Arizona driver's licenses expire on your birthday, five years after you received them

Your Arizona driver's license is valid for exactly five years from the date it was issued. The expiration date appears on the front of your card — it will be your birthday in the year five years out. For example, if you received your license on March 15, 2023, it expires on March 15, 2028.

The state does not send you a reminder notice, so you need to track this date yourself. Many people write it on a calendar or set a phone reminder for a month or two before the expiration date. If your license expires while you are out of state or unable to renew, you can still drive legally on an expired Arizona license for a short grace period — but this varies by situation, so do not rely on it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Arizona driver's license expires on your birthday, five years after the date it was issued.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
  • The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division handles renewals in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation.
  • If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face a late fee or additional requirements.
  • Military members on active duty stationed outside Arizona may be able to extend their license expiration date.

How to find your exact expiration date

Look at the front of your physical driver's license card. The expiration date is printed in the lower right corner, usually labeled "EXP" or "Expires". The format is MM/DD/YYYY — for example, 03/15/2028 means March 15, 2028.

If you cannot locate your card or the print is too faded to read, you can also check the expiration date through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website. Go to the Motor Vehicle Division section and use the online license status tool, or call the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 to speak with someone who can look it up for you using your name and date of birth.

When you can start the renewal process

Arizona allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. This means if your license expires on March 15, 2028, you can begin renewing as early as March 15, 2027. Starting early gives you time to gather documents, schedule an appointment if needed, or handle any complications that come up.

Many people renew three to six months before expiration to avoid the rush near the important date. If you wait until the last week before expiration, you may face longer wait times at Motor Vehicle Division offices or delays in receiving your new card by mail.

Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office

If you choose to renew in person, visit any Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The Motor Vehicle Division website shows current wait times at each office. The renewal fee is $20 for a five-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Renewing by mail or online

If your license is still valid and you have not had any changes to your name, address, or medical conditions, you may be able to renew by mail. Request a renewal process from the Motor Vehicle Division website or by calling 602-255-0072. Mail in your current license, the completed process, the $20 renewal fee, and proof of residency. Processing takes four to six weeks.

Online renewal is available through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website for certain situations — typically if you are renewing a standard license that has not expired and you have no address changes. The online process is faster and you can complete it from home, though you will still receive your new card by mail.

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. However, if your license expired recently and you can show proof that you have already started the renewal process, an officer may exercise discretion.

You can renew an expired license at any time — there is no important date for renewal, though the Motor Vehicle Division may charge a late fee if your license has been expired for more than a certain period. The exact late fee amount depends on how long it has been expired; contact the Motor Vehicle Division for current fees. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just pay a fee.

Military members and license extensions

If you are on active duty with the U.S. military and stationed outside Arizona, you may be able to extend your driver's license expiration date. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division before your license expires to request a military extension. You will need to provide proof of active duty status and your duty station location. Extensions are typically granted for the duration of your assignment outside the state, up to a maximum of eight years total license validity.

This extension must be requested before your license expires — you cannot request it after expiration. If you are a military member and your license has already expired, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to discuss your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license if I have already ordered a new one?

No, you cannot legally drive with an expired license even if you have started the renewal process. However, if you renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid while you wait for your new card. If you renewed by mail or online, you should not drive until your new card arrives.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You will need to report the lost license and request a replacement at the same time. Visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person with your proof of residency and Social Security number. The replacement fee is separate from the renewal fee. You will receive a temporary paper license and your new card by mail within two to three weeks.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

You will have a new photo taken when you renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. If you renew by mail or online, your photo from your previous license is used unless you request a new one. You can request a new photo by visiting an office in person and paying an additional fee.

What if my address changed since I got my current license?

You must update your address before or during the renewal process. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or similar document dated within 60 days). If you renew by mail, include proof of your new address with your process. You cannot renew online if your address has changed.

How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person, your new plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready. If you renew by mail or online, the entire process takes four to six weeks. During this time, your temporary paper license or the receipt showing you have renewed is proof that your license is valid.