How to Renew Your Arizona Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Arizona driver's license at any Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, by mail, or online through the ADOT website — but not all renewal types work through every channel. If you're renewing a standard license that hasn't expired more than five years ago, online renewal is usually the fastest option and requires no office visit. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you prefer not to go in person. In-person renewal at an ADOT office is necessary if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your address or other information, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license.

Before you start, gather your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Arizona address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll also need to pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on your license type and how long you're renewing it for.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the ADOT website is available if your license expired less than five years ago and you don't need to change your address or other information.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires the same documents as in-person renewal and works for most standard license renewals.
You must renew in person at an ADOT office if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to update your address, or if you hold a commercial driver's license.
Renewal fees depend on your license type and the number of years you're renewing for, ranging from a few dollars for a one-year renewal to over $60 for a five-year renewal.
ADOT offices accept appointments and walk-ins, but appointment wait times are typically shorter than walk-in times.

Renewing online through the ADOT website

Online renewal is the quickest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the ADOT website, select "Driver License Services," and choose "Renew Your License Online." You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against ADOT records and show you the renewal fee based on how many years you want to renew for.

You'll pay the fee with a credit or debit card, and ADOT will mail your new license to the address on file. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license typically arrives within two to three weeks. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it has expired, as long as you have proof of your online renewal (a confirmation email or receipt number).

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address or other personal information, if you're renewing a commercial license, or if you're renewing a license that was suspended or revoked. In those cases, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works for most standard driver's license renewals and takes longer than online renewal but avoids an office visit. read the DL 44 form from the ADOT website or pick one up at any ADOT office. Fill it out completely, including your current address and any information that has changed since your last license. Attach copies of your proof of Social Security number and proof of address, and include a check or money order for the renewal fee made out to "Arizona Department of Transportation."

Mail the completed form and documents to the ADOT address listed on the form — this is typically the ADOT Driver License Services office in Phoenix. Include a cover letter with your name, driver's license number, and phone number so ADOT can contact you if there's a problem. Mail renewal usually takes two to three weeks from the time ADOT receives your packet, though processing times can vary during busy periods.

You can continue driving on your current license while your renewal is being processed. If you don't receive your new license within four weeks, contact ADOT to check the status of your renewal. Keep your confirmation receipt or any correspondence from ADOT in case you need to follow up.

Renewing in person at an ADOT office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to update your address or other personal information, if you're renewing a commercial driver's license, or if your license was suspended or revoked. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and payment for the renewal fee. If you've changed your name, bring the certified document showing the change.

You can make an appointment through the ADOT website or call your local ADOT office. Appointments typically have shorter wait times than walk-ins, though both are available. When you arrive, check in at the front desk, and an ADOT employee will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.

ADOT offices are located throughout Arizona. You can renew at any office, not just the one in your county. Office hours vary by location, so check the ADOT website for the hours and address of the office nearest you before you go.

Understanding renewal fees and license validity periods

Arizona driver's licenses can be renewed for one, two, three, four, or five years at a time. The renewal fee depends on how many years you choose. A one-year renewal costs less than a five-year renewal, but renewing for longer means you won't have to renew again for several years. The exact fee amounts change periodically, so check the ADOT website or call your local office for current pricing before you pay.

Your new license will be valid for the number of years you paid for, starting from the expiration date of your current license — not from the date you renew. This means if your license expires on your birthday in June and you renew it in April, your new license will still expire in June, just several years later. If you renew after your license has already expired, your new license's expiration date will be calculated from the date you renew.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for less than five years, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If it's been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at an ADOT office. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal. ADOT may require you to retake the written test or vision test if your license has been expired for a very long time, though this is not always the case — ask when you call to make your appointment.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you've already started the renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you could receive a citation. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, consider making an appointment at an ADOT office to get a temporary paper license while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Arizona allows you to renew your license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early can be helpful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Your new license's expiration date will be calculated from your current license's expiration date, not from the date you renew.

What if I've moved and my address on my license is wrong?

You must renew in person at an ADOT office if you need to change your address. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your other renewal documents. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your new license is mailed to you and typically arrives within two to three weeks. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Processing times may be longer during busy periods.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, ADOT uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person at an ADOT office, they take a new photo. You cannot request a new photo during online or mail renewal.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you don't have your current license. You must go to an ADOT office in person. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. ADOT will look up your license information in their system and process your renewal as a replacement and renewal combined.

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.