Arizona driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person
Arizona lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at azdot.gov, by mail using the renewal notice the state sends you, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether your address or name has changed. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
The state mails renewal notices 120 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 online or request a replacement notice by phone at 602-255-0072.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at azdot.gov takes about 10 minutes and costs $12 for a four-year license or $24 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card.
- Mail renewal requires your renewal notice, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks from the time the state receives it.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office requires proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your current license; no appointment is needed but wait times vary by location.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit an office in person.
- Address or name changes can be made during renewal, but you will need to bring supporting documents to an office if you are renewing in person.
Online renewal through the Arizona Department of Transportation website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address. Go to azdot.gov, select "Driver License" from the menu, and choose "Renew Your License." You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will confirm your information against state records.
After you verify your details, you will receive a new license number and a temporary digital license that you can display on your phone or print. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $12 for a four-year license or $24 for an eight-year license, paid when ready by debit or credit card at checkout.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name or address, or if your license was suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person.
Mail renewal using your renewal notice
If you have your renewal notice, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, sign it, and enclose a check or money order for $12 (four-year) or $24 (eight-year). Do not send cash. Mail the envelope to the address printed on the notice.
The state processes mail renewals in the order they are received. Once your envelope arrives, processing typically takes two to three weeks. You will receive your new license by mail at the address on file. If you do not receive it within four weeks of mailing, call 602-255-0072 to check the status.
Mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address or name, or if your license was suspended or revoked. You also cannot use mail renewal if your renewal notice was lost and you have not requested a replacement.
In-person renewal 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 to change your name or address, or if you prefer to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
No appointment is required, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The busiest offices are typically open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times at azdot.gov under "Find a Motor Vehicle Division Office." The fee is $12 for a four-year license or $24 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 30 days. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the card arrives, the temporary license is your proof of renewal.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your Arizona driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. The office will treat your renewal as a new license process, which means you will need to pass a vision test and provide the same documents as someone getting a license for the first time: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Arizona residency.
You will also need to provide proof of Arizona residency dated within 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease. If your address has changed since your license expired, bring a document showing your current address. The fee remains $12 for a four-year license or $24 for an eight-year license.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If you are renewing by mail or online and your name or address has not changed, the process is straightforward. If your address has changed but your name has not, you can update your address online or by mail at the same time you renew.
If your name has changed, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person, even if you are renewing early. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing the name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your Social Security number. The office will update your name and issue a new license on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona driver's license if I live out of state?
No. Arizona requires you to be a resident to hold a driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still an Arizona resident, you can renew online or by mail using your renewal notice.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Call the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 and request a replacement notice. They will mail it to you, or you can pick one up at any Motor Vehicle Division office. Once you have the notice, you can renew by mail. You can also renew online without the notice if your license is not expired.
How long is my temporary license valid after I renew in person?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your card does not arrive within that time, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to check the status.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to clear it.
What if I need a REAL ID-compliant license?
Arizona driver's licenses are REAL ID-compliant by default. If you are renewing, your new license will meet REAL ID standards. You do not need to take any additional steps or pay an extra fee.