Where to update your Arizona driver's license
You can update your Arizona driver's license at any Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, by mail, or online through the ADOT website — but not all changes work through every method. Address changes and name corrections are the easiest to handle remotely. Changes to your photo, medical information, or organ donor status require an in-person visit to an ADOT office.
The fastest route depends on what you're changing. If you need a new photo or are updating medical conditions, you'll need to visit a location in person. If you're only changing your mailing address or correcting a spelling error on your license, you can often complete it online or by mail without leaving home.
Key Takeaways
- Address changes can be done online through the ADOT website or by mail, but name changes and photo updates require an in-person visit to an ADOT office.
- You'll need your current driver's license number and a valid form of identification to make most updates.
- ADOT offices are located in most Arizona counties, and wait times vary by location and time of day — calling ahead can tell you how long the wait currently is.
- Some updates are free, while others charge a fee that varies depending on whether you need a replacement card or just a record change.
- If you're changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document that proves the change.
Updating your address online or by mail
An address change is the simplest update to handle without visiting an office. Go to the ADOT website, log into your account, and follow the prompts to update your mailing address. The change takes effect when ready in their system, though your physical license card will still show the old address until it expires and you renew it.
If you prefer to mail the change, send a signed letter with your current driver's license number, your new address, and your signature to the ADOT address listed on their website. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Mail processing takes two to three weeks.
Neither method requires a fee for a straightforward address change. Your license remains valid at your old address until renewal, so there's no rush to update it unless you need official mail sent to your new location.
Correcting your name on your license
Name corrections fall into two categories: fixing a spelling error the DMV made when you first got your license, versus changing your legal name through marriage, divorce, or court order. A spelling correction can sometimes be handled by mail with a letter explaining the error and a copy of your original process or birth certificate showing the correct spelling.
A legal name change requires an in-person visit. Bring your current driver's license, your legal name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and a valid form of identification. ADOT will issue a replacement license with your new name. There is a fee for the replacement card, which varies depending on how much time remains on your current license.
If you're recently married and your marriage certificate is from another state, bring the original or a certified copy. ADOT accepts marriage certificates from any U.S. state or territory.
In-person visits for photo and medical updates
Changes to your photo, medical information, or organ donor status must be done at an ADOT office. Bring your current driver's license and a valid form of identification. If you're updating medical information — such as adding a condition that affects your driving or updating a restriction — bring any relevant medical documentation that ADOT requests.
Photo updates are common when your current photo no longer looks like you or when you want to update it for personal reasons. You'll have your photo taken at the office. Organ donor status changes take just a few minutes and don't require any documents beyond your license.
Most ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the ADOT website for the office nearest you and call ahead to ask about current wait times — this can save you a trip during a busy period.
What documents you'll need
For any update, bring your current Arizona driver's license. For name changes, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For address changes by mail, include a document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days.
If you're updating medical information, bring any documentation ADOT requires to support the change. For in-person visits, bring a valid form of identification in addition to your driver's license — a passport, tribal ID, military ID, or state ID all work.
If your license has been lost or stolen, you'll need to report it to ADOT and may need to provide a police report number, depending on the circumstances.
Fees and processing times
Address changes are free. Name changes and photo updates require a replacement license fee, which depends on how much time is left on your current license. A license with more than four years remaining costs more to replace than one expiring soon, because you're paying for a longer validity period.
Online and mail updates typically process within two to three weeks. In-person visits are usually completed the same day, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on office traffic. Some ADOT offices offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce wait times.
If you need your updated license urgently, an in-person visit is your fastest option. If you're updating only your address and don't need the physical card changed, the online method is when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my address if my license is expired?
Yes. An expired license can still be updated for address changes. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to renew it rather than just update it, which requires an in-person visit and a new photo.
What if I changed my name but don't have my marriage certificate?
You'll need some legal proof of the name change. A certified copy of your marriage certificate from the county clerk's office, a divorce decree, or a court order all work. If your original certificate is unavailable, contact the county where you were married to request a certified copy.
Do I need to update my license if I only changed my mailing address?
No. Your license remains valid at your old address. Update your mailing address with ADOT only if you want official mail sent to your new location. Your license itself doesn't need to be changed until renewal.
How long does a name change take at an ADOT office?
The office visit itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you're called. Total time including wait depends on how busy the office is that day. Calling ahead or booking an appointment can tell you the current wait time.
What if I moved out of state — do I need to update my Arizona license?
No. If you've moved to another state, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. You don't need to formally close your Arizona license, but you shouldn't carry both active licenses.