What you need to do to update your Arizona driver's license
You can update your Arizona driver's license through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division in person, by mail, or online depending on what information you're changing. Not all changes can be made online — address changes and name changes have different paths, and some require you to visit a location in person. The fastest route is usually online if your change qualifies, but you'll need to know which documents ADOT will ask for before you start.
Arizona lets you change your address, name, or emergency contact information on your license without getting a new photo taken, which means you don't always have to pay a fee. However, if you're updating your license because you've moved, changed your legal name, or need to correct information, the process and cost depend on what changed and how long ago it happened.
Key Takeaways
- Address changes can be done online through the ADOT website if your license is current, but name changes and corrections to your personal information require an in-person visit or a notarized form sent by mail.
- You'll need your current Arizona driver's license number and a valid email address to start most online updates, and ADOT will send you a confirmation once the change is processed.
- If you're changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to an ADOT office or include a certified copy with a mailed request.
- Address updates typically process within one to two weeks if done online, but mail-in requests can take longer depending on how busy the Motor Vehicle Division is.
- Some updates, like correcting your date of birth or citizenship status, cannot be done online and require an appointment at an ADOT office.
Updating your address online
If you're moving within Arizona and your driver's license is not expired, you can change your address on the ADOT website without visiting an office. Go to the Motor Vehicle Division's online services page, select "Address Change," and enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll create or log into your ADOT account, confirm your new address, and pay a small fee (usually around $5 to $10, though this varies).
After you submit the change online, ADOT will mail you a new license with your updated address within one to two weeks. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. If you need proof of your new address before the license arrives, you can print a confirmation from your ADOT account.
Changing your name on your license
Name changes require proof of the legal reason for the change. If you married, divorced, or obtained a court order, you'll need to bring the original or certified copy of the document to an ADOT office. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. You cannot do a name change online or by mail without a notarized request form.
When you visit an ADOT office with your legal document, bring your current driver's license and a second form of identification. The staff will verify your document, take a new photo, and issue a replacement license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the office's process. There is usually a fee for a replacement license (typically $12 to $20), but this varies by the type of change.
If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail a notarized "process for Duplicate or Corrected License" form along with a certified copy of your legal document. The notarized form must be signed in front of a notary public, and you'll need to include a copy of your current license. Processing by mail takes longer — usually three to four weeks or more.
Correcting errors on your license
If your license has an error — such as a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or incorrect address — the process depends on what's wrong and whether you have documentation to support the correction. Minor errors like a misspelled first or last name may be corrected at an ADOT office if you bring your current license and a document that shows the correct spelling (such as a birth certificate or passport).
Errors in your date of birth, citizenship status, or organ donor designation cannot be corrected online and require an in-person visit. Bring your current license and the document that proves the correct information. If the error was ADOT's mistake, there is usually no fee for the correction; if you're correcting information you provided, there may be a small fee.
Updating your emergency contact or organ donor status
You can update your emergency contact information or change your organ donor status online through the ADOT website. Log into your account, select "Update Emergency Contact" or "Update Organ Donor Status," and make your changes. These updates do not require a new photo or a visit to an office, and they process within a few days.
If you want to add or remove an emergency contact, you'll enter the person's name and phone number. If you're changing your organ donor status, you can opt in or out of the Arizona Donor Registry. These changes appear on your license the next time you renew it, but you can also print a confirmation from your account if you need proof of the change right away.
Finding an ADOT office and scheduling an appointment
Arizona has Motor Vehicle Division offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the ADOT website by entering your city or ZIP code. Many offices now require appointments, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Check the office's page to see if you need to book a time slot or if walk-ins are accepted.
To schedule an appointment, use the ADOT online appointment system or call the office directly. Bring your current driver's license, any documents that support your change (such as a marriage certificate or proof of address), and a second form of identification. Processing times vary by office, but most changes are completed on the same day if you have all required documents.
Updating your license by mail
If you cannot visit an ADOT office, you can request certain updates by mail. read the "process for Duplicate or Corrected License" form from the ADOT website, fill it out completely, and include copies of your current license and any supporting documents. For name changes, your form must be notarized.
Mail your request to the address listed on the form along with the required fee. Processing takes three to four weeks or longer depending on how busy the Motor Vehicle Division is. You'll receive your updated license by mail at the address you provide. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my address if my license is expired?
No, you cannot use the online address change system if your license is expired. You'll need to renew your license first, which requires an in-person visit or a mail-in renewal request. Once your license is renewed, you can update your address online or at an ADOT office.
How long does it take to get my updated license in the mail?
Online address changes typically arrive within one to two weeks. Mail-in requests for name changes or corrections can take three to four weeks or longer. ADOT will send you a confirmation email when your request is processed, and you can track your license status through your online account.
What if I moved out of Arizona?
If you moved to another state, you'll need to get a driver's license from that state. You cannot update an Arizona license to an out-of-state address. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department to learn about their licensing process.
Do I have to pay a fee to update my address?
Yes, online address changes usually cost $5 to $10. Name changes and corrections typically cost $12 to $20 for a replacement license. If ADOT made the error, the correction may be free. Check the ADOT website or call your local office to confirm the current fee.
What documents do I need to bring for a name change?
Bring your current driver's license, a second form of identification, and the original or certified copy of your legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree). If you're mailing your request, include notarized copies and mail them to the address on the process form.