What you need to do to renew in Arizona
Arizona lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through their website. Most people under 65 with a standard license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If you're 65 or older, have a commercial license, or your license has been expired for more than five years, you'll need to go in person.
Your renewal window opens 120 days before your license expires and closes on the expiration date itself. Arizona sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it to start the process. The state charges $25 for a five-year renewal or $45 for a ten-year renewal, depending on which you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website is the fastest option for most drivers and takes about 10 minutes.
- Mail renewal requires sending your current license and a completed form to the Motor Vehicle Division, and takes two to three weeks from mailing.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is required if you're 65 or older, have a commercial license, or your license expired more than five years ago.
- You can renew starting 120 days before your expiration date, and you must renew by the expiration date or your license becomes invalid for driving.
Renewing online through the Arizona website
Go to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address or update it if you've moved.
You'll choose your renewal term (five or ten years) and pay the fee using a debit card or credit card. Once the payment processes, you're done—Arizona will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can keep driving without interruption.
Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you don't need to change your name or address, and you're not required to appear in person due to age or license type. If any of these don't explore to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Renewing by mail
read or request the renewal form from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website (form DL 43). Fill it out completely, including your name, address, and license number. Sign and date the form, then mail it along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form.
Include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($25 for five years or $45 for ten years) made payable to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the Motor Vehicle Division at the address on the form—currently the Phoenix office, though you should verify the current mailing address on the state website before sending.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Motor Vehicle Division receives your packet. Your old license remains valid during this time. Arizona will mail your new license to the address you provided on the form. If you don't receive it within four weeks of mailing, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to check the status.
Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office
Find your nearest Motor Vehicle Division office on the state website and check its hours before you go. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Arizona residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Walk in during office hours—most offices do not take appointments for standard renewals. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early morning and mid-week visits are usually faster. An office employee will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your payment. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary paper license lets you drive legally during this time. If you need to drive out of state before your permanent license arrives, bring the temporary license with your old license as proof.
When you must renew in person
Arizona requires in-person renewal if you're 65 years old or older, hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), have a license that expired more than five years ago, or need to change your name, address, or other information beyond a straightforward renewal. You also must appear in person if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you're renewing after a medical suspension.
If you fall into any of these categories, you cannot use online or mail renewal. Schedule an appointment or visit a Motor Vehicle Division office during business hours with the documents listed in the in-person section above. The office will determine whether you need to pass a vision test, written exam, or driving test before your renewal is approved.
What happens if your license expires
Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Arizona or any other state. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation and can result in a fine. If you're pulled over, the officer can cite you even if your renewal was in process.
If your license has been expired for fewer than five years, you can still renew by mail or online using the standard process. If it's been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test. The Motor Vehicle Division treats very old expirations as new applications rather than renewals.
If you realize your license is about to expire, start the renewal process when ready. Online renewal is the fastest option and can be completed in minutes, with your new license arriving within a week or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I live out of state now?
No. Arizona requires you to be a resident to hold an Arizona driver's license. If you've moved out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state instead. You can renew an Arizona license by mail only if your mailing address is still in Arizona or if you're a member of the military stationed overseas.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
You'll need to replace it before you can renew. Visit a Motor Vehicle Division office with proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and get a new license. Once you have it, you can renew through any method. You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number.
Do I have to renew for ten years or can I choose five years?
You can choose either term. Five-year renewals cost $25 and ten-year renewals cost $45. Some people choose the shorter term if they expect their address or name to change soon, or if they want to update their photo more frequently. The choice is yours at the time of renewal.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Arizona mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. Your old license stays valid until the new one arrives, so you can drive without interruption. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to verify it was processed.
What if my address changed since my last license?
You can update your address during online or mail renewal. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new Arizona address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). The Motor Vehicle Division will print your new address on your renewed license.