What You Need to Do to Renew in Arizona

Arizona lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people can renew online or by mail without leaving home, but you must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need to update your address, name, or other personal information.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes online or by mail, though the physical card arrives in the mail within two to three weeks. In-person renewals at an office are faster — you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day — but you will wait in line and need to bring documents with you.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
  • By-mail renewal requires you to fill out Form DL 44, include your current license and a check, and mail it to the address on the form.
  • In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office requires a birth certificate or passport, proof of Arizona residency, and your current license.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks for online and mail renewals, or you receive a temporary paper license when ready at an office.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to an office in person.

Renewing Online Through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division

Online renewal is available if your license is still valid (not expired), you have not changed your address or name, and you do not want a new photo. Go to azmvd.gov and click the "Renew Your License" link. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card).

The renewal fee is $12 for a four-year license or $24 for an eight-year license. After you complete the online form and pay, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within two to three weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. read or request Form DL 44 from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your current driver's license and a check for the renewal fee ($12 for four years or $24 for eight years) to the address listed on the form.

Mail your packet to the Motor Vehicle Division at 1801 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85007. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date they receive your mail. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Keep your current license with you until the new one arrives, since you can still drive legally on an expired license during the renewal period if you have mailed in your renewal.

Renewing in Person at a Motor Vehicle Division Office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address or name, if you want a new photo, or if you are renewing for the first time in Arizona. Bring your current driver's license (or passport if your license is expired), proof of your Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your birth certificate or passport.

Go to any Motor Vehicle Division office during business hours. You will fill out the renewal form at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent card arrives within two to three weeks.

Motor Vehicle Division offices are located in Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson, Flagstaff, Yuma, and other cities. Hours vary by location, so check azmvd.gov for the office nearest you and call ahead if you want to confirm current hours or check wait times.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than Five Years Ago

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Arizona residency, and your expired license. You will need to take a new written test and vision test at the office, and you will have your photo taken.

The process takes longer than a standard renewal — usually 30 to 45 minutes depending on office traffic — but you still receive a temporary paper license the same day and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks. The renewal fee remains the same ($12 for four years or $24 for eight years).

Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal

If you moved or changed your name, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new Arizona address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and a document showing your name change if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The office will update your information, take a new photo, and issue your temporary paper license on the spot. Your new license with the updated information arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The renewal fee is the same as a standard renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is currently 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 is suspended and what you need to do to clear it.

What if I do not receive my new license within three weeks?

Contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 with your confirmation number (if you renewed online or by mail) or your temporary paper license number (if you renewed in person). They can track your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The new expiration date is calculated from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew, so renewing early does not give you extra time on your license.

Do I need to take a new photo if I renew online or by mail?

No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.

What if my name or address is wrong on my current license?

You must correct it in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring proof of your correct name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) or correct address (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). The office will issue a corrected license on the spot.