What You Pay for an Arizona Driver's License

An Arizona driver's license costs between $20 and $45 depending on the type of license you need and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year license costs $20. A ten-year license costs $45. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $50 for five years or $100 for ten years. These are the fees charged by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division when you explore in person at an office or through the mail.

The fee you pay covers the license itself and the processing of your process. If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, you pay the same fee as a new license. If you need to renew before your current license expires, the renewal fee is the same as the original license fee for that type.

Some services cost extra. A duplicate license (a second copy of your current license) costs $10. A name change on your license costs $20 if done at the same time as renewal, or $25 if done separately. If you need your license faster than standard processing, expedited service is available but carries an additional charge that varies depending on the service method you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Arizona driver's license costs $20 for five years or $45 for ten years, paid directly to ADOT Motor Vehicle Division.
  • Commercial driver's licenses cost $50 for five years or $100 for ten years and require additional testing and documentation beyond a standard license.
  • Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards cost the same as a new license, and you must bring proof of the loss or damage to your appointment.
  • Name changes, duplicate licenses, and expedited processing each carry separate fees ranging from $10 to $25 depending on what you need.
  • You can pay by cash, check, money order, or debit card at ADOT offices; online renewal through the ADOT website accepts credit and debit cards.

Standard Driver's License Costs

A standard Arizona driver's license for a non-commercial vehicle costs $20 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license. You choose the term length when you explore. The five-year option is cheaper upfront but requires renewal sooner. The ten-year option costs more but does not need to be renewed for a longer period.

When you renew a standard license before it expires, you pay the same fee as you would for a new license. If your license is still valid but you want to renew it early—for example, to update your address or photo—you pay the full renewal fee. There is no discount for renewing early.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must explore for a replacement. The replacement fee is the same as the fee for a new license: $20 for five years or $45 for ten years. You will need to bring proof of the loss or damage, such as a police report for a stolen license or a damaged card itself.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Costs

A commercial driver's license in Arizona costs $50 for five years or $100 for ten years. A CDL is required if you drive a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or if you transport hazardous materials or 16 or more passengers. The fee covers the license card itself but does not include the cost of the written knowledge test or the driving skills test, which are separate.

Before you can obtain a CDL, you must pass a written test on commercial driving rules and safety. You must also pass a behind-the-wheel driving test with an ADOT examiner. These tests are scheduled separately from your license process and may have their own fees depending on whether you test through ADOT or an approved third-party tester.

If you already hold a CDL and need to renew it, the renewal fee is the same as the original license fee. If your CDL is lost or stolen, a replacement costs the same as a new CDL. You do not need to retake the written or driving tests to renew or replace a CDL, only to obtain one for the first time.

Additional Fees and Services

Several services beyond the basic license cost extra money. A duplicate license—a second copy of your current valid license—costs $10. This is useful if you want a backup card or if you need to carry your license in multiple places. You can order a duplicate at any ADOT office or through the mail.

If you need to change your name on your license, the fee depends on when you make the change. If you change your name at the same time as renewing your license, the name change costs $20 in addition to the renewal fee. If you change your name outside of a renewal, it costs $25. You must bring legal proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Expedited processing is available if you need your license sooner than the standard timeline. The cost of expedited service varies depending on whether you explore in person, by mail, or online. Contact your local ADOT office or check the ADOT website for current expedited processing fees and how long each option takes.

Payment Methods and Where to Pay

At an ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office, you can pay by cash, check, money order, or debit card. Credit cards are not accepted at the office counter. If you are renewing your license online through the ADOT website, you can pay by credit card or debit card. If you are renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order.

Make checks and money orders payable to "Arizona Department of Transportation." Include your check or money order with your process form and supporting documents when you mail your renewal. Do not send cash by mail.

ADOT offices are located throughout Arizona. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the ADOT website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment. Calling ahead or checking online before you visit can save you time.

Identification Cards and Other Documents

If you do not drive but need a government-issued photo ID, Arizona offers an Arizona ID card (not a driver's license). An Arizona ID card costs $20 for a ten-year card. It is not valid for driving but works for identification purposes such as boarding a plane or entering a federal building. The fee and renewal process are similar to a driver's license.

Motorcycle endorsements and other license endorsements (such as for towing or passenger transport) do not add to the cost of your license. The endorsement is printed on your license card at no extra charge. However, you may need to pass an additional test to obtain an endorsement, and test fees may explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona license online and how much does it cost?

Yes, you can renew online through the ADOT website if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements. The renewal fee is the same as in-person renewal: $20 for five years or $45 for ten years. You pay by credit or debit card online. Online renewal is faster than mail renewal and does not require an office visit.

What if I let my license expire—do I pay more to renew it?

No, the renewal fee is the same whether your license is current or expired. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and pass a new driving test, similar to explore for a new license. Contact ADOT to confirm the requirements for your situation.

Do I have to choose the ten-year license or can I get a five-year license?

You can choose either the five-year or ten-year license when you explore or renew. The five-year license costs $20 and the ten-year license costs $45. There is no requirement to choose one over the other; it depends on your preference and budget.

Is there a fee to add a motorcycle endorsement to my license?

There is no fee to add the endorsement to your license card itself. However, you must pass a written test and a riding skills test to obtain the endorsement. Test fees may explore depending on whether you test through ADOT or an approved third-party tester. Contact ADOT for current test fees.

What happens if my license is damaged and I need a replacement?

A replacement for a damaged license costs the same as a new license: $20 for five years or $45 for ten years. Bring the damaged license card with you to your appointment. You do not need a police report for a damaged license, only for a lost or stolen one.