How to Renew Your Arizona Driver's License at the DMV

Arizona driver's license renewal: what you need to know

Arizona renews driver's licenses every 12 years for people under 65 and every 5 years for people 65 and older. You can renew in person at an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the ADOT website. The process takes about 15 minutes in person, and you'll need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. Renewal costs $25 for a standard 12-year license.

Arizona does not require you to renew on your exact expiration date — you can renew up to one year before your license expires. This means you can plan ahead and avoid the rush closer to your expiration date. If your license has already expired, you can still renew using the same process, though you may face a small late fee depending on how long it has been expired.

Key Takeaways

Arizona licenses last 12 years for people under 65 and 5 years for people 65 and older, and you can renew up to one year early.
You can renew online, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office, depending on your situation and whether your address or name has changed.
You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of citizenship or legal presence (passport, birth certificate, or visa).
The renewal fee is $25 for a standard 12-year license, and the process takes about 15 minutes in person.
If your license is suspended, revoked, or you have unpaid traffic violations, you cannot renew online or by mail and must go to an ADOT office in person.

Renewing online through the ADOT website

The fastest way to renew is online at azdot.gov if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your license is not suspended or revoked, your name and address have not changed since your last renewal, and you have no outstanding traffic violations or fines. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $25.

To renew online, you will need your current Arizona driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). Arizona will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even after the expiration date.

If you have moved, changed your name, or have any holds on your license, the online system will tell you when ready and direct you to renew in person instead. Do not try to force an online renewal if the system rejects you — this means you need to visit an ADOT office.

Renewing by mail in Arizona

Mail renewal is available only if you meet the same conditions as online renewal: no suspension or revocation, no address or name change, and no outstanding violations. To renew by mail, you must request a renewal form from ADOT by calling 602-255-0072 or visiting an ADOT office in person. Arizona does not mail renewal forms automatically.

Once you receive the form, fill it out completely, include a check or money order for $25 made payable to "Arizona Department of Transportation," and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after ADOT receives your packet. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and requires you to request the form first, so most people choose online renewal instead.

Renewing in person at an ADOT office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, your name or address has changed, you have unpaid violations or fines, or you prefer to do it face-to-face. Bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of citizenship or legal presence can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, visa, permanent resident card, or employment authorization document.

ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations offer Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check wait times at azdot.gov. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to skip the line. Bring all documents with you — staff will not accept incomplete applications and you will have to return another day.

The in-person renewal fee is $25 for a standard 12-year license. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $10 for a 5-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Arizona license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail — you must go to an ADOT office in person. A suspension is usually temporary and caused by unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. A revocation is more serious and typically results from multiple violations or a serious offense. You can check your license status on the ADOT website or by calling 602-255-0072.

Before you can renew, you must resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. This might mean paying outstanding fines, completing a required program, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. ADOT staff at the office can tell you what you need to do, but they cannot waive the requirement. Once you have resolved the issue, you can renew in person at any ADOT office.

Renewing with a name or address change

If you have moved or changed your name since your last renewal, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to an ADOT office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your name change if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The process is the same as a standard renewal and costs $25.

If you are moving out of Arizona, you do not need to renew your Arizona license before you leave. However, you will need to get a license from your new state within the timeframe that state requires. Arizona will not issue a license to someone who does not live in Arizona, so if you move, plan to get your new state's license within 30 to 60 days of moving.

Real ID compliance and Arizona driver's licenses

Arizona driver's licenses are not Real ID compliant by default. If you need a Real ID-compliant license for federal purposes — such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building — you must request it when you renew. A Real ID license costs $30 instead of $25 and requires additional proof of citizenship or legal presence beyond what a standard renewal needs.

To get a Real ID license, you must renew in person at an ADOT office and bring your current license, proof of residency, and an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or visa. A Real ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a small star in the upper right corner. If you do not need Real ID compliance, a standard Arizona license is sufficient for driving and most other purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Arizona only renews licenses for people who live in Arizona. If you have moved out of state, you must get a license from your new state. If you still live in Arizona but are temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail as long as your address on file is still in Arizona.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You must go to an ADOT office in person and bring proof of identity, residency, and citizenship. ADOT will issue you a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your old license was not yet expired.

How long can I drive after my license expires?

You can drive on an expired Arizona license for a short grace period, but it is not legal. If you are pulled over, you can show proof that you have renewed (such as a confirmation email from online renewal) to avoid a ticket. Once your new license arrives, you are fully legal again.

Do I need an appointment to renew at an ADOT office?

Appointments are not required, but they are recommended to avoid long wait times. You can schedule an appointment online at azdot.gov or walk in during office hours. Some locations have shorter wait times than others, so check the website before you go.

What if my renewal process is rejected?

If your online or mail renewal is rejected, ADOT will send you a notice explaining why. Common reasons include a suspension on your license, an address change, or missing information. Follow the instructions in the notice to renew in person at an ADOT office instead.

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.