You can renew an expired Arizona license in person, by mail, or online depending on how long it has been expired and whether you need a Real ID
An expired Arizona driver's license cannot be used for driving or as proof of identity for most purposes. The state allows you to renew online or by mail if your license expired within the last five years and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or medical restrictions added. If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you have had changes to your personal information, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.
Arizona does not charge a penalty fee for renewing a license that is past its expiration date — you pay the standard renewal fee, which is $25 for a standard five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early, on time, or after expiration.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired less than five years ago with no personal information changes can be renewed online through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website or by mail.
- Licenses expired more than five years ago or with address, name, or medical changes require an in-person visit to a Motor Vehicle Division office.
- You will need your current expired license, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of Social Security number for any renewal method.
- Online renewal takes one to two weeks for the new license to arrive by mail; in-person renewal can issue a temporary license the same day.
- Real ID-compliant licenses require additional documentation and cannot be renewed by mail or online — you must appear in person.
Online and mail renewal for licenses expired less than five years
If your Arizona license expired within the last five years and your personal information has not changed, you can renew online through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website. Go to azmvd.gov, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your expired license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Payment is by credit or debit card only.
Mail renewal follows the same may be able to access rules. read the DL 43 form from the Motor Vehicle Division website, include a copy of your expired license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Motor Vehicle Division receives your envelope.
Both methods issue a standard five-year or ten-year license by mail. You will not receive a temporary license, so plan for one to two weeks without a physical license in hand.
In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have changed your name or address since the license was issued, if you have new medical restrictions, or if you want a Real ID-compliant license. Visit any Motor Vehicle Division office during business hours — most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some Saturday hours at select locations.
Bring your expired license, proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Processing at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 180 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which takes one to two weeks.
Real ID compliance and what it requires
Arizona Real ID-compliant licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and meet federal standards for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your expired license does not have the gold star and you want one, you must renew in person — Real ID licenses cannot be issued by mail or online.
Real ID renewal requires the same documents as standard in-person renewal, plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and proof of Social Security number. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or permanent resident card as well. The fee is the same as a standard license renewal.
If you do not need Real ID compliance, you can renew a standard license by mail or online as long as you meet the may be able to access rules above. Real ID is not required for driving in Arizona — it is required only for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings that require ID.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired Arizona license is a civil traffic violation. An officer can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine of $130 to $260 depending on the court and whether you have prior violations. The violation does not add points to your driving record, but the fine must be paid or contested in traffic court.
If you are stopped, tell the officer that your license is expired and show proof that you have submitted a renewal process — a confirmation email from online renewal or a postal receipt from mailing your process. Some officers will not issue a citation if you can show you have already started the renewal process, though this is at their discretion.
Expired licenses also cannot be used as proof of identity for banking, employment, or other purposes. If you need to prove your identity before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary Real ID from the Motor Vehicle Division in person, which is issued when ready.
Timeline and what to expect at each step
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Submit your process, receive a confirmation email within one hour, and your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. You will not have a physical license during this time.
Mail renewal takes longer. The Motor Vehicle Division receives your envelope, processes it, and mails your new license. Total time is two to three weeks from receipt, plus mail delivery time on both ends — plan for three to four weeks total.
In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is the fastest way to have a valid license in hand. You receive a temporary paper license the same day, valid for 180 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in one to two weeks. If you cannot wait for the permanent license, the temporary license is valid for all driving and identification purposes during its 180-day window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is expired but I have submitted a renewal process?
No. An expired license is not valid for driving, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped, you can show the officer your confirmation email or receipt, but you can still be cited. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person to receive a temporary license the same day.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it for renewal?
You can still renew without the physical license. For online or mail renewal, you will need your license number, which you can find on your vehicle registration, insurance documents, or previous tax returns. If you do not have the number, you must renew in person and bring your proof of residency and Social Security number instead.
Do I have to renew my license in the county where I live?
No. You can renew at any Motor Vehicle Division office in Arizona, regardless of which county you live in. Some offices have shorter wait times than others, so you can visit whichever location is most convenient.
How much does it cost to renew an expired Arizona license?
A standard five-year license costs $25 to renew. A ten-year license costs $45. Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses. There is no additional fee for renewing after expiration.
Can I renew my license online if I changed my address?
No. Any change to your address, name, or medical restrictions requires in-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You cannot renew by mail or online if your personal information has changed since your license was issued.