Arizona Driver's License Renewal: The Basic Path

In Arizona, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Most people renew online through the Arizona Department of Transportation website — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a five-year license. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical suspensions, and your address on file is current.

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can print a temporary license from the same online portal. If you cannot renew online — because your license is too old, you need to change your address, or you have a suspension — you must go to a Motor Vehicle Division office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Arizona Department of Transportation website is the fastest option and works if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical holds.
  • A five-year Arizona driver's license costs $25 to renew, and your new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can print a temporary license when ready after completing online renewal so you can drive legally while waiting for the physical card.
  • In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you need to change your address, or you have a medical suspension on your record.
  • Arizona does not require a vision test or written exam for license renewal unless you are over 70 years old.

Renewing Online Through Arizona's Website

Go to azdot.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the Motor Vehicle Division section. You will need your current Arizona driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.

Review your information on screen. If your address, name, or other details have changed, you cannot complete the online renewal — you must go to an office instead. If everything is correct, pay the $25 renewal fee by debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready.

After you submit payment, print your temporary license from the confirmation page. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your physical license is in the mail. Keep it with you until your new card arrives.

When You Must Renew in Person at a Motor Vehicle Division Office

You cannot use online renewal if your Arizona license expired more than five years ago, if you need to update your address or legal name, if you have a medical suspension, or if you want to change your license class or add endorsements. In these cases, visit a Motor Vehicle Division office with your current or expired license and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after a medical suspension, bring a letter from your doctor stating you are safe to drive.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on office traffic. You will pay $25 for a five-year license at the counter. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary license at the office if you need to drive before your card arrives.

What Happens If Your License Expired Long Ago

If your Arizona license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as a new driver. This means taking the written knowledge test and the driving skills test at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of your Social Security number, just as you would for an original license process.

The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and safe driving practices. The driving test is a 10 to 15 minute evaluation of your ability to operate a vehicle safely on public roads. Both tests are offered at Motor Vehicle Division offices. If you pass both, you receive a new license on the spot or by mail, depending on the office.

Special Rules for Drivers Over 70

Arizona requires drivers age 70 and older to renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, even if they would otherwise be may be able to access for online renewal. You must bring your current license and proof of your current address. You will also take a vision test at the office to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely.

The vision test is straightforward: you read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you fail, the office will ask you to see an eye doctor and return with a vision report before your license is issued. The renewal fee is still $25 for a five-year license.

Motor Vehicle Division Office Locations and Wait Times

Arizona has Motor Vehicle Division offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the azdot.gov website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa typically have longer waits, especially on weekday mornings and afternoons.

You do not need an appointment for renewal at most offices, but some locations offer online appointment scheduling. Scheduling an appointment can cut your wait time significantly. Check the azdot.gov website for your local office to see if appointments are available.

Cost and Timeline for Arizona License Renewal

A five-year Arizona driver's license costs $25 to renew, whether you renew online or in person. This is the standard fee for most drivers. If you are renewing after a medical suspension or other special circumstance, the fee may be different — ask at the office or check azdot.gov for details.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes to complete, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes at the office, and your license is also mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new card arrives, print a temporary license (online renewal) or request one at the office (in-person renewal).

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If you no longer live in Arizona, you cannot renew an Arizona license. You must get a license from your new state. If you still live in Arizona but moved to a new address, you can renew online as long as you update your address at the Motor Vehicle Division office or during in-person renewal.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You cannot renew a lost license online. Go to a Motor Vehicle Division office with proof of identity and proof of your current address. Tell the staff you need a replacement license. You will pay $25 and receive a new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days, or you can request a temporary license to drive when ready.

Do I need a new photo when I renew my Arizona license?

Not for online renewal — your photo from your current license is used on your new card. If you renew in person at an office, you will have a new photo taken. If you want a new photo for an online renewal, you must renew in person instead.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot complete this change online. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and your name-change document.

Can I renew my license if I have a medical suspension?

Not until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division to find out why the suspension is in place and what you need to do to remove it. Usually you will need a letter from a doctor stating you are safe to drive. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew online or in person.