What You Need to Renew Your Arizona Driver's License

Documents and information you'll bring to the MVD

To renew your Arizona driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your current license. The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) accepts a limited set of documents for each category, so knowing what counts before you go saves a trip back home.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: your current Arizona driver's license, passport, tribal ID, military ID, or birth certificate. If you're renewing by mail or online, you won't need this — the MVD already has your identity on file — but if you're renewing in person at an MVD office, bring one of these documents.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Arizona address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or insurance documents all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. You need only one document, and it must show your name and address.

Bring your current Arizona driver's license itself. If you've lost it, you'll need to report it to the MVD before you renew, which adds a step.

Key Takeaways

You need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or current license), proof of Arizona residency dated within 60 days, and your current license itself.
You can renew online at azmvd.gov if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name, address, or medical conditions since your last renewal.
In-person renewal at an MVD office takes about 15 to 30 minutes and costs $25 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license.
Mail renewal is available but slower — send your documents to the address on the MVD website, and processing takes two to three weeks after the MVD receives your packet.
If your license is expired by more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to an MVD office in person.

Renewing online versus in person

Arizona lets you renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address, and you have no new medical conditions to report. Go to azmvd.gov, select "Renew Your License," and follow the steps. You'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and the MVD will mail your new license to the address on file. Online renewal takes about 10 business days from the time you submit.

If your license is expired, or if you've moved or changed your name, you must renew in person at an MVD office. Bring the documents listed above, your current license, and a completed form DL 43 (process for Arizona Driver License). You can print this form from azmvd.gov or fill it out at the office. The fee is $25 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card.

Walk-in service is available at most MVD offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can also schedule an appointment online at azmvd.gov, which usually reduces your wait. Bring all documents in one visit — if you forget something, you'll have to come back.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired and you meet the same conditions as online renewal: no name change, no address change, no new medical conditions. Print form DL 43 from azmvd.gov, fill it out completely, and mail it with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

Do not send cash through the mail. Include a copy of your proof of residency — the MVD will not return original documents. Processing takes two to three weeks after the MVD receives your packet, and your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided.

Mail renewal is slower than in-person or online, so start the process well before your license expires. If your license expires while your renewal is in the mail, you cannot legally drive until the new one arrives.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for five years or less, you can still renew it using any method — online, in person, or by mail. The process is the same, and you pay the standard renewal fee.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires taking the written test and vision test again. You'll also need to provide proof of Social Security number and proof of legal presence in the United States. This process takes longer and costs more than renewal, so renewing before expiration is worth the effort.

Medical conditions and vision requirements

When you renew, the MVD asks whether you have any new medical conditions that might affect your driving — such as seizures, diabetes, heart conditions, or sleep disorders. If you answer yes to any of these, you may need to provide a medical report from your doctor before the MVD issues your new license.

You do not need to take a vision test to renew by mail or online. If you renew in person, the MVD will check your vision at the office. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it the same day, and you have the option to correct your vision with glasses or contacts before trying again.

Fees and payment methods

A five-year Arizona driver's license costs $25 to renew. An eight-year license costs $40. These are the standard fees as of now, though fees can change. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order only — do not send cash. If you renew online, pay by debit or credit card.

Some MVD offices accept payment by phone if you call ahead, but this varies by location. Check azmvd.gov or call your local office to ask.

Timeline and when to start

Your Arizona driver's license shows an expiration date on the front. You can renew up to one year before it expires. If you wait until the last week, online and in-person renewal should still get you a new license before expiration, but mail renewal may not — processing takes two to three weeks, and mail delivery adds more time.

Start the renewal process at least three weeks before your license expires if you're using mail, or two weeks before if you're renewing in person or online. This buffer protects you if there are delays in processing or delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved out of state?

No. Your Arizona license is tied to Arizona residency. If you've moved to another state, you need to get a driver's license from that state instead. You can no longer renew an Arizona license once you establish residency elsewhere.

What if I've lost my current license?

Report the loss to the MVD first by calling your local office or going in person. The MVD will flag your license as lost in their system. Then you can renew using the same process, but bring your proof of identity and residency instead of your current license.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No, but scheduling one online at azmvd.gov usually means a shorter wait. Walk-ins are accepted at all MVD offices, but wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the location and time of day.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. Go to an MVD office in person and bring proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll fill out form DL 43 and pay the renewal fee.

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

Online and in-person renewal: 10 business days by mail. Mail renewal: 2 to 3 weeks after the MVD receives your packet, plus mail delivery time. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license you can use when ready while you wait for the plastic card.

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.