Arizona lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is still valid and you meet a few basic requirements
Arizona's online renewal system, called ServiceArizona, handles most standard renewals without a trip to the Motor Vehicle Division. You can renew up to one year before your license expires or up to five years after it expires. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $12 for a five-year renewal or $7 for a three-year renewal, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not every driver can use the online system. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need to update your address, if you're renewing a commercial driver's license, or if you're changing your name. You also cannot renew online if your vision has changed significantly or if you're over 65 and renewing for the first time in many years — Arizona requires an in-person vision test in those cases.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through ServiceArizona if your current license is valid and you're not changing your address or name.
- The online renewal costs $12 for five years or $7 for three years and takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you need it for travel.
- You will need your current Arizona driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the renewal online.
What you need before you start
Gather your current Arizona driver's license and have your Social Security number ready. You'll also need a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. If you don't have these items on hand, you won't be able to complete the renewal — you'll have to start over or visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person.
Check your license expiration date before you begin. Arizona allows you to renew up to one year early, which is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date. If your license has already expired, you can still renew online as long as it expired within the last five years.
The step-by-step process on ServiceArizona
Go to servicearizona.com and look for the Driver License Renewal option on the homepage. Click on it and select "Renew Your Driver License." You'll be taken to a login page where you can either sign in with an existing ServiceArizona account or create a new one. Creating an account takes a few extra minutes the first time, but you can use it for future renewals and other Arizona services.
After you log in, enter your driver's license number and Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm that everything is correct — your name, date of birth, address, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If any information is wrong, you cannot fix it online; you'll need to visit a Motor Vehicle Division office instead.
Once you've confirmed your information, you'll choose your renewal length (three or five years) and review the fee. Pay with your debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number in case you need to check on your renewal status later.
What happens after you submit your renewal
The Motor Vehicle Division processes online renewals in the order they're received. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives — your old license remains valid during this time.
If you need to check on your renewal status, go back to ServiceArizona and log into your account. You can see whether your renewal has been processed and when it was mailed. If more than 10 business days have passed and you haven't received your license, contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 to report it.
When you cannot renew online and what to do instead
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You'll need to resolve the suspension or revocation first — this usually involves paying a reinstatement fee or completing a required course — and then visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Call 602-255-0072 to find out what's required in your case.
If you're changing your name or address, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order) or proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The in-person renewal takes longer but allows you to update your information at the same time.
If you're over 65 and haven't renewed your license in many years, Arizona may require an in-person vision test. The online system will tell you if this applies to you. If it does, you'll need to schedule an appointment at a Motor Vehicle Division office or an authorized third-party office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired by more than five years?
No. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You'll need to visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 to find out what's required.
What if I don't receive my new license within 10 business days?
Wait a few more days — mail delivery can vary. If you still haven't received it after 12 business days, log into your ServiceArizona account to check the status. If the system shows it was mailed but you haven't received it, call 602-255-0072 to report it as lost in the mail. They can reissue it.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes, as long as your current license already shows that you must wear corrective lenses. If your vision has changed and you no longer need them, or if you now need them when you didn't before, you'll need an in-person vision test and must renew at a Motor Vehicle Division office.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you'll need to renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office instead.
What if my debit or credit card is declined during the online renewal?
The transaction will stop and you won't be charged. Try again with a different card, or visit a Motor Vehicle Division office to renew in person and pay with cash, check, or card. Make sure your card has sufficient funds and that your bank hasn't blocked the transaction.