Arizona driver's license renewal basics
Arizona lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Which method you use depends on how much time you have, whether your address has changed, and what type of license you hold. Most people can complete the whole process without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.
Your Arizona license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. The state will mail you a reminder notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the renewal process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona offers online renewal through the Motor Vehicle Division website for most drivers, and the process takes about 10 minutes if you have your current license number and a valid payment method.
- Mail-in renewal is available if you do not want to go online, but it takes two to three weeks and requires you to mail in your current physical license.
- You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office if your address has changed, your license is suspended or revoked, or you need a new photo.
- Arizona charges a renewal fee that varies based on your license type and how many years you are renewing for, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check online.
- If your license has already expired, you can still renew it through any of these methods, but you may face a late fee depending on how long it has been expired.
Online renewal through the Motor Vehicle Division website
The fastest way to renew is through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division's online portal at servicearizona.com. 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 information and let you know right away if you are may be able to access to renew online.
Once you log in, you will review your current license information and confirm or update your address. If everything is correct, you pay the renewal fee using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). You also cannot renew online if you have certain medical conditions that require a vision test or if your address change requires verification.
Mail-in renewal when you prefer not to go online
If you do not want to use the online system, you can renew by mail. The Motor Vehicle Division will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes a form and instructions for mailing in your current physical license along with the completed form and your payment.
Mail your license, the signed renewal form, and a check or money order to the address shown on the notice. Do not send cash. The Motor Vehicle Division will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you, which typically takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your materials. During this time, you can still drive on your current license.
Keep in mind that you are mailing in your actual physical license, so you will not have it in your possession while waiting for the new one. If you need to show a valid ID during the renewal period, you can print a temporary license from the Motor Vehicle Division website or request one by mail.
In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office
You must renew in person if your address has changed since your last license was issued, if you need a new photo, if your license is suspended or revoked, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. You will also need to visit an office if the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access to renew online.
Find your nearest Motor Vehicle Division office on the state website and check their hours before you go. Bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. If you are renewing a CDL, you will also need to pass a vision test and may need to provide medical certification depending on your age and the type of CDL you hold.
Wait times at Motor Vehicle Division offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the state website before you visit. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
Arizona driver's license renewal fees and payment
The renewal fee for a standard five-year Arizona driver's license is $25. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, the fee is higher and depends on the type of CDL and how many endorsements you have. You can pay online using a credit card or debit card, or by electronic check. If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, Arizona may charge an additional late fee. The exact amount depends on how long your license has been expired. You can contact the Motor Vehicle Division directly to learn about a late fee applies to your situation.
Arizona does not accept cash payments online, and the Motor Vehicle Division does not accept cash by mail. If you are renewing in person at an office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
What to do if your license has already expired
You can still renew an expired Arizona driver's license through any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could face a citation.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew it without penalty in most cases. If it has been expired for more than one year, Arizona may require you to take a written test and vision test again, and you may face a late fee. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 to find out what applies to your specific situation before you renew.
If you need to drive while your renewal is being processed, you can request a temporary license. If you renewed online or by mail, you can print a temporary license from the Motor Vehicle Division website. If you are renewing in person, the office can issue you a temporary license on the spot.
Renewing a commercial driver's license in Arizona
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of your address, and payment for the renewal fee. You will need to pass a vision test, and depending on your age and the type of CDL you hold, you may need to provide medical certification from a doctor.
If your CDL is for hazardous materials (hazmat), you will also need to pass a background check. The Motor Vehicle Division will fingerprint you at the office. This process takes longer than a standard license renewal, so plan for extra time.
Arizona requires CDL holders to renew every five years, the same as standard driver's licenses. If your CDL has expired, you cannot legally drive a commercial vehicle, even if you have submitted a renewal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date or to update their address or photo before the current license expires.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need proof of renewal before the new license arrives, you can print a temporary license from the Motor Vehicle Division website.
What if my address changed since I got my current license?
If your address has changed, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The office will update your address and issue a new license with the correct information.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Arizona driver's license?
Arizona requires a new photo every 12 years. If your current license is less than 12 years old and you do not want a new photo, you can renew online or by mail. If you want a new photo or if 12 years have passed since your last photo, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could receive a citation. You cannot legally drive even if your renewal process has been submitted. If your license is about to expire and your renewal is not yet complete, request a temporary license from the Motor Vehicle Division website or at an office.