Arizona driver's licenses renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation
Arizona gives you three ways to renew: through the mail using the renewal notice you receive, through the Arizona Department of Transportation website, or by visiting an office in person. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the new card. Most people can renew online or by mail without leaving home.
You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 45 days before your license expires. This notice tells you which method you're allowed to use and includes a barcode that speeds up the process. If you've moved, changed your name, or your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot use the mail or online routes — you must go to an office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona sends you a renewal notice by mail about 45 days before expiration; check it to see which renewal method you're allowed to use.
- Online renewal through the ADOT website takes about 10 minutes and costs $12 for a standard five-year license, with the new card arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal uses the notice you received and takes about two weeks; you'll need to include a check or money order for the renewal fee.
- In-person renewal at an ADOT office is required if you've moved, changed your name, or had your license suspended, and you'll walk out with a temporary license the same day.
- Your current Arizona license must not be expired to use online or mail renewal; if it's expired, you must renew in person.
Online renewal through the ADOT website
Go to azdot.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the driver's license section. You'll need your current Arizona license number, the barcode from your renewal notice, and a valid payment method. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer a few questions about whether anything has changed since your last renewal.
The fee is $12 for a standard five-year license or $24 for an eight-year license if you're 65 or older. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready, and ADOT will mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your current license remains valid, so you can still drive legally.
Online renewal works only if your current license is not expired and you haven't moved, changed your name, or had any suspensions. If any of those explore, the website will tell you that you need to renew in person instead.
Mail renewal using your renewal notice
Your renewal notice includes everything you need to mail in. Fill out the form on the back, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($12 for five years, $24 for eight years), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time ADOT receives your envelope. There's no way to track it once you've mailed it, so allow extra time if you're close to your expiration date. Your current license stays valid while you wait for the new one to arrive.
You can only use mail renewal if your license is not expired and nothing on your renewal notice says you must come in person. If the notice says "in-person renewal required," the mail option won't work.
In-person renewal at an ADOT office
Visit any ADOT office with your current Arizona license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. You'll need a new photo taken, which is included in the renewal fee. Bring your renewal notice if you have it, though it's not required.
In-person renewal is required if you've moved since your last renewal, changed your legal name, or if your license was suspended or revoked. It's also the only option if your license has already expired. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while you wait for your new card to arrive by mail.
Wait times at ADOT offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy early in the morning on weekdays. You can find your nearest office and current wait times on the ADOT website.
What happens if your license has already expired
An expired Arizona license cannot be renewed by mail or online. You must go to an ADOT office in person with your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment. Bring your renewal notice if you received one.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you've started the renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you could receive a citation. The renewal itself costs the same whether your license is current or expired, but you lose the convenience of mail or online renewal.
Fees and what they cover
A standard five-year Arizona driver's license costs $12 to renew. If you're 65 or older, you can choose an eight-year license for $24 instead. These are the only two options for standard renewals. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
The renewal fee covers the new license card and the processing. It does not include any additional services like a Real ID upgrade or a duplicate license. If you want to upgrade to Real ID at the same time, that costs extra and requires an in-person visit with additional documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I'm out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you're out of state and your license has expired, you'll need to renew in person at an ADOT office when you return to Arizona, since expired licenses cannot be renewed remotely.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online without the notice — you'll just need your current license number and a payment method. For mail renewal, you can request a new notice from ADOT or renew online instead. The notice is a convenience, not a requirement.
How long is my license valid after I renew?
A standard renewal gives you five more years from your current expiration date. If you're 65 or older and choose the eight-year option, your license is valid for eight years. The expiration date is printed on your new card.
Do I need a new photo when I renew by mail or online?
No. Mail and online renewals use your existing photo from your current license. Only in-person renewals require a new photo to be taken at the ADOT office.
What if my name changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at an ADOT office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. You'll need a new photo taken as part of the process.