Documents and information you'll bring to the MVD
To renew your Arizona driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your current license. The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) accepts a passport, birth certificate, or tribal ID as proof of identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Arizona address.
You'll also need your Social Security number and your current Arizona driver's license. If your license has been lost or stolen, you can still renew, but you'll need to report it and may pay an additional fee. Bring the documents in their original form — photocopies are not accepted for identity or residency proof.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current Arizona license, a passport or birth certificate, and a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your Arizona address.
- You must provide your Social Security number; the MVD will not renew without it.
- If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order documenting the change.
- You can renew in person at any MVD office, by mail if your license is not expired more than five years, or online if you meet certain requirements.
- Renewal fees vary based on license type and duration; standard five-year renewals cost less than ten-year renewals.
Name changes and legal documents
If your name has changed since you got your current license, bring legal proof of the change. The MVD accepts a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption papers. The document must be an official copy — a certified copy is best, though some MVD offices accept uncertified originals if they are clearly official.
If you've changed your name and don't have the original document, you can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the change was recorded. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $10 and $25. Plan ahead if you need this document, because the MVD cannot issue your renewal without it.
Vision and medical requirements
Arizona requires a vision screening at renewal. The MVD will test your vision in-office during a renewal appointment. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You must be able to read the 20/40 line on the vision chart; if you cannot, you'll be asked to get a vision correction and return.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as seizures, severe hearing loss, or certain medications — the MVD may require a medical report from your doctor. You won't know this in advance; the MVD will tell you during your appointment if one is needed. If a report is required, you'll need to return to the MVD with it before your license is issued.
Renewal by mail or online
You can renew by mail if your current Arizona license is not expired more than five years and you have no medical restrictions or name changes. The MVD will send you a renewal packet in the mail before your license expires. Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back with a copy of your proof of residency. Processing takes about two weeks after the MVD receives your packet.
Online renewal is available if your license is not expired more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. You'll need to log into your MVD account or create one at azmvd.gov. Online renewal costs the same as mail renewal and is processed within a few business days. You'll receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks.
In-person renewal at an MVD office
If you renew in person, go to any MVD office during business hours. Bring all required documents, your current license, and payment. Most offices operate on a walk-in basis, though some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early morning and weekday visits are usually faster than afternoons or weekends.
The renewal appointment itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You'll have your vision screened, answer health questions, and have your photo taken. If everything is in order, you'll receive a temporary license to use when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If documents are missing or incomplete, the MVD will tell you what you need to bring back.
Fees and payment methods
Arizona driver's license renewal fees depend on the license type and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. Commercial driver's licenses cost more than regular licenses. The MVD website lists current fees by license type at azmvd.gov.
You can pay by cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card. If you're renewing by mail, send a check or money order. If you're renewing in person or online, you can use any of these methods. The MVD does not accept personal checks by mail, only cashier's checks or money orders.
What happens if documents are missing or incorrect
If you arrive at the MVD without all required documents, staff will tell you what you're missing and won't issue your renewal that day. You'll need to return with the missing document. If you've already paid, that payment will be held and applied when you return with the correct documents.
If information on your process doesn't match your documents — for example, your address on your utility bill doesn't match the address you wrote on the form — the MVD will ask you to correct it before processing. Bring documents that match the information you're providing. If you've recently moved and your utility bill is dated before your move, bring a lease or mortgage statement instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I live out of state now?
No. Arizona requires proof of current residency to renew. If you've moved out of state, you'll need to get a license from your new state. You can surrender your Arizona license by mail to any MVD office if you want to, though you're not required to.
What if my current license is expired?
You can still renew by mail or online if it expired less than five years ago. If it's been expired more than five years, you must renew in person at an MVD office. Bring all the same documents you would for a standard renewal.
Do I need to take a written test to renew?
No. Renewal does not include a written or driving test. You only need to pass the vision screening and provide updated information. If you've had a suspension or revocation, different rules explore — contact the MVD directly.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew in person, you'll get a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks. By mail or online, your new license arrives within one to two weeks of processing. Processing time is usually faster for online renewals than mail renewals.
What if I want to change my address during renewal?
You can update your address during any renewal method. If you're renewing by mail or online, include your new address on the form and bring proof of residency at your new address. If you're renewing in person, tell the MVD staff your new address and bring residency proof.