What happens when your Arizona driver's license expires
Once your Arizona driver's license expires, you cannot legally drive in Arizona or any other state. Law enforcement can stop you for driving with an expired license, and you may face a traffic citation. An expired license also will not work as valid identification for other purposes — banks, airports, and government offices will not accept it.
The good news is that Arizona makes renewal straightforward, and you have options depending on how long it has been expired and whether you want to renew in person or by mail. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than five years, or unless the state requires a medical evaluation based on your age or driving record.
Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division handles all license renewals. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a local office. The method you choose depends on how expired your license is and what documents you have available.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot legally drive with an expired Arizona license, and you may receive a traffic citation if stopped by law enforcement.
- Licenses expired less than five years can be renewed by mail or online without retaking tests, but online renewal has specific requirements you must meet first.
- Licenses expired more than five years require an in-person visit to a Motor Vehicle Division office and may require a new written test and driving test.
- Renewal by mail takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and payment for the renewal fee, which varies based on your license type and how many years you renew for.
Renewing online if your license expired less than five years ago
Online renewal through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website is the fastest option if your license has been expired for less than five years. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 15 minutes and you receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks.
Not every license can be renewed online. You cannot renew online if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), if your address has changed and you do not have a current address on file with the state, if you have medical restrictions on your license, or if your license was suspended or revoked. If any of these explore to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.
To start an online renewal, visit the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website and select the renewal option. You will be asked to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history. Once verified, you will enter your new address (if it has changed), select how many years you want to renew for, and pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.
Renewing by mail for licenses expired less than five years
Mail renewal works if your license expired less than five years ago and you do not have a commercial license or medical restrictions. You will need to complete form DL 44 (process for Arizona Driver License), which you can read from the Motor Vehicle Division website or pick up at any Motor Vehicle Division office. You will also need to include a copy of your current driver's license (both sides), proof of your current address (a utility bill or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
Mail your completed form and documents to the address listed on the form — this is typically the Motor Vehicle Division office in Phoenix, but the form will specify the correct mailing address. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Motor Vehicle Division receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you list on the form.
Keep a record of when you mail your renewal. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to confirm they received your process. You can call their customer service line or visit a local office in person with your receipt or tracking number.
Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have a commercial license, if you have medical restrictions, or if your license was suspended or revoked. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your address and do not have a current address on file, or if you want to update your name or other personal information.
Bring your expired driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), your Social Security number, and payment for the renewal fee. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will also need to pass a new written test and a driving test. The Motor Vehicle Division will schedule these tests on the same day as your renewal appointment, or you may take them when ready after completing the paperwork.
Visit the Motor Vehicle Division website to find the office nearest you and check their hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online. Call ahead if you are unsure. Most in-person renewals are completed within 30 to 60 minutes, and you will receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent license is mailed to you.
What to do if your license expired more than five years ago
If your Arizona driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You cannot renew online or by mail. You will need to retake the written knowledge test and the driving test, just as if you were getting a license for the first time.
Before you go to the office, study the Arizona Driver License Manual, which is available free on the Motor Vehicle Division website. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The driving test evaluates your ability to operate the vehicle safely and follow traffic laws. Both tests are administered at the Motor Vehicle Division office on the day of your appointment.
You will also need to bring proof of your identity (your expired license), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. If you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, bring documentation from your doctor. The Motor Vehicle Division may require a medical evaluation before renewing your license if you are over a certain age or if your driving record shows safety concerns.
Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts
Arizona driver's license renewal fees depend on how many years you renew for and your age. You can renew for 4, 8, or 12 years. The longer the renewal period, the lower the annual cost. Fees change periodically, so check the Motor Vehicle Division website for the current price before you submit your process or visit an office.
Your new license will be valid for the number of years you choose at renewal. For example, if you renew for 8 years, your new license will not expire for 8 years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder a few months before that date so you do not accidentally let it expire again.
Driving legally while your renewal is being processed
If you renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, you will receive a temporary paper license that day. This temporary license is valid for driving while your permanent license is being mailed to you. Keep the temporary license with you whenever you drive, because it is your proof that you have a current license.
If you renew by mail or online, you do not receive a temporary license. You cannot legally drive until your new license arrives in the mail. This is why mail and online renewal are only available if your license has been expired for less than five years — the state assumes you have not been driving during that time. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must renew in person instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license to drive while I wait for my new license by mail?
No. Mail and online renewal do not include a temporary license. If you need to drive when ready, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Only in-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license on the same day.
What if I moved to a different state after my Arizona license expired?
You should renew your Arizona license before it expires, or renew it as soon as possible after it expires. Once you move to another state, you are required to get a license from that state within a certain time frame (usually 30 to 60 days). You can renew your Arizona license by mail or online if it has been expired for less than five years, then transfer to your new state's license when you are ready.
Do I have to retake the written test if my license expired less than five years ago?
No. If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew without retaking any tests. You only need to retake the written and driving tests if your license has been expired for more than five years.
How long does it take to get my new license if I renew in person?
In-person renewal usually takes 30 to 60 minutes at the Motor Vehicle Division office. You receive a temporary paper license the same day and can drive when ready. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
What happens if I get stopped by police while my license is expired?
You can receive a traffic citation for driving with an expired license. The citation may result in a fine. If you can show the officer that you have submitted a renewal process and are waiting for your new license, some officers may issue a warning instead, but this is not may provide. It is best to renew your license before it expires.