Arizona driver's license renewal: the basic path
You can renew your Arizona 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 15 minutes, costs $25 for a five-year license, and you can do it from home. If you cannot renew online (because your license is expired by more than five years, or you need to change information), you will go to an office in person.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives. If you need a license sooner, you can request a temporary paper license at an office visit.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Arizona Department of Transportation website is the fastest route and works if your current license is not expired by more than five years.
- The renewal fee is $25 for a five-year license or $75 for a ten-year license, paid by debit or credit card during the online process.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person with your current license and proof of Arizona residency.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can drive legally on your old license until it arrives.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to pass a written test and vision test at an office before renewal.
Renewing online through the Arizona Department of Transportation
Go to azdot.gov and select the Motor Vehicle Division renewal option. You will need your current Arizona driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records.
You will choose your license type (standard, enhanced, or commercial) and confirm your address. If your address has changed, update it during this step. Then select your renewal term: five years for $25 or ten years for $75. Pay by debit or credit card. The system will confirm your renewal when ready and send you a confirmation email.
Your new license is mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address after you have submitted your renewal, contact the Motor Vehicle Division before your new license ships.
When you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name or address, or if the system cannot verify your information. In these cases, visit a Motor Vehicle Division office with your current license (or expired license if yours is no longer valid) and proof of Arizona residency.
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 address. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photo is not enough.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you will take a written test and vision test at the office before renewal. The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Arizona Driver License Manual, available free on the azdot.gov website.
Finding a Motor Vehicle Division office and what to expect
Arizona has Motor Vehicle Division offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on azdot.gov. Some offices are busier than others — offices in Phoenix and Tucson often have longer waits than smaller towns.
Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are renewing in person, the fee is the same as online: $25 for five years or $75 for ten years. Pay by cash, check, or card at the office.
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after your visit. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your new license is mailed. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing by mail
Arizona allows mail renewal only in limited cases — usually if you are a resident living outside the state temporarily or if you have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office. Call the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 to ask whether you are may be able to access for mail renewal.
If you are may be able to access, the Motor Vehicle Division will mail you a renewal form. Complete it, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back with a copy of your current license and proof of residency. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the Motor Vehicle Division receives your packet.
Renewing an enhanced or commercial driver's license
An enhanced driver's license allows you to cross the U.S.-Mexico border by land without a passport. It costs more than a standard license and requires proof of citizenship and residency. You can renew an enhanced license online if it is not expired by more than five years, but you cannot upgrade from a standard license online — you must visit an office.
A commercial driver's license (CDL) cannot be renewed online under any circumstance. You must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office, pass a medical examination, and pass a written test specific to your CDL class. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and your medical certificate (Form MCSA-5876, valid within the past 60 days). The renewal fee for a CDL is $75 for five years or $225 for ten years.
What happens if your license expires before your new one arrives
Your old license remains valid for driving until your new license arrives, even if the expiration date on the old license has passed. This grace period covers the time between when you renew and when the new license is mailed to you.
However, if you are stopped by law enforcement, you should have your renewal confirmation email or receipt to show that you have a pending renewal. If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I moved out of state?
No. Your Arizona license is only for Arizona residents. If you have moved permanently to another state, you must get a license from that state. If you are temporarily out of state and plan to return, you may be may be able to access for mail renewal — call 602-255-0072 to ask.
What if my name has changed since I got my current license?
You cannot renew online if your name has changed. Visit a Motor Vehicle Division office with your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew online, your current photo stays on your license. If you renew in person at an office, the office will take a new photo. You cannot request a new photo during an online renewal.
How much does it cost to renew in person versus online?
The fee is the same either way: $25 for a five-year license or $75 for a ten-year license. You pay by card online or by cash, check, or card at an office. There is no extra charge for in-person renewal.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You can renew and replace a lost license in one visit to a Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security card. The fee covers both the replacement and the renewal. If you cannot visit an office, you can report the lost license online at azdot.gov and renew separately online if you are may be able to access.