Arizona driver licenses expire every 12 years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office

Arizona gives you three ways to renew: online through the MVD website (the fastest option if you're may be able to access), by mail, or by visiting an office in person. Most people can renew online without leaving home, but some situations — like a name change, medical condition, or if your license was suspended — require an in-person visit. You'll need to know your current license number and have a valid payment method ready.

Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires. You don't have to wait for it to start the process, but it contains your license number and other details that make renewal faster. If you've lost it, you can still renew using your Social Security number and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona driver licenses are valid for 12 years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation.
  • Online renewal through the MVD website takes about 10 minutes and is available if your license is not suspended and you have no medical restrictions.
  • Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send in your renewal notice, a new photo, and a check or money order.
  • In-person renewal at an MVD office is required if your license was suspended, you have a name change, or you need a new photo for any reason.
  • The renewal fee is $25 for a standard 12-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, check, or money order depending on your method.

Online renewal: the fastest route if you're may be able to access

If your license is in good standing and you have no medical conditions listed on it, you can renew online at servicearizona.com. Log in with your Arizona driver license number and date of birth, answer a few questions about your address and any name changes, and pay the $25 renewal fee with a credit or debit card. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license was suspended, if you have medical restrictions, if you're under 18, or if you need to change your address to something outside Arizona.

Mail renewal: when you want to avoid the office

To renew by mail, fill out the renewal notice that arrives 60 days before your expiration date and mail it back with a new photo, a check or money order for $25, and your current license. If you don't have your renewal notice, you can request one by calling the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 or visiting an office in person.

Mail your packet to the address printed on your renewal notice. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the day the MVD receives it, so send it at least a month before your license expires. Your new license will arrive by mail. You can drive on your current license while you wait.

In-person renewal at an MVD office

You must renew in person if your license was suspended, if you have a medical condition on your license, if you're changing your name, if you're under 18, or if you need a new photo. Bring your current license, proof of Arizona residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and $25 in cash, check, or card payment.

Visit any Motor Vehicle Division office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can check wait times and book an appointment online at servicearizona.com. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster. Your new license is printed on the spot and ready to use when ready.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires and you have not yet renewed, you cannot legally drive. However, Arizona allows a grace period: if you renew within 30 days after expiration, you can still renew by mail or online without penalty. After 30 days, you must renew in person at an MVD office.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to pass a written test and vision test again, even if you renew in person. The MVD will tell you what is required when you arrive at the office.

Address changes and other updates during renewal

If you're moving within Arizona, you can update your address during online or mail renewal without extra steps. If you're moving out of state, you cannot renew your Arizona license by mail or online — you must visit an office in person to discuss your options.

If you're changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to an MVD office along with your current license and $25. Name changes require in-person renewal and cannot be done online or by mail.

Costs and payment methods

Arizona driver license renewal costs $25 for a standard 12-year license. If you renew online, you can pay with a credit or debit card. If you renew by mail, you can send a check or money order. If you renew in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

There are no additional fees for standard renewal. If you need a duplicate license, a name change, or a medical review, those services may have separate costs — the MVD will explain any extra charges when you arrive or when you start the online process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The new license will be valid for 12 years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired. Renewing early does not extend your total time — it just resets the clock.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew without it. For online renewal, use your driver license number and date of birth to log in. For mail renewal, call the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 to request a new notice, or visit an office in person. You do not need the notice to renew in person.

How long does it take to get my new license?

Online renewal: 7 to 10 business days by mail. Mail renewal: 2 to 3 weeks from the day the MVD receives your packet. In-person renewal: your license is printed on the spot and ready to use when ready. You can drive on your current license while waiting for a mailed license.

What if my license was suspended?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended. You must visit an MVD office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and $25. The office will check the status of your suspension and tell you what steps you need to take before renewal is possible.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

For online renewal, no new photo is needed — your current photo is used. For mail renewal, you must include a new photo with your packet. For in-person renewal, a new photo is taken at the office. If you want a new photo during online renewal, you must renew in person instead.