Arizona lets you renew online if your license is still valid and you meet a few basic requirements

You can renew your Arizona driver's license online through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website if your current license has not expired more than one year ago and you have not had any major changes to your information — no new address, no name change, no medical conditions to report. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $25 for a five-year license or $40 for a ten-year license, and you pay by credit or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If your license expired more than a year ago, if you need to change your address or name, or if you have new medical information to report, you cannot use the online renewal. You will need to visit an ADOT office in person instead. The same applies if you want to change your photo or if your current license was suspended or revoked.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last year and your personal information has not changed.
  • The renewal fee is $25 for a five-year license or $40 for a ten-year license, paid by credit or debit card during the online process.
  • Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you do not receive a temporary license online.
  • If your license expired more than a year ago or you have changed your address, name, or medical information, you must visit an ADOT office in person.
  • You can start the renewal on the ADOT website at azdot.gov under the "Driver License" section.

What information you need before you start

Have your current Arizona driver's license in front of you when you begin. You will need to enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. ADOT uses this information to verify your identity in their system.

You will also need a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. ADOT accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The payment is processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number on screen.

Step-by-step process for renewing online

Go to the ADOT website and navigate to the driver license renewal section. Select "Renew Your License Online" and choose the license type — standard, commercial, or motorcycle. Answer the questions about whether your information has changed and whether you have any new medical conditions to report. If you answer yes to any change, the system will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead.

Review the information ADOT has on file for you — your name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements on your current license. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. Enter your credit or debit card details and confirm the transaction. You will see a confirmation page with a reference number; save or print this for your records.

After payment, ADOT mails your new license to the address on file. You do not need to do anything else. If you move before the license arrives, you can update your address through ADOT's website or by visiting an office, but this may delay your new license.

When you cannot renew online and must visit an office

If your license expired more than 12 months ago, ADOT requires an in-person renewal. The state considers a license that old to be outside the normal renewal window, and you will need to pass a vision test and answer updated questions about your medical history in front of an ADOT employee.

Any change to your name — whether from marriage, divorce, or court order — requires an in-person visit. You will need to bring the legal document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. The same applies if you have a new address; while you can update your address online for mail purposes, renewing a license with a different address than your current license requires an office visit.

If you want to change your photo, add a new endorsement (such as a motorcycle endorsement), or report a new medical condition, you must go to an ADOT office. Suspensions, revocations, and any restriction on your driving privileges also require in-person handling.

How long the process takes and when you can drive

After you complete the online renewal, your new license is printed and mailed to you. ADOT typically processes the order within one business day and the license arrives in 7 to 10 business days depending on mail delivery. During this time, your current license remains valid as long as it has not expired.

If your current license has already expired, you are technically not allowed to drive while you wait for the new one to arrive. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, you can visit an ADOT office and request a temporary paper license for a small fee, though this defeats the purpose of renewing online. Plan ahead if your license is close to expiration.

What happens if ADOT rejects your online renewal

If the system flags an issue during your online renewal — such as a suspension on your record, a medical concern, or a mismatch in your identity information — ADOT will stop the process and direct you to contact them or visit an office. You will not be charged if the renewal is rejected before payment is processed.

Common reasons for rejection include a hold on your license from a court or the Department of Child Support Enforcement, unpaid traffic fines, or a medical report that ADOT needs to review. Contact ADOT at 602-255-0072 to find out why your renewal was not accepted and what you need to do next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired two years ago?

No. ADOT only allows online renewal if your license expired within the last 12 months. If it has been expired longer than that, you must visit an ADOT office in person. You will need to pass a vision test and answer updated medical questions.

What if I moved since my last license was issued?

If you moved to a different address, you cannot renew online. You must visit an ADOT office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The office will issue a new license with your updated address.

Do I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one in the mail?

No. Online renewal does not include a temporary license. Your current license remains valid until it expires. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your current license has already expired, you can visit an ADOT office and pay a fee for a temporary paper license.

What if my credit card is declined during the online renewal?

If your payment fails, the renewal process stops and you are not charged. Try again with a different card or contact your bank to make sure the card is not blocked for online transactions. If the problem persists, visit an ADOT office to renew in person.

Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?

Yes, if your commercial license has not expired more than a year ago and you have no changes to report. Select "Commercial Driver License" when you start the online renewal. If you need to add or remove endorsements, you must visit an office.