The fastest way to renew in Arizona
You can renew your Arizona driver's license online through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Online renewal is the quickest option and takes about 10 minutes if you meet the requirements. You'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can renew online. You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not suspended or revoked, you're a U.S. citizen, you have a valid email address, and your license hasn't been renewed online in the past two times. If you don't meet these requirements, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through ADOT's website is available if your license is valid and you haven't used online renewal for your last two renewals.
- You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start an online renewal.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send in your current license along with a completed form.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office takes about 30 minutes and is necessary if you need to update your address, photo, or other information.
- Arizona licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Renewing online through ADOT
Start by visiting the ADOT website and selecting the online renewal option. You'll 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 ask you to review your current license details to make sure everything is correct.
Once you've confirmed your information, you'll pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Arizona charges $25 for a five-year renewal or $50 for a ten-year renewal. After payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number via email. Your new license will arrive at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If the online system rejects your information or you can't complete the process, you'll see a message telling you to renew by mail or in person. This usually happens if your license is suspended, if you're not a U.S. citizen, or if you've already renewed online twice in a row.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, you'll need to complete the process for Renewal of Driver License or Identification License form (Form DL 44). You can read this form from the ADOT website or request it by phone. Mail your completed form along with your current Arizona driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time ADOT receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If you need your license sooner, mail renewal is not the right choice — consider renewing in person instead.
Use mail renewal if you live out of state, if you can't renew online, or if you prefer not to visit an office. Keep in mind that you cannot update your photo, address, or other personal information by mail. If any of your information has changed, you'll need to renew in person.
Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office
Visit any Motor Vehicle Division office with your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. You can find office locations and hours on the ADOT website. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You'll have your photo taken for your new license. If you want to update your address, change your name, or modify any other information on your license, you must renew in person.
Some Motor Vehicle Division offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time. Check the ADOT website to see if appointments are available at your nearest office. Walk-ins are also accepted, but arriving early in the day or on weekdays typically means shorter waits.
When your Arizona license expires and renewal important date
Your Arizona driver's license expires on your birthday. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face additional requirements or fees depending on how long it has been expired.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you may need to take a written test and pass a vision screening before you can renew. Contact ADOT directly to find out what's required in your situation. Renewing before your license expires is always simpler and faster.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew your Arizona driver's license if it is suspended or revoked. You'll need to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.
Contact ADOT or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license through any of the three methods. If you're unsure whether your license is suspended, call ADOT at 602-255-0072 to check your status.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Arizona charges $25 for a five-year driver's license renewal or $50 for a ten-year renewal. When you renew online, you'll pay by credit or debit card. When you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order. When you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Some Motor Vehicle Division offices may have additional fees if you need to update your photo or make other changes to your license. Ask about the total cost when you arrive or check the ADOT website before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I moved out of state?
Yes. You can renew by mail or online if you meet the online renewal requirements. If you need to update your address to an out-of-state address, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office in Arizona or contact ADOT to see if they offer remote renewal options for people living outside the state.
What if I lost my current license before renewal?
You'll need to report the loss to ADOT and request a replacement before you can renew. You can report a lost license online through the ADOT website or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Once you receive your replacement license, you can then renew it using any of the three renewal methods.
How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?
Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. If you don't receive it within that timeframe, contact ADOT with your confirmation number to check the status of your order.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew by mail?
No. When you renew by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.
What happens if I renew my license but it arrives after my birthday?
Your old license remains valid until your new license arrives, even if your birthday has passed. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old license or return it to ADOT if requested.