What you need to do to renew in Arizona
Arizona renews driver's licenses by mail, online, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Which route you take depends on how much time you have and whether your license has restrictions that require an in-person visit. Most people can renew online or by mail without going to an office, but you cannot renew online if your license has expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address, or if your license has certain medical or vision restrictions.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 45 days before your license expires. That notice contains a barcode and instructions for each renewal method. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can start the process as soon as you know your expiration date, which appears on the front of your current license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $12 for a five-year license or $24 for a ten-year license, paid by debit or credit card.
- Mail renewal requires sending your current license, the renewal notice, and a check or money order to the Motor Vehicle Division; processing takes two to three weeks after they receive it.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office takes about 30 minutes and requires a current photo ID, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number.
- You cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have changed your address, or if you have medical or vision restrictions on your license.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person.
Renewing online through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to azmvd.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Arizona driver's license number, your date of birth, and the barcode from your renewal notice (if you have received it). The system will verify your information against Motor Vehicle Division records and ask you to confirm your address and any medical conditions listed on your license.
Once you submit the form and pay the fee, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license is produced and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. The fee is $12 for a five-year license or $24 for a ten-year license, and you pay by debit card or credit card at the time of renewal.
If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, it will explain why — usually because your address has changed, your license has expired too long ago, or you have restrictions that require an in-person visit. In that case, you will need to renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail with the Motor Vehicle Division
Mail renewal works if you have received your renewal notice. Sign the back of your current license, place it in an envelope with your renewal notice and a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. The Motor Vehicle Division processes mail renewals in the order they are received, which typically takes two to three weeks after they receive your envelope.
Write your driver's license number on the check or money order so the Motor Vehicle Division can match your payment to your process. Keep a copy of your renewal notice for your records. Once your renewal is processed, your new license is mailed to the address on file, arriving within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but does not require you to go to an office or have internet access. It is a good option if you prefer not to use a website or if you do not have a debit or credit card.
Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office
In-person renewal is necessary if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring your Social Security card — you only need to know the number.
Motor Vehicle Division offices are located in most Arizona cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on azmvd.gov. Most offices do not require an appointment, but some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time. Bring your renewal notice if you have received it, though it is not required.
The in-person process takes about 30 minutes from check-in to completion. You will have a new photo taken, confirm your address and any medical information, and pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by debit or credit card. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license has expired more than five years ago
If your Arizona driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This is treated as a new process rather than a renewal, which means you must go to a Motor Vehicle Division office in person, bring proof of identity and Arizona residency, and have a new photo taken.
The process is similar to in-person renewal but takes longer because the Motor Vehicle Division conducts a more thorough background check. Bring your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a current photo ID such as a passport or military ID. The fee for a new license is the same as a renewal fee.
Fees and payment methods for Arizona license renewal
The renewal fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A five-year license costs $12, and a ten-year license costs $24. You pay the same fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online or in person, you can pay by debit card, credit card, or cash. If you renew by mail, you must pay by check or money order — the Motor Vehicle Division does not accept cash through the mail.
Some people are may be able to access for a reduced fee or a free renewal. Arizona residents who are 65 or older pay $5 for a five-year license or $10 for a ten-year license. If you are a Native American tribal member, you may be may be able to access for a free license — ask at a Motor Vehicle Division office or call 602-255-0072 to confirm.
How long your new license takes to arrive
After your renewal is approved, your new license is produced and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of approval. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if your current license has already expired.
If you need your new license faster, some Motor Vehicle Division offices offer expedited service for an additional fee. You can pick up your license at the office the same day or the next business day instead of waiting for mail delivery. Call the office nearest you to ask about expedited renewal and the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive after my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal?
Yes. If you have submitted your renewal process before your license expires, you can continue to drive on your expired license until your new one arrives. This applies whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person. Keep your renewal confirmation or receipt with you while driving.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days. Bring this proof with you if you renew in person, or include a copy if you renew by mail.
Do I need my renewal notice to renew my license?
You do not need your renewal notice to renew online or in person — you only need your driver's license number and date of birth. For mail renewal, the notice makes the process easier because it includes the mailing address and barcode, but you can renew by mail without it if you know the Motor Vehicle Division's mailing address.
What if I lost my current license and cannot renew?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a replacement license at a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Bring proof of identity and Arizona residency. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal and is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew my license if I have a medical restriction?
It depends on the type of restriction. Some medical restrictions allow online or mail renewal. Others require an in-person visit so the Motor Vehicle Division can review your condition. If you try to renew online and the system says you are not may be able to access, call 602-255-0072 to find out whether you need an in-person appointment or a doctor's form.