Arizona driver's licenses expire, and the date depends on your age and when you got it

Yes, Arizona driver's licenses expire. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card, and you will see it listed as "EXP" followed by a month and year. How long you have before that date arrives depends on whether you were under 65 or 65 and older when you received the license.

If you were under 65 when you got your license, it expires after 12 years. If you were 65 or older, it expires after 5 years. Arizona does not send you a reminder notice in the mail, so the responsibility to track the date falls on you. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you are only a day past the expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona driver's licenses issued to people under 65 are valid for 12 years from the issue date.
  • Licenses issued to people 65 and older expire after 5 years.
  • You can renew your license up to 6 months before it expires, either in person at the Motor Vehicle Division or online through the Arizona Department of Transportation website.
  • If your license has already expired, you must renew it in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office; online renewal is not an option for expired licenses.
  • Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine, even if the expiration happened recently.

How to find your expiration date

Look at the front of your physical license card. The expiration date appears in the lower right corner, marked "EXP" followed by the month and year. For example, "EXP 03/2035" means your license expires in March 2035.

If you have lost your license or do not have it with you, you can also check the expiration date by logging into your account on the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to sign in. This is useful if you want to check the date before you renew, or if you are unsure whether your license is still valid.

Renewing before your license expires

Arizona allows you to renew your license up to 6 months before the expiration date. This means if your license expires on March 15, 2025, you can renew it starting on September 15, 2024. Renewing early gives you a new 12-year or 5-year validity period from the date you renew, not from the old expiration date.

You have two main options for renewal: online through the ADOT website, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Online renewal is faster and requires no appointment. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is, and you can get a temporary license on the spot if you need to drive when ready.

What happens if your license has already expired

Once your license expires, you cannot use online renewal. You must go to a Motor Vehicle Division office in person to renew it. Bring your expired license, proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid form of identification. The office will process your renewal the same day, though you may wait in line depending on how busy the location is.

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Arizona. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a citation and fine. Some officers may issue a warning if the expiration is very recent, but you should not count on this. The safest approach is to renew as soon as you notice your license has expired, or to renew before the expiration date arrives.

Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office

To renew in person, visit a Motor Vehicle Division office near you. You can find office locations and hours on the ADOT website. Bring your current or expired license, proof of Arizona residency, and a valid form of identification such as a passport or birth certificate. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address.

The office will take a new photo, update your information if needed, and issue you a new license. If you are renewing before your license expires, you can usually walk out with a temporary license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. If your license has already expired, you will still receive a temporary license, but you should not drive until you have it in hand.

Special situations: name changes, address changes, and medical conditions

If your name has changed since your license was issued — for example, due to marriage or a legal name change — you will need to bring documentation of the change when you renew. This might be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can renew online if your name change was recent and is already in the system, but if there is any question, renew in person to avoid delays.

If your address has changed, you can update it online when you renew, or provide the new address at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Arizona requires you to notify the Motor Vehicle Division of an address change within 10 days, so updating it during renewal is a good time to catch up if you have moved.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if you are required to wear corrective lenses, your license may have restrictions noted on it. These restrictions do not change the expiration date, but they do carry over to your renewed license. If your condition has improved or changed, tell the office staff when you renew so they can update your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona license online if it has already expired?

No. Online renewal is only available if your license has not yet expired. Once it expires, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification.

How long does it take to get a renewed license in the mail?

If you renew online or in person, your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person before your license expires, you can get a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one.

What if I lost my license and it has also expired?

You will need to replace and renew it at the same time. Go to a Motor Vehicle Division office with proof of residency and a valid form of identification. The office will issue you a new license with a new expiration date. You cannot do this online.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?

Appointments are not required at most Motor Vehicle Division offices, but some locations may have a wait. You can check the ADOT website to see if your local office accepts walk-ins or if you should schedule ahead. Walk-in times vary by location and time of day.

What if I am 65 or older and my license is about to expire?

Your license expires after 5 years instead of 12, so you will renew more often than younger drivers. You can renew online or in person up to 6 months before the expiration date. The process is the same as for any other renewal.