How to Renew Your Arizona Driver's License

Arizona License Renewal: What You Need to Do

Arizona allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have left, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take 10 to 15 business days by mail; online renewals are when ready if you meet the requirements.

You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must explore in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Key Takeaways

Arizona residents can renew online at azdot.gov if their license is valid, they have not changed their address, and they are not renewing a commercial license.
Mail renewal requires Form DL 44 (process for Arizona Driver License), a check or money order for the renewal fee, and proof of residency if you moved.
In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
Arizona driver's licenses expire on your birthday and cost $25 for a five-year renewal or $45 for a ten-year renewal.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may be required to pass the written and vision tests again.

Online Renewal Through the Arizona Department of Transportation

The fastest way to renew is online at azdot.gov if you meet all the requirements. You will need your current Arizona driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The renewal is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email with your new license number.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has expired, if you have changed your address since it was issued, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you are renewing a license that was suspended or revoked. You also cannot renew online if you need to update your name, gender marker, or organ donor status — those changes require an in-person visit.

After you complete the online renewal, your new physical license will arrive by mail within 10 to 15 business days. You can continue to drive on your old license until the new one arrives. The renewal fee is $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license, charged to your card at the time of renewal.

Mail Renewal With Form DL 44

To renew by mail, read or request Form DL 44 (process for Arizona Driver License) from the Arizona Department of Transportation website or pick one up at any Motor Vehicle Division office. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee ($25 for five years, $45 for ten years) to the address listed on the form.

Include proof of your current address if you have moved since your license was issued. Acceptable documents are a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued mail dated within the last 60 days. Do not send your current license with the process — keep it until your new one arrives.

Processing takes 10 to 15 business days from the date the Motor Vehicle Division receives your form. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan to submit your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires. You will receive your new license by mail; there is no option to pick it up at an office if you renew by mail.

In-Person Renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division Office

You can renew in person at any Motor Vehicle Division office in Arizona. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment in cash, check, or card. The visit usually takes 30 minutes or less, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new card is printed and mailed.

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, name, or gender marker, if you are renewing a commercial license, or if you want to add or remove an organ donor designation. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to use the online or mail options.

Motor Vehicle Division offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. You can check wait times and book an appointment online at azdot.gov. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster, especially during peak times near the end of the month.

Renewal Fees and License Validity Periods

Arizona driver's licenses expire on your birthday. When you renew, you choose either a five-year license for $25 or a ten-year license for $45. The ten-year option costs more but means you will not need to renew again for a decade. Both fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

If you are over 65 years old, you can renew for five years only — ten-year licenses are not available for drivers in this age group. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal fees and validity periods are different and must be handled in person or through a third-party CDL service.

Payment methods vary by renewal method: online renewal accepts debit or credit cards only; mail renewal requires a check or money order; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card. Do not send cash by mail.

What to Do If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the standard process. You cannot renew online if your license is expired. Submit your renewal as soon as possible, because driving on an expired license is a traffic violation in Arizona.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The office may require you to pass the written knowledge test and vision screening again, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age. Call ahead to confirm what tests you will need to take.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must contact the Motor Vehicle Division to understand why it was suspended or revoked and what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.

Address Changes and Other Updates

If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address when you renew. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew by mail or in person. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days).

If you are renewing by mail and have moved, include the proof of residency document with your Form DL 44 and payment. The Motor Vehicle Division will update your address in their system and print it on your new license.

Name changes, gender marker updates, and organ donor status changes also require in-person renewal. Bring a certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) if you are changing your name. Gender marker changes require a signed statement from a licensed healthcare provider or a court order, depending on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona license if I live out of state?

Yes. If you still have an Arizona address on file or can provide proof of an Arizona address, you can renew by mail or online. If you have moved out of state and no longer have an Arizona address, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office before you move, or you will need to explore for a new license in your new state.

What happens if I renew online but my address changed?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. The system will reject your renewal if the address on file does not match your current residence. You must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online renewals are processed when ready, and your new license arrives by mail in 10 to 15 business days. Mail renewals take 10 to 15 business days from the date received, plus mailing time. In-person renewals give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your new card arrives by mail within 10 to 15 business days.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, you can request a new photo, but it is not required unless your current photo is damaged or unreadable.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what you must do to restore your driving privileges. Once your status is cleared, you can renew through the normal process.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.