What you need to do to renew in Arizona

To renew your Arizona driver's license, you visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring required documents, and pay the renewal fee. Arizona does not offer online renewal for standard driver's licenses, even if your license is not yet expired. You must complete the renewal in person at a location near you.

The process takes about 30 minutes at the office. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process — there is no penalty for renewing after expiration, though an expired license cannot legally be used to drive.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew in person at an ADOT office; Arizona does not allow online renewal for standard driver's licenses.
  • Bring your current license, proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return).
  • The renewal fee is $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license; you choose the term when you renew.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you have moved, changed your name, or need to correct information on your license, tell the ADOT staff before they process your renewal.

Documents to bring to the ADOT office

Bring your current Arizona driver's license or ID card. If you have lost it, bring a government-issued photo ID instead — a passport, tribal ID, or military ID all work.

You also need proof of your current Arizona address. ADOT accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.

Finally, bring proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself is the easiest option. If you do not have it, a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form from the past two years also works. ADOT will not accept a birth certificate or passport as proof of Social Security number.

Choosing your license term and paying the fee

When you renew, you choose whether you want a five-year or ten-year license. A five-year license costs $25. A ten-year license costs $45. Both are valid for driving; the difference is only how long before you renew again.

Most people choose the ten-year license because the cost per year is lower. However, if you expect to move out of Arizona, change your name, or update your photo within five years, a five-year license might make sense so you do not pay for years you will not use.

ADOT accepts cash, debit card, and credit card at all offices. Some offices also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer.

Finding an ADOT office near you and what to expect

ADOT operates driver license offices across Arizona. You can find the office closest to you and check its hours on the ADOT website at azdot.gov. Search for "driver license office" and enter your city or ZIP code.

Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait than late afternoon or Friday.

You do not need an appointment for renewal at most offices, but some locations now offer appointment scheduling through the ADOT website. If your nearest office offers appointments, booking one can save you time waiting in line.

What happens after you leave the office

Before you leave, ADOT will give you a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts until your permanent card arrives. Keep it with you while driving — it is your proof of a valid license.

Your permanent plastic license card is mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer needed, though you can keep it as a record.

If your permanent card does not arrive within two weeks, contact ADOT to report it. They can check the status of your card or reissue it if it was lost in the mail.

Renewing if your information has changed

If you have moved since your last license was issued, tell the ADOT staff before they process your renewal. They will update your address on your new license. Bring your proof of residency document to show your new address.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. ADOT will update your name on your new license.

If you need to update your photo because you look significantly different than your current license photo, ADOT will take a new photo during renewal at no extra cost. You do not need to request this; staff will assess whether a new photo is needed.

What to do if you cannot renew in person

Arizona law requires in-person renewal for standard driver's licenses. There is no exception for people who are out of state or unable to visit an office in person. However, if you are a member of the military stationed outside Arizona, you may be able to renew by mail — contact ADOT directly at 602-255-0072 to ask about military renewal options.

If you are temporarily out of Arizona and your license is about to expire, you can renew before you leave. Your new license will be mailed to any Arizona address you provide, including a friend's or family member's address if you do not have a current residence in the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your Arizona license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush or to update their address or photo. The renewal process is the same whether your license is current or expired.

What if I lost my current license?

Bring a government-issued photo ID instead — a passport, tribal ID, or military ID. You will still need proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. ADOT will process your renewal and issue a new license with a new number.

Do I need a new photo for renewal?

ADOT takes a new photo during every renewal. You do not choose whether to have a new photo taken — it is part of the renewal process. Wear something you feel comfortable in, as this photo will be on your license for the next five or ten years.

What if I moved and my license still shows my old address?

Tell the ADOT staff at the office that you have moved and provide your proof of residency with your new address. They will update your address during renewal. You do not need to change your address separately before renewing.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid until your permanent card arrives, which is usually 7 to 10 business days. After your permanent card arrives, you should use that instead. The temporary license is not valid after the permanent card is issued.