Arizona driver's licenses renew every 12 years for standard licenses, or every 5 years if you have a commercial license or are over 65
Arizona's renewal process depends on whether your license is standard, commercial, or whether you fall into an age category that requires more frequent renewal. Most people renew once every 12 years, but the state offers both in-person and online renewal for standard licenses — and which route you can use depends on how close you are to expiration and what changes have happened since your last license.
You can renew online through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or corrections to your vision or medical information. If any of those things have changed, or if your license is already expired, you must renew in person at an ADOT office or an authorized third-party provider.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Arizona licenses renew every 12 years; commercial licenses and licenses for people over 65 renew every 5 years.
- Online renewal is available through ADOT's website if your license is current and nothing about your personal information has changed since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at an ADOT office or authorized provider is required if your license is expired, or if you have had an address change, name change, or medical update.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online; in-person renewal requires your current license plus proof of residency.
- Arizona offers Real ID-compliant licenses, which are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025, but standard renewal does not automatically upgrade you.
Online renewal through ADOT's website
The Arizona Department of Transportation allows online renewal for standard driver's licenses that are not yet expired and have not had any changes to your personal information. You can renew online at azdot.gov by logging into your account or creating one if you do not already have one.
To renew online, you will need your current Arizona driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The renewal fee for a standard 12-year license is $25 as of 2024, though fees can change. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not an option if your license has already expired, if you have moved and need to update your address, if you have changed your name, or if there are any corrections needed to your vision or medical information. In any of those cases, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at ADOT offices and authorized providers
If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit an Arizona Department of Transportation office or an authorized third-party provider in person. ADOT maintains offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, Tempe, and Flagstaff, among other locations. You can find the full list and hours on the ADOT website.
Bring your current Arizona driver's license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing because your license has expired, bring the same documents.
Authorized third-party providers — often found at MVD services offices, some insurance agencies, and certain retail locations — can handle standard renewals and may have shorter wait times than ADOT offices. Not all third-party providers handle every type of transaction, so call ahead to confirm they can renew your specific license type.
Commercial license and over-65 renewal requirements
Arizona commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) renew every 5 years instead of 12. You cannot renew a CDL online; you must renew in person at an ADOT office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and a valid medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. The medical certificate must be dated within 14 days of your renewal appointment.
If you are 65 or older, your standard driver's license also renews every 5 years instead of 12. You can renew online if your license is not expired and your information has not changed, but if you are renewing in person, bring the same documents as any other adult: your current license and proof of residency.
Real ID compliance and standard renewal
Arizona offers Real ID-compliant driver's licenses, which are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. However, renewing your standard license does not automatically upgrade it to Real ID status. If you want a Real ID license, you must request it during renewal — either online or in person — and you will need to bring additional documents.
For a Real ID license, bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your legal name and date of birth (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document). The Real ID license costs the same as a standard renewal ($25 for 12 years), but processing may take longer because ADOT must verify your documents with federal databases.
If you do not need Real ID for federal travel or building access, you do not have to upgrade. A standard Arizona driver's license will continue to work for state purposes and for driving.
Renewal timeline and expiration dates
Your renewal date is printed on your current license. Arizona sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew online up to one year before your license expires, which can be useful if you want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew, but you must do so in person. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Arizona, so renew as soon as possible if you have missed your expiration date. If your license expired more than five years ago, ADOT may require you to retake the written test and vision test, even if you are renewing rather than reapplying.
Fees and payment methods
A standard 12-year Arizona driver's license renewal costs $25 as of 2024. A 5-year renewal (for people over 65 or commercial drivers) costs a different amount; check the ADOT website for the current fee. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard renewals but may have additional processing time.
Online renewal accepts debit cards and credit cards. In-person renewal at ADOT offices accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Third-party providers may have different payment options, so call ahead to confirm what they accept.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I have moved out of state?
No. Arizona requires proof of current residency to renew your license. If you have moved out of state, you should explore for a driver's license in your new state instead. You can keep your Arizona license until it expires, but you cannot renew it without an Arizona address.
What happens if I renew online but my information was wrong?
If you discover an error after renewing online, you will need to visit an ADOT office in person to correct it. Bring your new license (once it arrives) and the document that proves the correct information — for example, a birth certificate if your date of birth is wrong. ADOT can issue a corrected license.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at an ADOT office?
ADOT offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments for standard renewals. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Authorized third-party providers may have different policies, so call ahead if you are using one.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with ADOT, which may involve paying fines, completing a course, or meeting other requirements. Contact ADOT directly to find out what you need to do before you can renew.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewals at ADOT offices are usually mailed within the same timeframe, though it can vary. Third-party providers may have different timelines; ask when you visit or call.