Arizona driver's license renewal basics
You can renew your Arizona driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $25. If you can't renew online, mail-in renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks, and in-person renewal is same-day.
You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have a valid email address on file, and your license hasn't been renewed online more than once in a row. If you don't meet those conditions, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.
Your Arizona license is valid for five years from the date it's issued. The Motor Vehicle Division sends renewal notices about 90 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website costs $25, takes 10 minutes, and is available if your license is not suspended and you haven't renewed online twice in a row.
- Mail-in renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment, and takes 2 to 3 weeks to process.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is same-day and necessary if you need a new photo, have a suspended license, or are not may be able to access for online renewal.
- Arizona licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew up to six months before expiration without penalty.
Online renewal through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website
To renew online, go to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You'll verify your current address, confirm your email, and pay the $25 renewal fee with a debit or credit card. The system will then mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. It's also not available if you've renewed online twice in a row — after two consecutive online renewals, you must renew in person or by mail. If you need a new photo or have changed your name, you cannot renew online.
Once you complete online renewal, you'll receive a confirmation number. Keep this number in case you need to check the status of your renewal or contact the Motor Vehicle Division about your new license.
Mail-in renewal and what to send
To renew by mail, you'll need to send your current Arizona driver's license, a completed process for Renewal of Driver License (Form DL 44), and a check or money order for $25 to the Motor Vehicle Division. You can read Form DL 44 from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website or request it by phone.
Mail your renewal packet to the Motor Vehicle Division at the address listed on their website. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. Do not mail cash — the Motor Vehicle Division will not process it.
If your renewal is time-sensitive, mail-in renewal is slower than online or in-person options. However, you can renew by mail up to six months before your license expires without any penalty or fee increase.
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 Arizona residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and $25. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
In-person renewal is same-day. You'll take a new photo and receive your renewed license before you leave the office. This is the only renewal method that gives you a new license when ready, so choose this option if you need your license right away or if you're not may be able to access for online renewal.
Wait times at Motor Vehicle Division offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy early in the morning on weekdays. You can check current wait times on the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website before you go.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your Arizona driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online. You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. The office staff will tell you what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation before your new license can be issued.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support. Revocation is more serious and usually results from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. The Motor Vehicle Division website has a tool where you can check whether your license is suspended or revoked.
If your license is suspended, you may be able to get a restricted license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. Ask about this option when you visit the Motor Vehicle Division office to renew.
Renewing early and what to know about expiration dates
You can renew your Arizona driver's license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early does not cost extra or change your expiration date — your new license will expire five years from the date of renewal, not five years from your old expiration date.
If you renew early, your old license becomes invalid as soon as your new one is issued. If you're renewing online or by mail, destroy your old license once you receive the new one. If you're renewing in person, the Motor Vehicle Division will take your old license when they issue the new one.
If your license expires while you're waiting for your renewal to be processed, you can still drive legally as long as you have proof that you've started the renewal process. Keep your confirmation number from online renewal or your receipt from mail-in renewal with you while you drive.
Name changes and updating your license information
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and $25. The Motor Vehicle Division will issue a new license with your updated name on the same day.
If you've changed your address but not your name, you can update your address online through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website without renewing your license. Address changes are free and take effect when ready. However, if your license is expiring soon, it's more efficient to renew and update your address at the same time.
If you need to change other information on your license — such as your height, eye color, or organ donor status — you can do this in person at any Motor Vehicle Division office. Some changes can be made online; check the Motor Vehicle Division website to see which updates are available through their online system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online if you're may be able to access, or by mail from anywhere. Mail-in renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. If you're in Arizona temporarily, you can also renew in person at any Motor Vehicle Division office. Your license will be mailed to the address on file, which can be an out-of-state address.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
You'll need to explore for a replacement license in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring proof of identity and Arizona residency. A replacement license costs $25 and is issued same-day. Once you have your replacement, you can renew it using any of the three methods when it expires.
How do I check the status of my renewal?
If you renewed online, use your confirmation number on the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website to track your renewal. If you renewed by mail, call the Motor Vehicle Division with your driver's license number. In-person renewals are complete when ready, so there's no status to check.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my Arizona license?
No. A standard Arizona driver's license is still valid for driving. Real ID is required only for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you want a Real ID, you can get one when you renew in person by bringing additional documents like a birth certificate and proof of residency.
What if my renewal is rejected or delayed?
Contact the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division directly with your confirmation number or driver's license number. Common reasons for delays include address verification issues or a mismatch in your personal information. The Motor Vehicle Division can tell you what's needed to complete your renewal and how long it will take.