Arizona driver's license renewal basics
Arizona allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photograph. Most people under 65 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your current license must not be expired by more than five years to renew by mail or online. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. Arizona licenses are valid for 12 years for people under 65 and 5 years for people 65 and older, so the renewal window is long — but the longer you wait after expiration, the fewer options you have.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona residents under 65 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online at azdot.gov or by mail without visiting a Motor Vehicle Division office.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office with proof of residency and identity documents.
- You cannot renew online or by mail if you need to update your photograph, change your address to out of state, or add or remove organ donor status.
Renewing online through the Arizona Department of Transportation
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to azdot.gov, select "Driver License" from the main menu, and look for the renewal option. You will need your current Arizona driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity against Motor Vehicle Division records.
The fee for online renewal is $20 for a standard license. You pay by credit or debit card during the transaction. After you complete the renewal, the Motor Vehicle Division mails your new license to the address on file. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving.
Online renewal is not available if you are 65 or older, if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have a commercial driver's license, or if you need to change your address, photograph, or organ donor status. If any of these explore to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but requires no office visit. You must complete Form DL 44 (process for Arizona Driver License) or Form DL 43 (Renewal of Arizona Driver License), depending on whether you are renewing or explore for the first time. read the form from azdot.gov or request it by phone at 602-255-0072.
Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for $20, and proof of your current Arizona address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the Motor Vehicle Division receives your process, plus mail delivery time in both directions. Your old license remains valid during this period.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: you cannot use it if your license expired more than five years ago, if you are 65 or older, if you have a commercial license, or if you need to update your photograph or address. If your address has changed within Arizona, you can update it by mail, but if you are moving out of state, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office
Visit a Motor Vehicle Division office if your license expired more than five years ago, if you are 65 or older, if you have a commercial license, or if you need to update your photograph or address. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if you no longer have a valid one), proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate, and proof of your current Arizona address. The office will take a new photograph and process your renewal on the spot.
The fee for in-person renewal is $20 for a standard license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license is printed at the office and you receive it when ready. Motor Vehicle Division offices are located in Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson, Flagstaff, and other cities across Arizona. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times and make an appointment on azdot.gov.
If you are renewing in person because your license expired more than five years ago, the Motor Vehicle Division may require you to pass a vision test and answer questions about traffic laws. This is not a full written exam, but you should be prepared to demonstrate basic knowledge of Arizona traffic rules. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no additional cost.
What happens if your license is expired
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you have a valid renewal in progress. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. However, if you have submitted a renewal process by mail or online and can show proof of that submission, officers may exercise discretion. Keep your confirmation email or receipt from your online renewal or a copy of your mailed process packet.
If your license expired more than five years ago and you have not renewed it, you cannot legally drive. You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office before you can operate a vehicle. The office will process your renewal the same day, so you can drive legally when ready after receiving your new license.
Updating your address or photograph during renewal
If you are moving within Arizona, you can update your address during an online or mail renewal without visiting an office. The system will ask for your new address and verify it against Motor Vehicle Division records. If you are moving out of state, you must renew in person because Arizona cannot issue a license to an out-of-state address.
You cannot update your photograph during online or mail renewal. If you need a new photograph — because you have changed your appearance significantly, because your current photograph is damaged, or for any other reason — you must renew in person. The Motor Vehicle Division takes a new photograph at the office at no additional charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
The Motor Vehicle Division processes online renewals within 1 to 2 business days and mails your new license when ready. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. In rare cases, delivery may take longer. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.
Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address now?
No. Arizona can only issue a driver's license to someone with an Arizona address. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state. If you still have an Arizona address but are temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail using your Arizona address.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person with proof of identity and proof of your current Arizona address. The office will issue a replacement license and can renew it at the same time if it has expired.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?
Appointments are not required but are recommended to reduce wait time. You can make an appointment on azdot.gov or by calling 602-255-0072. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online or by mail?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You will need to pass a vision test and may need to pass a written exam depending on your license class and renewal status.