Renew in person at an Arizona MVD office or by mail
Arizona lets you renew your driver's license in three ways: in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Arizona MVD website. Most people can renew by mail or online without visiting an office, which takes longer but costs nothing extra and requires no appointment. If you renew in person, you'll need to pass a vision test and may need to provide new documents depending on how long it's been since your last renewal.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 45 days before your license expires. This notice contains your renewal number, which you'll need for any renewal method. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew — you just won't have the renewal number handy, and you'll need to look up your information on the MVD website or call 602-255-0072.
Key Takeaways
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and works if your address hasn't changed and you don't need a new photo, but you must send your current license with the renewal form.
- Online renewal through the Arizona MVD website is the fastest option and requires only your driver's license number, renewal number, and a valid payment method.
- In-person renewal at an MVD office requires a vision test and takes about 30 minutes, but you walk out with your new license the same day.
- You'll need proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and proof of legal presence (passport, birth certificate, or visa) only if you're renewing for the first time or your documents have changed.
Renew by mail: what to send and how long it takes
Mail renewal works only if your address hasn't changed since your last license was issued and you don't want a new photo. You'll mail your current license, the renewal form (which comes in your renewal notice), and a check or money order for the renewal fee. The current renewal fee is $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license. Mail your envelope to the address printed on the renewal form — it's different depending on which MVD office serves your area.
Processing takes about two weeks from the day the MVD receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail another week or so after that, so plan for three to four weeks total. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can show the MVD's receipt (which you should keep) as proof of renewal if you're stopped by police, though it's not a legal substitute for the license itself.
Mail renewal fails silently if you've moved or if your name has changed. The MVD will return your envelope, and you'll have lost time. If either of those applies to you, renew in person or online instead.
Renew online: the fastest method if you have your renewal number
Online renewal through the Arizona MVD website (azmvd.gov) takes about five minutes and your new license arrives in seven to ten business days. You'll need your driver's license number, your renewal number (from your renewal notice), your date of birth, and a valid debit or credit card. The fee is the same as mail renewal: $25 for five years or $45 for ten years.
Online renewal works only if your address and name haven't changed. If either has, the system will reject your request and direct you to renew in person. You also cannot renew online if you need a new photo or if your license was suspended or revoked — those situations require an in-person visit.
After you complete the online form and pay, the MVD sends you a confirmation email. Your new license ships within a few days and arrives by mail. If you need your license before it arrives, you can visit an MVD office with your confirmation email and get a temporary paper license the same day.
Renew in person: when you need a new photo or your address changed
Visit any Arizona MVD office if your address has changed, you want a new photo, your name has changed, or you're renewing for the first time in many years. Bring your current license, proof of Arizona residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of legal presence (a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or visa). If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You don't need an appointment at most MVD offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Mornings on weekdays are usually shorter than afternoons or weekends. The office will take your photo, run a vision test, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license prints when ready, and you walk out with it the same day. The fee is the same: $25 for five years or $45 for ten years.
If you're over 65, you can renew for five years only, not ten. If you've been diagnosed with a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, the MVD may require you to pass a driving test or provide a doctor's statement before renewing.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Time to Receive License |
|---|---|---|
| By Mail | Current license, renewal form, check or money order | 3–4 weeks |
| Online | License number, renewal number, date of birth, payment method | 7–10 business days |
| In Person | Current license, proof of residency, proof of legal presence (if first renewal or documents changed) | Same day |
What happens if your license expires before your renewal arrives
If you renewed by mail or online and your license expires before the new one arrives, you can still drive legally while you wait. Keep the renewal notice, confirmation email, or receipt from your payment as proof that you've renewed. If a police officer stops you, show them this proof along with your expired license. The officer may issue a warning or citation depending on the circumstances, but you have documentation that renewal was in progress.
If you're concerned about the timing, visit an MVD office with your renewal confirmation and ask for a temporary paper license. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and serves as a legal substitute for your license while you wait for the permanent one to arrive by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but you must renew in person at an MVD office. Expired licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence. You'll take a vision test and have your photo taken. The fee is the same as a regular renewal.
Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail or online?
No. Mail and online renewals use your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVD office.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online or by mail without it. For online renewal, you'll enter your license number and date of birth instead of your renewal number. For mail renewal, call 602-255-0072 to request a renewal form, or visit an MVD office to pick one up in person.
How much does it cost to renew in Arizona?
A five-year renewal costs $25, and a ten-year renewal costs $45. The fee is the same whether you renew by mail, online, or in person. If you're over 65, you can only renew for five years.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the MVD before you can renew. Contact the MVD at 602-255-0072 to find out what steps are required to clear the suspension or revocation.