Arizona driver's licenses are valid for 12 years

An Arizona driver's license issued to someone 65 or younger is good for 12 years from the date it was issued. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for only 5 years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner.

Your license remains valid through the last day of the month and year shown. If your birthday falls on the expiration date, you can still drive that day — you must renew before the next day begins. The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, though the notice is informational only and not required to renew.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona driver's licenses last 12 years for people under 65 and 5 years for people 65 and older.
  • Your expiration date appears on the front of your license in the bottom right corner.
  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person at an MVD office, and online renewal is usually the fastest option.
  • Renewing before your license expires keeps you legal to drive and avoids the need to take a new written test.
  • If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you will need to pass a written test and vision screening to get a new one.

When to renew your Arizona license

You should renew your license before the expiration date printed on it. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you are only one day past the date. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined.

The MVD recommends starting the renewal process at least 30 days before your license expires. This gives you time to gather documents if you are renewing in person, or to receive your new card by mail if you choose that route. If you wait until the last week, you risk your license expiring before the new one arrives.

Renewing online through the MVD website

Online renewal is available if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions. You must have a valid Arizona address on file, your license must not have been suspended or revoked, and you cannot have changed your name since your last renewal. You also cannot renew online if you need to update your address, change your name, or add restrictions like corrective lenses.

To renew online, go to the Arizona MVD website and select the renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method for the renewal fee. The fee for a 12-year license is $40 for people under 65. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail or in person at an MVD office

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or visit an MVD office in person. To renew by mail, contact the MVD to request a renewal packet, or read the form from their website. You will need to include your current license, proof of your Arizona address (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. Mail your packet to the address provided on the form. Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.

In-person renewal at an MVD office is the fastest option if you need your new license quickly. Bring your current license, proof of your Arizona address, and payment. You will have your new license the same day. MVD offices are located throughout Arizona, and you can find the nearest one and check wait times on the MVD website. No appointment is required, though some offices offer appointment scheduling to reduce wait time.

What happens if your license expires

If your license has been expired for fewer than 5 years, you can renew it using the same process as a standard renewal — online, by mail, or in person. You do not need to retake the written test or vision screening. However, you cannot legally drive until your license is renewed.

If your license has been expired for 5 years or longer, you must explore for a new license rather than renew. This means you will need to pass a written test covering Arizona traffic laws and road signs, pass a vision screening, and provide proof of identity and Arizona residency. You will also need to pay the full fee for a new license. The written test can be taken at any MVD office, and you can study using the Arizona Driver License Manual available on the MVD website.

Renewal fees and payment

The renewal fee for a 12-year Arizona driver's license is $40 for people under 65. For people 65 and older, the renewal fee for a 5-year license is $25. These fees are current but may change, so check the MVD website for the most recent amounts before you renew.

When renewing online, you can pay by debit card or credit card. When renewing by mail, you can include a check or money order. When renewing in person at an MVD office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some MVD offices also accept other payment methods, so call ahead if you have questions about payment options at your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive after my license expires while I wait for my new one?

No. Your license must be valid to drive legally in Arizona. If you renewed online or by mail and your license expires before your new one arrives, you cannot drive. This is why the MVD recommends renewing at least 30 days early. If your new license has not arrived within the expected timeframe, contact the MVD to check the status.

What if I moved and my address changed?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person at an MVD office or by mail using a renewal form. Bring proof of your new Arizona address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Updating your address at the same time as renewal ensures your new license is mailed to the correct location.

Do I need to retake the written test to renew my license?

No, unless your license has been expired for 5 years or longer. For a standard renewal within 5 years of expiration, you do not need to retake any tests. You only need to provide payment and proof of your current Arizona address if renewing in person or by mail.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person at an MVD office or by mail. Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVD will issue a new license with your updated name.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can renew your Arizona driver's license up to 6 months before it expires. Early renewal is useful if you are planning a trip and want to may support your license is current, or if you prefer to spread out the cost. Your new license will have a new 12-year (or 5-year) validity period from the date it is issued.