How to Renew Your Arizona Driver's License

Renew in Person at an Arizona MVD Office

The most straightforward way to renew your Arizona driver's license is to visit a Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office in person. You will need to bring your current license, proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Walk-in service is available at most MVD offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Arizona MVD website before you go. The renewal process itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the office—it is valid for 30 days.

The renewal fee is $25 for a five-year license or $50 for a ten-year license. Arizona accepts cash, debit, credit cards, and checks. If you are 65 or older, you may be required to pass a vision test or provide a medical report from your doctor, depending on your circumstances.

Renew by Mail if You Meet the Requirements

Arizona allows mail renewal only if your license is not expired and you meet specific conditions. You must have held your current license for at least one year, have no medical restrictions or endorsements that require testing, and not have had any address changes since your last renewal. If all these conditions explore, you can renew by mail without visiting an office.

To renew by mail, send your current license, the completed renewal form (available on the Arizona MVD website), payment for the renewal fee, and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days from the date the MVD receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail separately.

Mail renewal is not an option if your license has expired, if you have medical restrictions, if you need to update your address, or if you are renewing for the first time in Arizona. In those cases, you must visit an MVD office in person.

Key Takeaways

In-person renewal at an MVD office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number.
Mail renewal is only available if your license is not expired, you have held it for at least one year, and you have no medical restrictions or address changes.
The renewal fee is $25 for five years or $50 for ten years, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the MVD office, which is valid for 30 days.
Drivers 65 and older may need to pass a vision test or provide a medical report depending on their situation.

What Happens if Your License Has Expired

If your Arizona license has been expired for six months or less, you can renew it at an MVD office using the same process as a standard renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will pay the standard renewal fee.

If your license expired more than six months ago, Arizona treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. You will also need to provide a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your legal presence in the United States. This process takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal, so it is worth renewing before your license expires.

Real ID Compliance and Your Renewal

Arizona driver's licenses issued after October 1, 2020 are Real ID compliant by default. If your current license shows a gold star in the upper right corner, it already meets Real ID standards and you do not need to do anything extra when you renew.

If your license does not have the gold star, you can request a Real ID-compliant license when you renew. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard renewal, plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport. There is no additional fee for a Real ID license—you pay only the standard renewal fee. A Real ID license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025, so many people choose to upgrade during renewal.

Renewing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Arizona

If you hold a commercial driver's license, renewal rules are stricter. You must renew in person at an MVD office—mail renewal is not an option. You will need to pass a medical examination and provide a Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5875) issued by a certified medical examiner within the past 12 months. You will also need your current CDL, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

CDL renewal takes longer than standard renewal because of the medical examination requirement. Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes at the office. The renewal fee for a CDL is $50 for five years or $100 for ten years. If your medical certificate has expired or you do not have one, you must obtain one before you can renew your CDL.

Address Changes and Name Changes During Renewal

If you are moving or have changed your name, you must update your information when you renew. You cannot renew by mail if your address has changed—you must visit an MVD office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and if you have changed your name, a certified copy of the document that shows the change.

The MVD will update your address and name on your new license at no extra cost. Your new license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the office.

Finding an MVD Office and Checking Wait Times

Arizona has MVD offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the official Arizona MVD website. Some offices are busier than others—offices in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in Phoenix or Tucson. Early morning and mid-week visits typically mean shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.

You do not need an appointment for standard renewal at most offices, but some locations offer appointment scheduling during busy times. Check the website for your local office to see if appointments are available. If you are unable to visit an office in person and do not meet the requirements for mail renewal, you may be able to renew through an authorized third-party office, such as certain insurance agencies or vehicle registration services. These offices charge a service fee in addition to the state renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona license online?

No, Arizona does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the requirements, or in person at an MVD office. Mail renewal is only available if your license is not expired, you have held it for at least one year, and you have no medical restrictions or address changes.

What if I lost my current license before renewal?

You will need to report it lost and obtain a replacement before you can renew. Visit an MVD office with proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number. The replacement fee is $10, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your replacement is mailed to you. Once you receive it, you can renew at your next renewal date or when ready if you prefer.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

A temporary paper license issued at an MVD office is valid for 30 days. It allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. If your permanent license does not arrive within 30 days, return to the MVD office and they can issue you another temporary license.

Do I need a new license if I move out of state and then move back to Arizona?

If you move out of Arizona and surrender your license, you will need to explore for a new Arizona license when you return, not renew your old one. You will need to pass a written test, vision test, and driving test, and provide a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. This is treated as a new process, not a renewal.

What if my vision has changed since my last license?

If you wear glasses or contacts and your prescription has changed, you should update your information at renewal. Bring your current glasses or contacts to the MVD office. The vision test will be performed with your correction, and your license will be updated to reflect that you must wear correction while driving. There is no additional fee for this update.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.