Arizona driver's license renewal works online, by mail, or in person depending on your age and how long it's been since your last renewal
Arizona offers three paths to renew your driver's license: the online portal at ServiceArizona.com, mail-in renewal through the Department of Transportation, or an in-person visit to a Motor Vehicle Division office. Which route you can use depends on your age, whether your license is expired, and how many renewals you've done online already. Most people under 65 with a current or recently expired license can renew online in under 10 minutes and receive their new card within 7 to 10 business days.
The online option is fastest and requires only your current license number, date of birth, and a payment method. You'll answer questions about whether your address, name, or medical conditions have changed. If everything stays the same, you won't need to provide documents. Mail-in renewal takes longer—typically 2 to 3 weeks—but works if you prefer not to visit an office or use the internet. In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is necessary only if you're over 65, your license has been expired for more than 5 years, or you need to change your address, name, or medical information.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona residents under 65 with a current or recently expired license can renew online at ServiceArizona.com in minutes, and the new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail-in renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to mail a completed form and payment to the Department of Transportation; use this option if you cannot go online or visit an office.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is required if you are 65 or older, your license expired more than 5 years ago, or you need to update your address, name, or medical information.
- You will need your current license number and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online; no documents are required if your personal information has not changed.
- Arizona driver's licenses are valid for 12 years for most adults and 5 years for drivers 65 and older, so check your expiration date to know when you can renew.
Online renewal through ServiceArizona.com
The online renewal process at ServiceArizona.com is the fastest option for most Arizona residents. Go to the site, select "Driver License" under the Services menu, and choose "Renew." You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in or create an account. The system will pull up your license record and ask you to confirm or update your address, phone number, email, and emergency contact information.
If nothing has changed, you straightforward review the information, pay the renewal fee (currently $25 for a standard 12-year renewal for adults under 65), and submit. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new physical card will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if you are 65 or older, if your license has been expired for more than 5 years, if you need to change your name or address for reasons other than a move, or if you have medical conditions that require an in-person evaluation. You are also limited to renewing online twice in a row; if you've done it twice, your third renewal must be in person or by mail.
Mail-in renewal by sending forms to the Department of Transportation
To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver License form from the Arizona Department of Transportation website or request one by calling 602-255-0072. Complete the form with your current information, sign it, and mail it along with your payment to the address listed on the form. The renewal fee is the same as online ($25 for a 12-year renewal for most adults). Include a check or money order—the mail-in process does not accept credit cards.
Processing time for mail-in renewal is typically 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Department receives your form, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will not receive a confirmation number or tracking information, so keep a copy of what you sent. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. If you need your renewal processed faster, this is not the right option; use online renewal or visit an office in person.
Mail-in renewal works for any Arizona resident whose license is current or expired less than 5 years, regardless of age. It is a good choice if you do not have internet access, prefer not to use an online system, or live out of state and cannot visit an office. However, you cannot use mail-in renewal to change your name, address for reasons other than relocation, or medical information.
In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office
Visit a Motor Vehicle Division office if you are 65 or older, your license expired more than 5 years ago, you need to change your name or address for reasons beyond a move, or you have medical conditions that require an in-person check. Bring your current license (or expired license if it's been more than 5 years), proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment. The renewal fee is $25 for most adults; drivers 65 and older pay $10 for a 5-year renewal.
Motor Vehicle Division offices are located throughout Arizona. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times on the Department of Transportation website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. Bring all required documents; if you are missing anything, staff will tell you what you need and you may have to return another day. Processing at the office is usually quick—typically 15 to 30 minutes once you are called—and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed.
If you are renewing in person because your license expired more than 5 years ago, you may be required to pass a vision test or answer medical history questions. Drivers 65 and older are also asked about medical conditions and may need to provide a medical report from their doctor if they have certain conditions. The office staff will explain what is needed when you arrive.
What documents and information you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Information Required | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (ServiceArizona.com) | None if information unchanged | Current license number, date of birth, last 4 SSN digits | Debit or credit card |
| Mail-in | Completed renewal form | Current license number, address, signature | Check or money order |
| In-person at office | Current or expired license, proof of address (within 60 days) | Current address, medical history if 65+, vision test may be required | Cash, check, debit, or credit card |
Renewal fees and how long your new license is valid
Arizona driver's license renewal fees depend on your age and the length of validity you choose. For most adults under 65, a standard 12-year renewal costs $25. Drivers 65 and older pay $10 for a 5-year renewal. If you are renewing online or by mail and your license is current, you pay only the renewal fee; there are no additional charges. If you renew in person and need to update your address or name, the fee remains the same.
Your new license will be valid for the full term you paid for—12 years for most adults, 5 years for drivers 65 and older. You can renew up to 6 months before your current license expires, so plan ahead if you have travel plans or know you'll need a new card soon. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one; Arizona does not require you to return it, but it is good practice to prevent identity confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I moved out of state?
Yes. If you moved out of state but still have an Arizona license, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license is not expired more than 5 years. You will need to provide your current out-of-state address. If you plan to move back to Arizona or need to update your address to an Arizona one, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.
What happens if my license is expired more than 5 years?
You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You cannot use online or mail-in renewal. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and may be required to pass a vision test and answer medical history questions. Processing takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No, unless you renew in person at an office. Online and mail-in renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew at an office, the staff will take a new photo as part of the in-person process.
How do I check the status of my renewal after I submit it?
If you renewed online, you received a confirmation number. You can use that number to check status on ServiceArizona.com. For mail-in renewals, there is no tracking system; contact the Department of Transportation at 602-255-0072 if you have questions. For in-person renewals, you received a temporary paper license with an expiration date—your permanent card should arrive before that date.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked status?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps are required. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew using any of the three methods.