You can renew at an Arizona Department of Transportation office, by mail, or online depending on your situation

Arizona offers three main ways to renew your driver's license: in person at a local ADOT office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the ADOT website. Which option works for you depends on whether you need a Real ID-compliant license, how soon you need it, and whether your license has been expired for more than five years.

The fastest route for most people is the ADOT website at azdot.gov, where you can renew online if your license is not expired and you do not need a Real ID upgrade. If you need Real ID or your license has been expired longer than five years, you must go in person to an ADOT office. Mail renewal is available only in specific situations and takes longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through azdot.gov works if your license is current and you do not need Real ID, and takes about one to two weeks for your new card to arrive.
  • In-person renewal at an ADOT office is required if you need a Real ID-compliant license or your license has been expired for more than five years.
  • Mail renewal is available only if you are over 65, have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office, or are a member of the military stationed outside Arizona.
  • ADOT offices are located in most Arizona counties, and you can find your nearest location and check wait times on the ADOT website before you go.
  • You will need your current driver's license and proof of Arizona residency for any renewal method.

Online renewal through the ADOT website

The ADOT website at azdot.gov has an online renewal portal that works if your license is not expired and you do not need to upgrade to Real ID. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer a few questions about changes to your information, pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and submit. The process takes about 10 minutes.

Your new license will arrive by mail in one to two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal — currently $12 for a standard five-year license — because you are not using a staff member's time or an office location.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to upgrade to Real ID. If any of those explore to you, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at an ADOT office

ADOT has offices in most Arizona counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the ADOT website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also make an appointment online, which usually cuts your wait time significantly.

Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your Arizona address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If you are renewing because your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to pass a vision test and answer questions about your driving history.

In-person renewal is required if you need Real ID, which is now required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Real ID renewal costs more than standard renewal — currently around $25 to $30 depending on how long the license is valid — but the card itself looks similar to a standard license and is valid for the same five years.

Mail renewal for specific situations

Mail renewal is available only if you are 65 or older, have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office, or are a member of the military stationed outside Arizona. You request a mail renewal form from ADOT, complete it, and mail it back with a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks because your form has to be processed by hand. You cannot upgrade to Real ID by mail, and you cannot change your name or address through the mail process. If you need any of those, you must renew in person.

What documents you need for any renewal method

For online renewal, you need your current driver's license number and date of birth. For in-person or mail renewal, bring your current license and one document proving your Arizona address from the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, insurance bill, or bank statement all count.

If you are renewing because your license expired more than five years ago, ADOT may ask for additional documents to verify your identity, such as a birth certificate or passport. If you are changing your name, you will need a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

ADOT office locations and hours

ADOT has offices in Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Yavapai, Coconino, Apache, Navajo, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Cochise, Santa Cruz, and La Paz counties. The largest offices are in Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa, and these typically have the longest wait times during peak hours.

Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can check specific hours and make an appointment on the ADOT website. If you live in a county without an ADOT office, you can renew online or by mail, or travel to the nearest office in an adjacent county.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $12 online, $25 in person without Real ID, and $30 in person with Real ID. If you renew by mail, the fee is the same as in-person renewal without Real ID. These fees can change, so check the ADOT website for current pricing before you renew.

If you want your license to be valid for eight years instead of five, you can pay an additional fee at an ADOT office. Some people choose this option if they do not want to renew again for several years, though it costs more upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you must renew in person at an ADOT office. You cannot use online or mail renewal if your license has been expired for more than five years. Bring your expired license, proof of Arizona residency, and be prepared to pass a vision test.

Do I have to get Real ID when I renew?

Real ID is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 2025, but it is not required to drive. You can renew with a standard license if you do not fly or visit federal buildings. If you want Real ID, you must renew in person and bring proof of your Social Security number and citizenship or legal residency status.

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

Online renewal takes one to two weeks by mail. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card arrives by mail in one to two weeks. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks total.

What if I move out of Arizona after I renew?

Your Arizona license remains valid for its full term even if you move to another state. You do not have to renew early. When you move, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state within the timeframe that state requires.

Can I renew my license if my name has changed?

Yes, but you must renew in person at an ADOT office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of Arizona residency. You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal.