Arizona driver's licenses expire, and the expiration date depends on your age and license type

Your Arizona driver's license has an expiration date printed on the front. For most adults, an Arizona license is valid for 12 years from the date it was issued. If you were under 70 when you got your license, your next renewal will be 12 years later. If you were 70 or older when you received it, your license expires after 5 years instead.

The expiration date is printed clearly on your card — it's the date next to "Expires" on the front. You can also check the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website by entering your driver's license number, though you'll need other identifying information to access that tool.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you're only a day past the expiration date. You can be cited and fined. An expired license also won't work as proof of identity for things like opening a bank account, boarding a plane, or picking up a prescription.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona driver's licenses expire after 12 years for most adults, or 5 years if you were 70 or older when you received the license.
  • Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license card next to the word "Expires".
  • You can renew your Arizona license online, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office, depending on whether you're renewing early or after expiration.
  • If your license has been expired for more than a year, you'll need to take a written test and vision test in addition to renewing, not just submit paperwork.
  • ADOT typically mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed.

How to renew before your license expires

Renewing before your expiration date is the easiest path. You have three options: online, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office.

Online renewal is available if your license is not expired and you don't need to change your address, name, or other information on the card. You'll go to the ADOT website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, pay the renewal fee (currently $25 for a 12-year license for adults under 70), and your new license will be mailed to you. This takes about 7 to 10 business days.

By mail renewal works the same way as online, but you fill out the form by hand and mail it to ADOT with a check or money order. You'll need to include a copy of proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail renewal takes longer because of postal time, usually 2 to 3 weeks total.

In-person renewal at an ADOT office is necessary if you need to update your address, name, or other information, or if you want a new photo. You'll bring your current license, proof of residency, and pay the fee. You'll have your photo taken and receive your new license on the spot, though you can also request it be mailed if you prefer.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired less than a year ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the same process as above — you don't need to retake tests. However, you cannot renew online once your license has expired.

If your license expired more than a year ago, Arizona treats it as if you're getting a license for the first time. You'll need to visit an ADOT office in person, take a written knowledge test, pass a vision test, and have a new photo taken. You cannot renew by mail or online. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The fee is the same as a regular renewal.

The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and road signs. ADOT offers a study guide on its website. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely — you need to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses.

Renewing your license by mail or online

To renew online, visit the ADOT website and select "Renew Your Driver License Online." You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your address and other information. If everything matches ADOT's records, you can pay the fee with a credit or debit card and you're done. Your new license arrives in about a week.

To renew by mail, read or request the DL 44 form from ADOT. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee and a copy of your proof of residency. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after ADOT receives it.

Both methods work only if your license is not expired and you don't need to change any information. If you do need to change your address or name, you must go in person.

Renewing in person at an ADOT office

ADOT has offices in most Arizona cities and towns. You can find the nearest one and check its hours on the ADOT website. Some offices take appointments, and some operate on a first-come, first-served basis — the website will tell you which. Going during off-peak hours (mid-morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday) usually means a shorter wait.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and your payment method. If you're renewing after your license has expired for more than a year, also bring proof of your Social Security number. The office will take your photo, process your renewal, and you can choose to take your new license with you or have it mailed. If you take it with you, you'll have it when ready. If you request it be mailed, it arrives in about a week.

The renewal fee is $25 for a 12-year license if you're under 70, or $12.50 for a 5-year license if you're 70 or older. ADOT accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

What to do if you need your license before the new one arrives

If you renewed by mail or online and your new license hasn't arrived yet, you can request a temporary paper license at an ADOT office. This is a printed document that works as proof of your valid license while you wait for the card to arrive in the mail. You'll need to show your renewal confirmation and bring your old license. The temporary license is valid for 30 days.

If you renewed in person and took your new license with you, you have it when ready and don't need a temporary one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona license if I live out of state now?

Yes. You can renew by mail or online as long as your license is not expired. If it has expired for more than a year, you'll need to return to Arizona to visit an ADOT office and take the written and vision tests in person. Some states have reciprocal agreements, but Arizona does not allow out-of-state testing.

What if my license was lost or stolen?

You'll need to visit an ADOT office in person to report it and get a replacement. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. You'll pay a replacement fee (currently $10) in addition to any renewal fee if your license is also expired. ADOT will issue you a new card with a new license number.

Do I need to renew my license if I'm moving out of Arizona?

No, you don't need to renew your Arizona license before you leave. However, you'll need to get a license from your new state within the timeframe that state requires — usually 30 to 60 days after moving. Your Arizona license remains valid for identification purposes until it expires, even if you no longer live in Arizona.

How much does it cost to renew an Arizona driver's license?

The renewal fee is $25 for a 12-year license if you're under 70, or $12.50 for a 5-year license if you're 70 or older. If you're renewing after your license has expired for more than a year, the fee is the same, but you'll also pay for the written and vision tests (usually included in the renewal fee). If your license was lost or stolen, add a $10 replacement fee.

Can I change my address when I renew online?

No. Online renewal only works if all your information — including your address — is current. If you need to change your address, you must renew in person at an ADOT office or by mail using the DL 44 form and including proof of your new residency.