Renew your Arizona license online, by mail, or in person depending on how long it has been expired

If your Arizona driver's license has expired, you can renew it through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The method you use depends on how long ago it expired and whether you need to change any information on your license. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit. The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose.

Arizona allows online renewal for licenses that expired within the last five years, as long as you have not had any address changes, name changes, or medical restrictions added. If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you need to update personal information, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the ADOT website works for licenses expired within five years with no address or name changes, and takes about one week for your new license to arrive by mail.
  • Mail renewal requires you to submit a completed form, your expired license, and a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks from the date ADOT receives your packet.
  • In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you have changed your name or address, or you want to add a Real ID designation.
  • Arizona charges a renewal fee that varies based on the type of license and how long you want it valid — standard licenses cost less than Real ID licenses.
  • You will need proof of identity and proof of Arizona residency for any renewal method, though the specific documents accepted differ slightly between online, mail, and in-person.

Online renewal for licenses expired within five years

The fastest way to renew is through the ADOT website at azdot.gov. You can renew online if your license expired within the last five years and you have not changed your name, address, or medical status. You will need your expired license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

Go to the ADOT online services portal, select "Renew Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will answer questions to confirm your identity and current information. The system will show you the renewal fee before you pay. Once approved, ADOT will mail your new license to the address on file. Most new licenses arrive within seven to ten business days, though this can vary depending on mail delivery times.

Online renewal does not give you a temporary license to use while you wait. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can print a temporary document from the ADOT website after completing your online renewal, though not all businesses or law enforcement will accept it as valid identification.

Mail renewal with a paper form

You can also renew by mail if your license expired within five years and your information has not changed. read or request the Driver License Renewal form (DL 44R) from the ADOT website or pick one up at any Motor Vehicle Division office. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your expired license and payment to the address listed on the form.

Payment must be by check or money order made out to "Arizona Department of Transportation." Do not send cash. Include the exact renewal fee — if you are unsure of the amount, call ADOT at 602-255-0072 or check the website. Mail your packet to the Motor Vehicle Division at the address on the form.

Processing time for mail renewal is typically two to three weeks from the date ADOT receives your packet, not from the date you mail it. There is no way to track your process by mail, so allow extra time before assuming there is a problem. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact ADOT to confirm they received your packet.

In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have changed your name or address since your license was issued, if you want to add or remove a Real ID star, or if you have medical restrictions that need to be reviewed. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of Arizona residency.

Acceptable proof of identity includes a passport, tribal ID, military ID, or another government-issued photo ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Arizona address. Some documents count as both identity and residency proof — ask the office staff if you are unsure.

Visit any Motor Vehicle Division office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You do not need an appointment for license renewal at most locations, but some offices use a reservation system during busy times. Check the ADOT website to find the office nearest you and see if reservations are required.

In-person renewal is completed on the spot. You will pay the renewal fee, have your photo taken, and receive a temporary license document valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Your new license typically arrives within one to two weeks.

Arizona renewal fees and license validity periods

Arizona renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard driver's license valid for five years costs less than one valid for ten years. A Real ID-compliant license costs more than a standard license but is required for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings.

Fees change periodically, so check the ADOT website or call 602-255-0072 for the current cost before you submit your renewal. When you renew online, the system will show you the exact fee before you pay. If you renew by mail and send the wrong amount, ADOT will return your packet and you will have to resubmit.

You can choose how long your new license is valid when you renew — five years or ten years. A ten-year license costs more upfront but means you will not need to renew again for a decade. If you are over 65, Arizona offers a shorter renewal period at a lower cost.

Adding Real ID to your Arizona license during renewal

A Real ID is a federal security standard that allows your driver's license to be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID-compliant. You can add Real ID during renewal, but only through in-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office.

To get Real ID, bring your expired license, proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The office will verify your information, take a new photo, and issue a Real ID license. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and costs more than a standard license renewal.

If you do not add Real ID during renewal, you can add it later at any Motor Vehicle Division office by bringing the same documents. You do not have to wait until your license expires to upgrade to Real ID.

What to do if your license has been suspended or revoked

If your Arizona license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with ADOT or the court system, depending on why it happened. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or driving with a suspended license.

Contact ADOT's Driver Services section at 602-255-0072 to find out the reason for the suspension and what you need to do to clear it. You may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or provide proof of insurance (an SR-22 form). Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license through the normal process.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, check the ADOT website or call the Driver Services number. Do not attempt to renew if your license is suspended — ADOT will reject your renewal and you will lose your fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired Arizona license while I wait for my renewal?

No, driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona. If you renew online or by mail, print the temporary license document from the ADOT website after your renewal is processed — some law enforcement will accept it, but it is not may provide. For may provide legal driving status while you wait, renew in person and you will receive a temporary license valid for 30 days.

What if I moved out of state but still have an Arizona license?

You cannot renew an Arizona license if you no longer live in Arizona. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department to learn their requirements. You may be able to surrender your Arizona license by mail or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office if you are still in Arizona.

How much does it cost to renew an Arizona driver's license?

Fees vary based on the type of license (standard or Real ID) and how long you want it valid (five or ten years). Check the ADOT website at azdot.gov or call 602-255-0072 for current fees. When you renew online, the system shows the exact cost before you pay.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

For online or mail renewal, you must submit your own information and signature. You cannot have someone else renew it for you. For in-person renewal, you must appear in person — a family member or representative cannot renew your license on your behalf.

What if I changed my name since my license was issued?

You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office if your name has changed. Bring your expired license, proof of your legal name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), proof of identity, and proof of residency. The office will update your name and issue a new license.