Arizona driver's license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office
Arizona offers three paths to renew your driver's license, and which one you can use depends on how much time is left before your license expires and whether you've had recent changes to your address or medical status. The online renewal system is the fastest and most convenient option for most people, but it's only available if your license hasn't been expired for more than five years and you don't need to update your address or vision information. If you can't renew online, you can renew by mail or visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person.
Your current Arizona driver's license will tell you its expiration date in the bottom right corner. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before that date. Arizona does not send renewal reminders by mail, so it's your responsibility to track when your license expires and start the process in time.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a five-year renewal or $40 for an eight-year renewal.
- You can only renew online if your license expired less than five years ago, you have no address changes, and you don't need to update vision or medical information.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to submit your current license, a completed form, and payment by check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is necessary if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you have changes to your address or medical status.
- Arizona licenses are valid for five or eight years depending on which term you choose at renewal, and you can start the process up to one year before expiration.
Online renewal through the Motor Vehicle Division website
The Motor Vehicle Division operates the official Arizona driver's license renewal portal at azmvd.gov. To renew online, you'll need your current Arizona driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer health-related questions about vision, hearing, and any medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely.
Online renewal is available only if your license expired less than five years ago, your address hasn't changed since your last renewal, and you don't need to update your vision or medical information. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, the website will tell you that you must renew in person or by mail instead. The fee is $25 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. You'll receive your new license by mail within 10 to 15 business days.
Mail renewal when you can't use the online system
To renew by mail, you'll need to submit your current Arizona driver's license, a completed process for Renewal of Driver License form (Form 43-1001), and payment by check or money order made payable to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division. You can read the form from azmvd.gov or request it by calling the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072.
Mail your materials to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Motor Vehicle Division receives your envelope. The fee is the same as online renewal: $25 for five years or $40 for eight years. Mail renewal is a good option if you have a minor address change or if you prefer not to visit an office, but it takes longer than online renewal and you won't receive your new license until the Motor Vehicle Division processes and mails it to you.
In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office
If your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address, or if you have updates to your vision or medical information, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You'll need to bring your current Arizona driver's license (or another form of identification if your license is expired), proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
The Motor Vehicle Division operates offices in most Arizona counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on azmvd.gov. Walk-in service is available at most locations, but wait times vary by office and time of day. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time. Processing in person usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll receive your new license on the spot if you pass the vision test and all your information is correct.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your Arizona driver's license has been expired for less than five years, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a Motor Vehicle Division office, a vision test, and a written knowledge test.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could face a traffic citation. If your license expired more than five years ago and you need to drive, contact your nearest Motor Vehicle Division office right away to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
Choosing between a five-year and eight-year license
At renewal, Arizona allows you to choose either a five-year license for $25 or an eight-year license for $40. The eight-year option costs more but means you won't need to renew again for eight years instead of five. The choice is yours based on your preference and budget. Both licenses are valid for driving and have the same legal status—the only difference is how long you can use them before renewing again.
If you're not sure which term to choose, consider how often you like to update your license photo or how long you plan to stay in Arizona. If you're planning to move out of state within the next few years, a five-year license might make more sense. If you plan to stay in Arizona long-term and want to minimize the number of times you renew, the eight-year option could be worth the extra cost.
Documents and information you'll need for any renewal method
Regardless of which renewal method you choose, you'll need to have certain information ready. Your current Arizona driver's license number and date of birth are required for all three methods. If you're renewing in person or by mail, you'll also need proof of your current address if it has changed since your last renewal. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address.
You'll also be asked to confirm or update your medical and vision information. Be honest when answering questions about your health, vision, hearing, and any conditions that might affect your ability to drive. If you have had changes to your vision or medical status, the Motor Vehicle Division may require you to take a vision test or provide a medical report from your doctor before your renewal is approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I've moved out of state?
If you've moved out of state, you cannot renew your Arizona license. You'll need to obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. However, if you still live in Arizona but your mailing address is temporarily out of state, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to discuss your options before attempting to renew.
What if I need to change my name on my license during renewal?
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring your current license and a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take 10 to 15 business days to arrive by mail after the Motor Vehicle Division processes your request. In-person renewal is fastest—you receive your new license when ready after your visit if everything is approved. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date your materials are received.
What if my vision test fails at the Motor Vehicle Division office?
If you fail the vision test during in-person renewal, the Motor Vehicle Division will not issue your license. You'll be given information about how to correct your vision (glasses or contacts) and told to return for another test. You can schedule a new appointment once you've addressed the vision issue.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. If your Arizona license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first contact the Motor Vehicle Division to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. This usually involves paying fines, completing a course, or meeting other requirements set by the state.