How to Renew Your Arizona Driver's License

Arizona driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Arizona lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: by mail, online through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Which route you can use depends on your age, how much time is left on your current license, and whether your address or name has changed. Most people under 65 with a valid license and no address changes can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home, pay the fee by credit or debit card, and receive your renewed license by mail within two to three weeks. By-mail renewal takes longer overall but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is necessary only if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if you need to update your photo, address, or name on the same day.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the ADOT website is available to most drivers under 65 with a valid license and no address changes, and takes about two to three weeks from submission to delivery.
By-mail renewal requires you to complete a form, include your current license, and mail everything to ADOT; processing takes four to six weeks.
In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is required if you are 65 or older, have an expired license, or need to change your photo, address, or legal name.
Your renewed license is valid for five years if you are under 65, or eight years if you are 65 or older.
The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, and does not vary based on how you submit your request.

Online renewal through the ADOT website

To renew online, visit the Arizona Department of Transportation's official renewal portal at azdot.gov and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current Arizona driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against ADOT's records and confirm whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

If you are may be able to access, you will review your current license information on screen. You can update your mailing address at this step if it has changed, but you cannot change your photo or legal name online — those changes require an in-person visit. After you confirm your information and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, ADOT will mail your renewed license to the address you provided. The entire process takes two to three weeks from the date you submit.

Online renewal is not available if you are 65 or older, if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you need to change your photo or legal name. If any of these explore to you, use the by-mail or in-person method instead.

By-mail renewal with a paper form

To renew by mail, read or request the process for Renewal of Driver License form (Form 43-1001) from the ADOT website or by calling the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072. Complete the form with your current information, sign it, and include your current Arizona driver's license. Mail the form and your license to the address listed on the form — typically the Motor Vehicle Division office in Phoenix.

Include a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Do not send cash. If your mailing address has changed, write your new address clearly on the form. ADOT will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address you provided, which takes four to six weeks from the date they receive your envelope.

By-mail renewal works for drivers of any age and is useful if you prefer not to visit an office or do not have reliable internet access. However, you cannot change your photo or legal name by mail — those changes require an in-person appointment at a Motor Vehicle Division office.

In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office

Visit a Motor Vehicle Division office if you are 65 or older, if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your photo or legal name, or if you prefer to receive your renewed license the same day. Bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your legal name if you have changed it since your last renewal.

Motor Vehicle Division offices are located throughout Arizona. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the ADOT website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only — check before you go. If you book an appointment online, you can often reduce your wait time significantly.

At the office, you will have your photo taken for your new license, pay the renewal fee in cash or by card, and receive your renewed license on the spot. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is and whether you have an appointment.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

The renewal fee for a standard Arizona driver's license is the same regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. The fee does not vary by age or by renewal method. As of 2024, the standard renewal fee is set by Arizona statute, but you should confirm the current amount on the ADOT website or by phone before you submit payment, since fees can change.

Your renewed license is valid for five years from the date of issue if you are under 65. If you are 65 or older, your renewed license is valid for eight years. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment — renewing early gives you more time to receive your new license by mail if you choose that method.

What to do if your license has expired

If your Arizona driver's license has been expired for five years or less, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office — online and by-mail renewal are not available for licenses that have been expired that long.

You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal request. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may face a citation. Renew your license as soon as you notice it has expired or is about to expire.

Changing your address, name, or photo during renewal

If your mailing address has changed but your legal name and photo are still current, you can update your address during online or by-mail renewal. straightforward enter your new address when prompted, and ADOT will mail your renewed license there.

If you have changed your legal name or want to update your photo, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring a certified copy of your name-change document (such as a marriage certificate or court order) if you are changing your name. You will have a new photo taken at the office, and your renewed license will reflect both changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona driver's license if I no longer live in Arizona?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail even if you have moved out of state, as long as your license has not been expired for more than five years and you do not need to change your photo or legal name. Update your mailing address to your current out-of-state address so your renewed license reaches you. If you have moved permanently and no longer consider Arizona your home state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?

Online renewal takes two to three weeks from the date you submit. By-mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date ADOT receives your envelope. In-person renewal gives you your license the same day. Delivery times can vary depending on mail volume and your location within Arizona.

What if I need to renew my license before I receive my renewed one in the mail?

If you submitted an online or by-mail renewal and your current license expires before your new one arrives, you can print a temporary renewal receipt from the ADOT website (if you renewed online) or contact the Motor Vehicle Division to request a temporary extension. You cannot legally drive without a valid license, so contact ADOT when ready if you think your new license will not arrive in time.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office?

Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment. Check the ADOT website for your nearest office to see whether appointments are required or recommended. Booking an appointment online usually reduces your wait time significantly.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license (CDL) online or by mail?

No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You will need to pass a written test and a driving test as part of your CDL renewal, which cannot be done online or by mail.

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.