What you need to bring to renew your Arizona license

To renew your Arizona driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) also requires you to pass a vision test and answer questions about your health and driving record at the time of renewal.

If your current license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you can renew by mail, online, or in person. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an ADOT office. The specific documents you bring depend on which method you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your address, and proof of your Social Security number to any in-person renewal.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to an ADOT office in person.
  • You will pay a renewal fee at the time of renewal; the amount depends on the type of license and how many years you are renewing for.

Documents that prove your address

Arizona accepts several documents as proof of your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank or credit card statement all work.

If you do not have any of these, ADOT also accepts a property tax bill, an insurance policy, a government check, or a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your current address. The key is that the document must be recent and show both your name and where you live now.

Documents that prove your Social Security number

You can bring your Social Security card itself, or you can bring a document that shows your number. A W-2 form, a tax return, a 1099 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration all count. If you bring a document with your full Social Security number on it, ADOT staff will see it, so consider bringing your card instead if you prefer not to hand over a document with your complete number visible.

If you do not have your Social Security number or cannot prove it, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration before you can renew your license. ADOT cannot issue or renew a license without this information.

Renewing by mail or online versus in person

If your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you have three options: renew by mail, renew online through the ADOT website, or renew in person at an ADOT office. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. Online renewal is the fastest if your license has not expired and you have a valid email address on file.

For mail renewal, you send your current license, the renewal form (which you can read from the ADOT website or request by phone), proof of address, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. For online renewal, you log in with your license number and date of birth, answer health and safety questions, and pay by debit or credit card. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes at an ADOT office.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You must go to an ADOT office, bring all required documents, pass a vision test, and answer questions about your health and driving record in person.

Vision test and health questions at renewal

When you renew your license in person, ADOT will test your vision. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you cannot meet this standard, you will not be able to renew until your vision improves or you get a corrective device that allows you to pass.

You will also answer questions about your health and any conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely. These questions cover things like seizures, fainting, loss of consciousness, or medications that impair judgment or reaction time. Answer honestly; lying on these questions can result in license suspension or revocation if discovered later.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

The renewal fee depends on the type of license you hold and how many years you are renewing for. Arizona offers renewals for one, two, three, four, or five years. A longer renewal period costs more upfront but means you renew less often. The fee also differs if you hold a standard license, a commercial license, or a license with special endorsements.

You can find the current fee schedule on the ADOT website or by calling your local ADOT office. Fees change occasionally, so do not assume the amount you paid last time is still correct. If you renew by mail or online, you pay by check, money order, or card at the time you submit your renewal. If you renew in person, you pay at the office when your new license is issued.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Arizona license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. You must resolve the underlying issue with the court or ADOT before you can renew.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or revoked, you can check your status on the ADOT website or call an ADOT office. They can tell you what the problem is and what steps you need to take to clear it. Do not attempt to renew until this is resolved, as doing so will delay your renewal and may result in additional penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona license if I no longer live in Arizona?

No. You must be an Arizona resident to hold an Arizona driver's license. If you move out of state, you must get a license from your new state. If you move back to Arizona later, you can explore for a new Arizona license.

What if I lost my current license and cannot bring it to renewal?

You will need to report it lost to ADOT and request a replacement before you can renew. Bring proof of your identity, address, and Social Security number to an ADOT office. You will pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore?

If you renew in person, you receive your new license the same day. If you renew by mail, it typically takes two to three weeks. Online renewal is fastest; your new license is mailed within one to two weeks if your current license has not expired.

Do I need to take a written driving test to renew my license?

No. You only need to pass a vision test and answer health questions. You do not retake the written knowledge test or the driving skills test unless your license was suspended or revoked, or unless ADOT has reason to believe you are unsafe to drive.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. ADOT will update your name on your new license. You will still need to bring proof of address and Social Security number along with your current license.