What Arizona charges for a driver's license

An Arizona driver's license costs $25 for a five-year license if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, a five-year license costs $10. These are the standard fees you pay at the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) when you first get a license or renew one.

The fee covers the card itself, the background check, and the processing. You pay it once per renewal cycle — every five years for adults, every five years for minors (though a minor's license expires when they turn 18, at which point they must renew at the adult rate).

If you need a Real ID–compliant license, the cost is the same: $25 for adults, $10 for minors. Real ID is the federal standard required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Arizona began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009, and most people now get them automatically unless they specifically request a standard license instead.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Arizona driver's license costs $25 for adults and $10 for minors, valid for five years.
  • Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses and are now the default option at ADOT.
  • Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards cost $10 regardless of age.
  • Duplicate licenses (ordered at the same time as your original) cost $5 each.
  • Renewal by mail or online costs the same as in-person renewal and takes longer to process.

Replacement and duplicate license fees

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement. The replacement fee is $10 for both adults and minors. You do not pay the full renewal fee — only the replacement fee — even if your current license has not yet expired.

A duplicate license is a second card with the same number and expiration date as your original, ordered at the same time. Each duplicate costs $5. Some people order duplicates to keep one at home and carry one in their wallet, or to have a backup if one is lost.

If you need a replacement after your license has already expired, you still pay only the $10 replacement fee, not a renewal fee. However, if you want to renew and replace at the same time — for example, if your license is damaged and also about to expire — ADOT will process it as a renewal at the $25 rate.

How to pay and what documents you need

You pay the license fee when you visit an ADOT office or when you renew online or by mail. ADOT accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at in-person locations. Online and mail renewals require a credit or debit card.

For a first-time license, you must bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. For a renewal, you typically need only your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed.

The fee itself does not change based on what documents you bring or how you renew. In-person, online, and mail renewals all cost the same amount.

Renewal by mail or online versus in-person

Arizona allows most people to renew their license by mail or online without visiting an ADOT office. The fee is the same — $25 for adults — whether you renew in person, online, or by mail.

Online renewal is the fastest option and typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an ADOT office is usually the quickest if you can get an appointment, though wait times vary by location.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your name or address, or if you are renewing for the first time. In those cases, you must visit an ADOT office in person.

Commercial driver's license fees

A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more than a standard license. An Arizona CDL costs $75 for a five-year license. This covers the written and skills tests, the medical certificate review, and the card itself.

CDL renewal also costs $75. If you need a CDL replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged), the fee is $10, the same as a standard license replacement.

Some employers cover the CDL fee as part of hiring or training. If you are pursuing a CDL through a trucking company or training program, ask whether they reimburse the ADOT fee.

Fees for name changes and corrections

If you need to change your name on your license — because of marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must visit an ADOT office in person. The fee depends on whether your license is still valid.

If your license has not expired, a name change costs $10 (the replacement fee). If your license has expired, you pay the renewal fee of $25 and the name change is included. You must bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree as proof of the name change.

Corrections to your license — such as fixing a misspelled name or wrong date of birth that ADOT made — are free. You must visit an office in person with proof of the correct information.

Where to pay and how long it takes

You can pay for a license at any ADOT office, online through the ADOT website, or by mail. ADOT has offices in most Arizona counties. You can find the nearest office and check wait times on the ADOT website.

In-person processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, though wait times to be seen vary. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you pay.

Online renewal is processed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time ADOT receives your process. If you need your license urgently, in-person renewal is the fastest option because you can get a temporary paper license on the spot while your card is being mailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra for a Real ID license?

No. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license: $25 for adults, $10 for minors. Arizona issues Real ID licenses by default, so you will get one unless you specifically ask for a standard license instead.

What if I lost my license and need it replaced before my renewal date?

You pay the $10 replacement fee, not the full $25 renewal fee. Your new license will have the same expiration date as your old one. When your license does expire, you renew at the regular $25 rate.

Can I renew my license online if it has been suspended?

No. You must visit an ADOT office in person if your license is suspended. Online and mail renewal are only for standard renewals of valid licenses. The fee is still $25, but you cannot complete it remotely.

How much does it cost to change my name on my license?

If your license is still valid, a name change costs $10. If your license has expired, you pay $25 for renewal and the name change is included. You must bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Is there a fee if ADOT made a mistake on my license?

No. Corrections to errors made by ADOT — such as a misspelled name or wrong birth date — are free. You must visit an office in person with proof of the correct information.