You can renew at an MVD office, by mail, or online depending on your situation

Arizona offers three ways to renew your driver's license: in person at a Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office, by mail through the postal service, or online through the Arizona Department of Transportation website. Which option works for you depends on whether you need a new photo, whether your address has changed, and how quickly you need the renewed license in hand.

The fastest route is online renewal if you're may be able to access — you'll receive your new license in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes roughly two to three weeks. In-person renewal at an MVD office is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you may wait in line.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Arizona Department of Transportation website is available if your license is not expired more than five years and you don't need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal requires sending your current license, a completed form, and payment to the MVD; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at any MVD office location gives you a new license when ready, but you must bring required documents and pay the renewal fee.
  • You can find your nearest MVD office and check wait times on the Arizona Department of Transportation website before you go.
  • Address changes, name changes, and license corrections require in-person renewal at an MVD office.

Online renewal through the Arizona Department of Transportation website

Go to azdot.gov and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll need your current Arizona driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against MVD records and confirm whether you're may be able to access to renew online.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you've had certain violations or suspensions. If the system tells you that you're not may be able to access, you'll need to renew in person or by mail instead. Your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal by sending documents to the MVD

Complete form DL 44 (process for Arizona Driver's License) or form DL 43 (Renewal process), which you can read from azdot.gov or pick up at any MVD office. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee (do not send cash), and mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the date the MVD receives your envelope. Mail renewal works if your license is not expired more than five years and you don't need a new photo. If your address has changed, you must include proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you need a new photo or have other changes to your license, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at an MVD office location

Find your nearest MVD office on azdot.gov by entering your city or ZIP code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. The website shows current wait times for each location, updated throughout the day.

Bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed since your last license, bring the address proof. Bring a payment method — cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You'll receive your new license when ready after your photo is taken and your information is processed.

What to do if your license is expired more than five years

If your Arizona driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to an MVD office in person. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and payment.

The MVD may require additional documents if your name has changed since your last license was issued, or if there are other flags in your record. Call the MVD customer service line at 602-255-0072 before you go to confirm what documents you need to bring.

Handling address changes, name changes, and corrections

If your address has changed, you can include proof of your new address with a mail renewal or include it when you renew in person. If your name has changed — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The MVD will not process name changes by mail or online.

If you notice an error on your current license (misspelled name, wrong date of birth, wrong address), you must correct it in person at an MVD office. Bring your current license and any documents that support the correction (birth certificate for date of birth, marriage certificate for name, utility bill for address).

Understanding the renewal fee and payment options

The renewal fee for a standard five-year Arizona driver's license varies depending on your age and whether you're renewing online, by mail, or in person. Check azdot.gov for the current fee, as it changes periodically. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by debit card or credit card (online) or by check or money order (mail). If you renew in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

If you're renewing by mail and sending a check, make it payable to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Do not send cash through the mail. Keep your receipt or confirmation number until your new license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the MVD before you can renew. Call 602-255-0072 to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take.

How long does my renewed license take to arrive if I renew online?

Online renewals are mailed to you and typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at an MVD office to receive it the same day.

What if I move out of Arizona after I renew?

Your Arizona driver's license remains valid until its expiration date, even if you move to another state. When you move, you'll need to get a driver's license from your new state, but your Arizona license doesn't need to be cancelled.

Can I renew someone else's license on their behalf?

For mail renewal, yes — you can send in their completed form, current license, and payment. For in-person renewal, the person whose license is being renewed must be present at the MVD office to have their photo taken.

What happens if my renewal process is rejected?

The MVD will mail you a notice explaining why your renewal was not processed. Common reasons include missing documents, an incorrect payment amount, or a flag on your driving record. Follow the instructions in the notice to resubmit or visit an MVD office in person.