What You Pay for an Arizona 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, the cost is $10 for a five-year license. These are the base fees charged by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) when you get a new license or renew an expiring one.

The actual amount you pay at the MVD office may be higher because some locations add a service fee on top of the state fee. Service fees vary by location and can range from a few dollars to around $5, depending on which Motor Vehicle Division office you visit. You will see the total before you pay, so there are no surprises.

If you need your license faster than the standard processing time, Arizona offers expedited service for an additional fee. Expedited processing costs $10 more and speeds up the timeline, though the exact wait time depends on office volume and whether you are renewing by mail or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard five-year Arizona driver's license costs $25 for adults and $10 for people under 18, plus any service fee your local MVD office charges.
  • Service fees added by individual MVD locations are not set by the state and can vary, so call ahead or check the ADOT website for your specific office.
  • Expedited processing adds $10 to the total cost and is useful if you need your license sooner than standard renewal timelines allow.
  • You can renew by mail for the same fee if your license is not suspended and you meet other renewal requirements, which may save you a trip.

Renewal by Mail Versus In-Person

If your Arizona license is not suspended and you have not had any address changes that require a new photo, you can renew by mail. The fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail — $25 for adults, $10 for minors — but you avoid the service fee that some MVD offices charge. You also avoid the wait time at the office.

To renew by mail, you mail your current license, a completed process form (DL 44), and a check or money order to the address ADOT provides. Processing takes longer by mail than in person, usually 10 to 15 business days, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.

In-person renewal at an MVD office is faster and lets you get your new license the same day in most cases. You will pay the state fee plus the local service fee, but you walk out with your license ready to use.

Real ID Upgrade Costs

Arizona offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license for the same $25 fee (or $10 for minors). Real ID is a federal security standard that lets you use your driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport or other federal ID.

Getting Real ID does not cost extra, but it does require more documents at the time of process. You will need to bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Arizona residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your legal name and date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport). If you are renewing and already have a Real ID license, your renewal stays Real ID-compliant at no additional cost.

If you do not want Real ID, Arizona still issues a standard driver's license for the same price. The only difference is that a standard license cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a plane, but it works for driving and state ID needs.

Duplicate License and Replacement Fees

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate for $10. A duplicate is an exact copy of your current license with the same expiration date, so you do not pay the full renewal fee.

You must explore for a duplicate in person at an MVD office. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Processing is usually the same day, though some offices may take longer depending on how busy they are.

If your license is damaged but still readable, some MVD offices will issue a duplicate without charging the full fee. Ask the office staff when you arrive whether your situation qualifies for a reduced fee.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Costs

A commercial driver's license in Arizona costs $75 for a five-year license. This is significantly more than a regular driver's license because CDLs require additional testing and medical certification.

To get a CDL, you must pass a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam. The medical exam is not included in the $75 fee — you pay a certified medical examiner separately, usually between $50 and $150 depending on the provider. You must pass the medical exam before you can take the skills test.

If you already have a CDL and are renewing it, the cost is the same $75, but you will need to renew your DOT medical certificate as well. Medical certificates are valid for up to two years, so you may need to renew it before your license expires.

Identification Card Costs If You Do Not Drive

If you do not drive but need a state ID for other purposes, Arizona issues a non-driver identification card for $10 for a five-year card. This card works for state ID purposes and can be Real ID-compliant for the same price.

The non-driver ID requires the same documents as a driver's license — proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency — but you do not take any driving tests. It is useful if you need a state ID for banking, voting, or other official purposes but do not plan to drive.

Payment Methods and Where to Pay

Arizona MVD offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may have different payment options, so call ahead if you have a preference. You can find your nearest MVD office and its hours on the ADOT website.

You cannot pay online for a new license or renewal, but you can pay by mail if you are renewing by mail. Mail your check or money order with your process to the address ADOT provides on the renewal form.

If you are paying in person, bring exact change or be prepared for the office to process your payment. Some offices have ATMs on-site, but not all do, so it is safer to bring cash or a card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra to change my address on my license?

No. If your license is not expiring soon, you can change your address at an MVD office for free. If you are renewing at the same time, you pay only the renewal fee ($25 for adults). Address changes do not trigger an additional charge.

What if I fail the driving test — do I have to pay again?

Yes. If you fail the driving test, you must pay the full license fee again when you retake the test. The fee is not refunded for a failed test. Some people take the test multiple times, so budget for multiple fees if you are not sure you will pass on the first try.

Can I get a license if I have an outstanding traffic fine?

Arizona can suspend your license for unpaid traffic fines, but you can still renew if your license is not currently suspended. If it is suspended, you must resolve the fine or set up a payment plan before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the fine to find out what you owe.

Is there a fee to replace a license that was suspended?

No separate fee, but you must first clear the suspension by paying fines, completing required programs, or meeting other conditions set by the court or ADOT. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license for the standard $25 fee.

How much does it cost to get a license if I am moving to Arizona from another state?

You pay the same $25 fee (or $10 if you are under 18) for a new Arizona license. You do not need to surrender your old license, but Arizona will issue you a new one. You will need to pass the written test and vision test, but you may not need to take the driving test if you have a valid license from another state.