Arizona Driver's License Renewal: The Basic Process
Arizona allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days if you go online or by mail; in-person renewals are processed the same day.
Your Arizona driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew it up to one year before the expiration date printed on the front. If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online or mail renewal process — you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona offers three renewal routes: online (fastest, 7–10 business days), by mail (7–10 business days), or in person (same day), and your license type determines which you can use.
- You can renew online or by mail only if your license has not yet expired and you do not need to change your address, name, or other personal information.
- The renewal fee is $25 for a five-year license, payable by credit card online, check or money order by mail, or cash or card in person.
- You will need your current Arizona driver's license number and a valid email address to renew online; by mail, you need the renewal notice Arizona sends you or your license number and a completed form.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you must take the written test and vision test again and renew in person.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division's online renewal system is the quickest option if your license has not expired and you do not need to update your address or personal details. You access it through the official Arizona MVD website. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your current license number, date of birth, and a valid email address.
After you submit your renewal online, Arizona mails your new license to the address on file. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete the transaction. You will receive an email confirmation with a transaction number; keep this for your records. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to drive legally during the wait.
Online renewal is not available if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information; if your license is suspended or revoked; or if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online
You can renew by mail if your license has not expired and you do not need to change your address or personal details. Arizona sends renewal notices to the address on file about 60 days before your license expires. If you received a notice, you can use it to renew; if not, you can still renew by mail using your license number.
To renew by mail, complete the renewal form (Form 44-2), include a check or money order for $25 payable to Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, and mail both to the address shown on the form or renewal notice. Include a copy of your current license or a photocopy of both sides. Mail processing takes 7 to 10 business days after Arizona receives your envelope.
Do not send cash by mail. If your renewal notice was lost or you did not receive one, you can request a form from the Motor Vehicle Division website or call 602-255-0072. Mail your renewal to: Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, P.O. Box 2100, Phoenix, AZ 85001.
In-Person Renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division Office
Renewing in person is required if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or personal information, if you hold a CDL, or if you prefer to walk out with your new license the same day. Arizona Motor Vehicle Division offices are located in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Tempe, Peoria, Flagstaff, and other cities. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Arizona MVD website.
Bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and $25 in cash or a card. If you are renewing after expiration, you will also take a vision test and a written test covering traffic laws and road signs. The vision test is brief; the written test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices typically have shorter lines early in the morning on weekdays. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling through the Arizona MVD website, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
What Documents and Information You Need
For any renewal method, have your current Arizona driver's license number and date of birth ready. If you are renewing online, you also need a valid email address where Arizona can send your confirmation.
If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of your current license (both sides) or a photocopy. If you are renewing in person, bring your physical license and proof of Arizona residency dated within 60 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address all work.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after your license has expired by more than one year, you must also pass the vision and written tests again.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The renewal fee for a five-year Arizona driver's license is $25. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders made payable to Arizona Motor Vehicle Division; do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
If you renew online or by mail and your transaction is rejected or incomplete, Arizona will not cash your check or charge your card. If you pay by check and the check bounces, the Motor Vehicle Division will contact you to request payment again. There are no additional fees for renewing early or for processing delays on Arizona's end.
Timeline and What to Expect After You Renew
If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your old license is still valid for driving. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a Motor Vehicle Division office if you prefer.
If you renew in person, you receive your new license the same day. The office prints it on-site and you can drive away with it when ready. If you renew online or by mail and your new license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 to check the status of your renewal.
Your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date of issue. If you need to change your address after you renew, you can do so online through the Arizona MVD website or in person at any Motor Vehicle Division office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona driver's license if I moved out of state?
No. You can only renew an Arizona license if you still live in Arizona. If you have moved to another state, you must obtain a driver's license from that state. You can surrender your Arizona license to the Motor Vehicle Division in person or by mail.
What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal to arrive?
Your old license remains valid for driving until your new one arrives, even if the expiration date passes during the mail processing time. However, once your new license arrives, you must stop using the old one. If your new license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the Motor Vehicle Division when ready.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew online or by mail, Arizona uses your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the office takes a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you must renew in person instead.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online or by mail?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You will need to pass a vision test and provide proof of medical certification. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and $25.
What if I lost my renewal notice from Arizona?
You can still renew by mail or online using your license number and date of birth. If you need a replacement renewal notice, contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 or request one through the Arizona MVD website. You do not need the notice itself to renew.