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 to update your photo. Most people renew online or by mail without leaving home, but you must appear in person if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need a new photo.
The renewal process itself is straightforward: you provide your current information, pay the renewal fee, and submit proof of residency if required. Arizona does not require a new written test or driving test for most renewals. Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks of approval.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through the Arizona Department of Transportation website if your license is current and you do not need a new photo.
- By-mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order sent to the Motor Vehicle Division.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license expired more than five years ago.
- Arizona driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you can begin the renewal process up to one year before expiration.
- The renewal fee is $25 for a five-year license, though fees vary slightly if you are renewing a commercial license or adding endorsements.
Renewing Online Through Arizona's Website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
The online system will ask you to review and update your address, contact information, and emergency contact details. You then pay the $25 renewal fee by debit or credit card. Once approved, your new license is mailed to the address on file. This process takes about 10 minutes and you receive your new license within two to three weeks.
If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access to renew online, it means your license has expired or you need a new photo. In that case, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. read or request the renewal form from the Arizona Department of Transportation website (form DL 44 or the renewal-specific form). Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any changes to your information.
Gather your current driver's license and write a check or money order for $25 payable to the Motor Vehicle Division. Mail the form, your license, and payment to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of proof of residency if you have moved since your last renewal — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.
Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the Motor Vehicle Division receives your envelope. Your new license arrives separately by mail. Keep track of when you mailed the form so you know when to expect it; if three weeks pass with no arrival, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to confirm receipt.
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 a new photo, or if you want to change your name or add endorsements like a motorcycle rating. Bring your current license (even if expired), proof of residency, and $25 cash or a debit or credit card. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
Find your nearest Motor Vehicle Division office on the ADOT website and check its hours before you go. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, though some have limited Saturday hours. Arrive early or during off-peak times (mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays) to avoid long waits. The renewal itself takes about 30 minutes, and you receive a temporary license to use while your permanent one is mailed.
If you need a new photo, the office takes one during your visit at no extra charge. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than Five Years
An expired license that has been expired for more than five years cannot be renewed by mail or online. You must go to a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and $25. You will have your photo taken and receive a temporary license on the spot.
You do not have to retake the written driving test or the road test unless the Motor Vehicle Division has reason to believe you are not safe to drive. In most cases, the office straightforward issues you a new license based on your expired one. Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
Understanding Arizona's License Validity and Renewal Timeline
An Arizona driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. This means if your license expires on June 15, 2025, you can start renewing on June 15, 2024.
Your license number stays the same when you renew, so you do not need to update it with your employer, bank, or insurance company. The new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date it is issued. If you renew online or by mail, the Motor Vehicle Division processes your request and mails the new license; if you renew in person, you receive a temporary license when ready and the permanent one arrives by mail.
If your license expires while you are waiting for your renewal to arrive, you are still legally allowed to drive as long as you can show proof that you submitted a renewal request. Keep the confirmation email (if you renewed online) or a copy of your mailed form as proof.
Fees and What They Cover
The standard renewal fee for a five-year Arizona driver's license is $25. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the renewal fee is higher — check the ADOT website for the current CDL renewal rate, as it varies based on the type of commercial license you hold.
The $25 fee covers the license itself and processing. There are no additional charges for photo updates, address changes, or name changes during renewal. If you want to add an endorsement (such as a motorcycle rating) during renewal, there may be an additional fee; the Motor Vehicle Division will inform you of any extra charges when you begin the renewal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I have moved out of state?
No. To renew an Arizona license, you must be a resident of Arizona. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a driver's license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still an Arizona resident, you can renew online or by mail as long as you have a valid Arizona address on file.
What if I lost my current license before renewal?
You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. You must go to a Motor Vehicle Division office in person and report the loss. Bring proof of residency and $25. The office will issue you a replacement license with the same expiration date as your original, or you can pay an additional fee to renew it for another five years at the same time.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I submit online?
After you complete the online renewal and your payment is processed, the Motor Vehicle Division mails your new license within two to three weeks. You will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number so you can monitor delivery. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to check the status.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Only if your current license photo is more than 12 years old, if you request a new photo, or if you renew in person. If you renew online or by mail and your photo is less than 12 years old, your old photo is used on your new license. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must renew in person instead.
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Motor Vehicle Division. Contact the division to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before you attempt to renew.