Arizona driver licenses expire every 12 years for most adults

An Arizona driver license issued to someone 18 or older is valid for 12 years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card. If you were born before 1989, your license may have a different expiration date — Arizona changed its renewal cycle in 2006, so older licenses sometimes have longer or shorter periods remaining.

Licenses issued to people under 18 expire on their 18th birthday, not 12 years later. Once you turn 18, your next renewal will follow the standard 12-year cycle.

Your expiration date does not change if you move to Arizona from another state. The date on your Arizona license is when that specific card expires, regardless of when you obtained it.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona driver licenses for adults are valid for 12 years from the issue date, which is printed on the front of your card.
  • Licenses issued to minors expire on their 18th birthday, then follow the 12-year renewal cycle after that.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, either in person at an Arizona Department of Transportation office or online through their website.
  • Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you have a renewal process pending.

When to renew before your expiration date

Arizona allows you to renew your license up to one year before the expiration date printed on your card. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the important date or to may support they have a valid card for travel.

You do not have to wait until your license is about to expire. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for 12 years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired. This means renewing one year early actually costs you one year of validity — your new card will expire one year sooner than if you had waited.

Online renewal versus in-person at an ADOT office

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) offers online renewal through their website if you meet certain conditions. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, your address has not changed, and you have not had any violations or suspensions since your last renewal.

If you cannot renew online, you must visit an ADOT office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current Arizona address (such as a utility bill or lease). The office will take a new photo and issue your renewed license on the spot or mail it to you within 10 business days, depending on the office location.

ADOT offices are located throughout Arizona. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times on the ADOT website before you go.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired Arizona license is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, which carries a fine. An expired license is also not valid for identification purposes — you cannot use it to board a plane, enter a federal building, or prove your identity to a bank or employer.

If your license has been expired for more than a few years, ADOT may require you to retake the written test and vision test before issuing a new one. The exact threshold varies, so contact your local ADOT office if your license has been expired for several years and you want to know what to expect.

Military and commercial driver licenses have different expiration dates

If you hold a commercial driver license (CDL) in Arizona, your license is valid for four years, not 12. Commercial licenses expire sooner because drivers who operate commercial vehicles are subject to federal regulations that require more frequent medical certifications and renewals.

Active-duty military members can request an extension on their Arizona driver license if they are stationed outside the state. The extension allows your license to remain valid for up to one year after you leave active duty, giving you time to renew after you return to Arizona or move elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expired last month?

No. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you have recently submitted a renewal request. You must have a valid, unexpired license in your possession to drive legally. Renew when ready if your license has expired.

Does my Arizona license expire if I move out of state?

No. Your Arizona license remains valid for its full 12-year term regardless of where you live. However, if you move to another state and establish residency there, you will eventually need to obtain a license from that state. Arizona does not require you to surrender your license when you move.

What if I lost my license and need a replacement before it expires?

You can get a replacement license at any ADOT office. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. A replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license, so you do not lose any validity by replacing it.

How do I know the exact expiration date on my license?

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your Arizona driver license in the format MM/DD/YYYY. It is located in the lower right area of the card. You can also log into your ADOT account online to view your license information and expiration date.