How to Renew Your Arizona Driver's License

Where to renew your Arizona driver's license

You can renew your Arizona driver's license in person at any Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, or online through the ADOT website if you meet certain requirements. The online option is faster — you can complete it from home without waiting in line — but not everyone is may be able to access. In-person renewal at an ADOT office takes longer but works for all drivers.

ADOT has offices in most Arizona cities and towns. You can find the location nearest you, current wait times, and hours on the ADOT website. Some offices are busier than others; checking wait times before you go saves you time on the day you visit.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online if your license is not suspended, you have not had certain violations in the past five years, and your address on file is current.
Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about 10 minutes, but your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal at an ADOT office takes the same day but requires you to bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
Your Arizona license is valid for five years from the date of issue, and ADOT sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before expiration.

Renewing online through ADOT

Online renewal is the fastest route if you are may be able to access. You go to the ADOT website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, answer questions about your driving record and address, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. ADOT mails your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have had certain violations (like a DUI or reckless driving conviction) in the past five years, if your address on file is not current, or if you are over 65 years old. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person.

The online renewal fee is lower than the in-person fee. As of 2024, online renewal costs $12 for a five-year license, while in-person renewal costs $25. This difference makes online renewal worth choosing if you are may be able to access.

Renewing in person at an ADOT office

In-person renewal happens the same day you visit. Bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof that you live in Arizona (such as a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment. ADOT accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. You will take a new photo and answer questions about your driving record and address, then receive your new license before you leave.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are usually less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. If you check the ADOT website before you go, you can see current wait times and choose a time that works for you.

If you are over 65 years old, you must renew in person. ADOT requires an in-person visit for older drivers to confirm your identity and assess your fitness to drive.

What documents you need

For in-person renewal, bring your current Arizona driver's license and one document that proves you live in Arizona. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the past 60 days.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a document that proves the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your address, make sure your proof of residency shows your new address.

You do not need to bring your Social Security card or passport, though you can if you want to. ADOT will look up your Social Security number and other information in its system.

When your license expires and renewal timing

Your Arizona driver's license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. ADOT mails a renewal reminder about 60 days before your license expires, so check your mailbox around that time.

You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire five years from the date you renew. There is no penalty for renewing early, and doing so means you will not accidentally drive on an expired license.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process. An expired license is still valid for renewal purposes; you just cannot legally drive until you have renewed it.

Fees and payment methods

Online renewal costs $12 for a five-year license. In-person renewal costs $25 for a five-year license. Both fees are for a standard driver's license; commercial licenses and other endorsements may cost more.

ADOT accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at in-person offices. Online renewal accepts credit and debit card only. If you pay by check in person, write it to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Some ADOT offices have ATMs on site if you need cash, but not all do. Calling ahead to confirm payment methods at your chosen office can save you a trip if you prefer to pay a certain way.

How long your new license takes to arrive

If you renew in person, you receive your new license the same day before you leave the office. If you renew online, ADOT mails your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Weekends and holidays do not count toward this timeline.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your current license remains valid until the new one is issued. You can legally drive on your old license during the waiting period.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days of renewing online, contact ADOT to report it. They can look up your renewal status and help you track down the license or issue a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?

Yes, unpaid traffic tickets do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid tickets or other violations, you must renew in person and the suspension must be cleared first. Contact ADOT or the court that issued the ticket to find out how to clear a suspension.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

If you renew online, your address on file must be current before you start. If it is not, you must renew in person instead. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address and ADOT will update your license. You can also update your address at an ADOT office without renewing if your license is not expiring soon.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Most ADOT offices do not require an appointment for license renewal, but some locations offer appointment scheduling to reduce wait time. Check the ADOT website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are always welcome, but arriving during off-peak hours (early morning or mid-week) usually means shorter waits.

What happens if I renew online but then move before my license arrives?

Contact ADOT as soon as you move and provide your new address. They can redirect your license to your new address or hold it for you to pick up at an office. If your license is already mailed and you do not update your address, it may be returned to ADOT as undeliverable.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No, you must renew your license yourself, either online or in person. ADOT requires your signature and identity confirmation. If you are unable to visit an office due to a disability or medical condition, contact ADOT to ask about alternatives or accommodations.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.