What You Need to Do to Renew in Arizona
Arizona lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license meets certain conditions. Most people can complete the process without visiting an office, but some situations require you to appear in person.
Your license is may be able to access for online or mail renewal if it is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical conditions on file, and your address is current with the Motor Vehicle Division. If your license expired more than five years ago or you need to update your address, you must renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website takes about 10 minutes and costs $12 for a five-year license or $24 for a ten-year license.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the Motor Vehicle Division; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you have medical restrictions, or you need to change your address.
- You will need proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and your Social Security number for any renewal method.
- Arizona licenses are valid for five or ten years depending on which you choose; the ten-year license costs more but requires renewal less often.
Renewing Online Through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division Website
The fastest way to renew is online at azmvd.gov. Go to the "Renew Your License" section and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you are may be able to access for online renewal.
If you are may be able to access, you will review your current information, choose your license length (five or ten years), and pay by credit or debit card. The fee is $12 for a five-year license or $24 for a ten-year license. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have medical conditions or restrictions on file, or if your address needs to be updated. The system will tell you if you do not meet the requirements and direct you to mail or in-person options.
Renewing by Mail
To renew by mail, read and print the process for Renewal of Driving Privilege (Form DL 44) from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website, or request it by calling 602-255-0072. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any changes to your information.
Mail your completed form, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the Motor Vehicle Division at 1801 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85007. Include a copy of your proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your current address). Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Motor Vehicle Division receives your packet.
Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical conditions on file. If either of those conditions applies to you, you must renew in person.
Renewing in Person at a Motor Vehicle Division Office
Visit any Motor Vehicle Division office with your current driver's license, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number. Bring a completed process for Renewal of Driving Privilege (Form DL 44) if you have one, though staff can provide a blank form at the office.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you have medical restrictions or conditions on file, you are changing your address, or you want to update your photograph. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, process your payment, and issue a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Motor Vehicle Division offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can find office locations and hours at azmvd.gov or call 602-255-0072 to ask about current wait times before you go.
Documents and Information You Will Need
For any renewal method, have your Social Security number ready. You will also need proof of your current Arizona address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail postmarked within the last 60 days all work. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring proof of the new address.
If you are renewing in person, bring your current driver's license. For mail renewal, include your current license with your packet. For online renewal, you will need your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number, but you do not mail anything.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving (such as vision problems or a seizure disorder), you may need a medical report from your doctor. The Motor Vehicle Division will tell you what is required when you contact them or when you attempt online renewal.
License Length and Cost
Arizona offers two renewal options: a five-year license for $12 or a ten-year license for $24. The ten-year license costs twice as much but means you will not need to renew again for a decade. Choose based on how long you plan to stay in Arizona and whether you prefer to renew less often.
If you are over 65 years old, Arizona offers a five-year license for $6. This reduced rate applies only to in-person renewals, so you cannot use it if you renew online or by mail.
What Happens After You Renew
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary license good for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail.
If your license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if it was lost in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I live out of state now?
No. Arizona requires proof of current residency to renew. If you have moved out of state, you must get a license from your new state. If you still live in Arizona but are temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license meets the other requirements.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring documents showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Motor Vehicle Division will not process a name change through online or mail renewal.
How long does my license stay valid after it expires?
Arizona does not have a grace period. Your license is invalid the day it expires. However, if you renew before it expires, your new license will arrive before the old one runs out, so there is no gap in validity.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Motor Vehicle Division before you can renew. Call 602-255-0072 to find out what steps are required to clear the suspension or revocation.
Do I need to take a written test or driving test to renew?
No. Renewal does not require a test unless the Motor Vehicle Division has flagged your record for a medical reason or you are renewing after a suspension. In those cases, staff will tell you what is required when you contact them or visit an office.