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. The fastest route is usually online if you're renewing a standard license that hasn't expired more than five years ago — you can complete the whole process from home in about 15 minutes. If you're renewing in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of Arizona residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number.

Mail renewal takes longer but requires the same documents. You'll fill out the renewal form, mail it with a check or money order, and wait two to three weeks for your new license to arrive. In-person renewal at an ADOT office is fastest if you need your license when ready — you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within two weeks.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the ADOT website is the quickest option for most people and takes about 15 minutes from your computer.
You can renew by mail or in person at any ADOT office, though mail takes two to three weeks and in-person visits may have wait times.
Your current driver's license, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number are the documents you'll need for any renewal method.
If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks.
Standard licenses can be renewed online only if they expired fewer than five years ago; older or commercial licenses require in-person renewal.

Online renewal through the ADOT website

Go to the ADOT website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will ask you to confirm your address and whether any information has changed since your last renewal.

You'll pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card — the cost depends on how many years you're renewing for, typically $25 to $45 for a five-year license. Once you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks. This method works only if your license hasn't been expired for more than five years and you don't need to update your address or other personal information.

Renewing in person at an ADOT office

Find your nearest ADOT office on their website and check the current wait times before you go — some offices post live updates. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number. You can also bring a completed DL 44 form (the renewal form) to speed up the process, though staff can help you fill it out on site.

When you arrive, you'll check in and wait for your number to be called. The staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo if required, and process your payment. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you. The whole visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.

Renewing by mail

read and print the DL 44 form from the ADOT website or request one by phone at 602-255-0072. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency — don't send your original documents.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time ADOT receives your envelope. You won't receive a temporary license by mail, so you'll be without a valid license during this period. Mail renewal works best if you're not in a hurry and prefer to avoid a trip to an office. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

What happens if your license has expired more than five years ago

You cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago. Instead, you must renew in person at an ADOT office. This is treated as a new process rather than a renewal, which means you'll need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test depending on how long ago your license expired.

Bring the same documents — your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number — plus any additional documents ADOT requests based on your specific situation. Call your local ADOT office before you go to confirm what you'll need, since requirements can vary.

Updating your address or other information during renewal

If you've moved or need to change your name, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew in person at an ADOT office. Bring your current license, proof of your new Arizona address, and your Social Security number. If you're changing your name, also bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Address changes are processed when ready when you renew in person. You'll receive your temporary paper license with the updated address, and your new plastic card will arrive by mail with the correct information within two weeks.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check at an ADOT office. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.

ADOT does not accept cash by mail. If you're paying in person and want to use cash, you can do that at any ADOT office. The exact fee amount is listed on the ADOT website and may change year to year, so check before you go or submit your payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes. If it expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew online. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an ADOT office and may need to retake the vision test or written exam. Either way, you can renew at any time — there's no penalty for renewing late.

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

Online and mail renewals take two to three weeks for your plastic card to arrive by mail. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, valid for 30 days, while your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks.

What if I need my license before the new one arrives?

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license the same day that's valid for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, you can visit an ADOT office and request a temporary license while you wait for your plastic card.

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, ADOT takes a new photo as part of the process. You can request a new photo at any time by visiting an ADOT office.

What if my address changed but I don't want to update it during renewal?

You can renew online without changing your address. However, your license will show your old address. If you want to update your address, you must renew in person at an ADOT office and bring proof of your new Arizona address.

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.