How to Renew Your Arizona Driver's License

Arizona driver's licenses renew every 12 years, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation

Arizona's Department of Transportation (ADOT) handles driver's license renewals. Standard licenses expire 12 years from the date of issue. You have three main paths: renew online through the ADOT website if you meet certain conditions, renew by mail if you're out of state or unable to visit an office, or renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license.

The online renewal process is the fastest option when available. You'll need your current Arizona driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your renewed license ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days. However, online renewal is only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions listed on your current license, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.

Key Takeaways

Arizona driver's licenses are valid for 12 years, and you can check your expiration date on the front of your card.
Online renewal through the ADOT website is available only if your license is not yet expired, your address hasn't changed, and you have no medical restrictions.
In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office requires your current license, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of Social Security number, and takes about 30 minutes.
Mail renewal is an option if you live outside Arizona or cannot visit an office, though it takes longer and requires notarized documents.
You must renew before your license expires; driving on an expired license is illegal in Arizona.

Online renewal through the ADOT website

The ADOT website at azdot.gov offers online renewal as the quickest option. You'll log in with your driver's license number and Social Security number, review your information, and pay the renewal fee. The current fee for a 12-year renewal is $39. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Once you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number by email.

Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. ADOT does not offer expedited shipping for online renewals. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, which can issue a temporary license on the spot.

Online renewal is not available if your current license has already expired, if you have medical conditions or restrictions listed on your license, or if your address has changed since your last renewal. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name or if you want to add the REAL ID designation to your license.

In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office

Visiting a Motor Vehicle Division office is necessary if you don't meet the conditions for online renewal, if you need a new photo, or if you want your license when ready. Arizona has Motor Vehicle Division offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times on the ADOT website.

Bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

The renewal fee at an office is the same as online: $39 for a 12-year renewal. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. The office will take a new photo and issue a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal for out-of-state residents

If you live outside Arizona and cannot visit an office, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal process by calling the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 or by visiting an ADOT office website to read the form. You'll need to complete the process, have it notarized, and mail it along with your current license and payment.

The notarization requirement adds time and cost to mail renewal. You'll need to find a notary public in your state, which typically costs $5 to $15. Mail the completed, notarized process, your current license, and a check or money order for $39 to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date ADOT receives your process, plus mailing time in both directions.

Mail renewal is not available if your license has already expired. If your license is expired and you live out of state, you must renew in person at an Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office or contact ADOT to discuss other options.

REAL ID and other upgrades during renewal

Arizona offers a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in May 2025. A standard renewal does not automatically include REAL ID. If you want to add REAL ID to your license, you must renew in person and bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, and two documents showing your current Arizona address.

The REAL ID fee is an additional $24 on top of the $39 renewal fee. You cannot add REAL ID through online or mail renewal. If you choose to add REAL ID during your renewal, your temporary license will note that it is REAL ID-compliant, and your permanent license will arrive with the REAL ID marking within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

Driving on an expired Arizona driver's license is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. If your license has expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal, plus your expired license.

An expired license does not affect your ability to renew; the office will process your renewal the same way. However, you will not receive a temporary license valid for 30 days. Instead, you'll receive a temporary license valid only until your permanent license arrives, typically 7 to 10 business days. Do not drive until you have a valid license in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona driver's license before it expires?

Yes. Arizona allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you're planning to travel or if you want to renew online before your address changes. Check your license for the expiration date to see when you become may be able to access to renew.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office or by mail if you live out of state. Bring proof of your new Arizona address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days. The office will update your address during the renewal process.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after ADOT processes your renewal. This timeline applies to online and in-person renewals. Mail renewals take longer because ADOT must receive and process your process first, which adds 4 to 6 weeks. Mailing time in both directions is not included in these estimates.

Do I need to take a written test or driving test to renew?

No. Renewal is not the same as a new license. You do not take a written or driving test during renewal. If you are renewing in person, the office will take a new photo and verify your information, but no testing is required.

What if I lost my current license before renewal?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person to report the loss and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and Arizona residency. The office will issue a temporary license and mail your replacement license within 7 to 10 business days.

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.