is fastest — you can complete it in about 10 minutes if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other personal information since your last renewal.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you need to update your information, you must renew in person. The same applies if you want to change your photo or if your license was suspended or revoked at any point.
Arizona licenses are valid for 12 years, so you will not need to renew again for a long time once you complete this one. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the ADOT website takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 if your information has not changed and your license is not expired.
- You will need your current Arizona driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you changed your address or name, or you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.
- In-person renewal requires your current or expired license, proof of Arizona residency, and payment; appointments are available online and walk-ins are accepted at most locations.
- Mail renewal takes longer (two to three weeks) but works if your information has not changed and your license is not expired.
Renewing online through ADOT
Go to the ADOT website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current Arizona driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and show you what information is on file.
Review everything carefully — your address, name, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online; you will need to go to a Motor Vehicle Division office instead. If everything matches, you can proceed to pay the $25 renewal fee using a debit card or credit card.
Once you pay, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office
Visit any Motor Vehicle Division office in Arizona. You can book an appointment online through the ADOT website, which usually gets you in within a few days, or you can walk in without an appointment — wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring your current or expired Arizona driver's license, proof that you live in Arizona (such as a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment. The renewal fee is $25. If you are changing your address, bring a document that shows your new address. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).
At the office, you will have your photo taken, answer a few questions about your vision and medical history, and pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license that you can use to drive while you wait.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is an option only if your license is not expired, your information has not changed, and you do not want a new photo. You will need to request a renewal form from ADOT or use the form that came with your renewal notice.
Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $25 to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of proof of your Arizona address if you have moved since your last renewal.
Processing takes two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail, and you can continue driving on your current license until it does. This method is slower than online or in-person renewal, but it requires no appointment and no trip to an office.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your Arizona license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new one. This means you will need to pass the written knowledge test and the driving test again, just as if you were getting your first license.
Go to a Motor Vehicle Division office with your proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will pay the full fee for a new license (not a renewal fee), take the written test, and schedule a driving test. The process takes longer than a straightforward renewal and costs more.
Fees and what they cover
A standard renewal costs $25 and is valid for 12 years. If you are 65 or older, the renewal fee is $10 and the license is valid for 5 years. If you are a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder, the fee is higher — $50 for a 12-year renewal.
The fee covers the license itself and the processing. There are no additional hidden fees, though if you need a duplicate license (a second copy of your current license) or a replacement (a new license with the same number if yours is lost or damaged), those have separate fees of $10 each.
Choosing between online, in-person, and mail
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient if your information has not changed and your license is not expired. You get a confirmation when ready and your new license arrives within a week.
In-person renewal is necessary if you need to update your address, name, or photo, or if your license has been expired for more than five years. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and can drive when ready while you wait for your new one.
Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no appointment or office visit. It works only if nothing about your information has changed and your license is still valid. Choose this only if you prefer to avoid an office visit and do not mind waiting two to three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I changed my address?
No. If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring proof of your new Arizona address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.
What happens if I drive after my license expires?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona. If you are stopped, you can be cited. However, if your license expired recently and you have proof that you submitted a renewal (such as a confirmation number from online renewal), an officer may give you a warning instead of a ticket.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Most new licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you renew. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that you can use to drive. If you renew online or by mail, you can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You must clear the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the court or ADOT. Once cleared, you can renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required, but booking one online usually gets you in faster. Walk-ins are accepted at most Motor Vehicle Division offices, but wait times can be long during busy hours. Check the ADOT website to see current wait times at offices near you.