Arizona Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Do
Arizona lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people can complete an online renewal in minutes without visiting an office.
Your Arizona license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online — you must go to an MVD office in person and pass a vision test.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Arizona MVD website takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address.
- You must renew in person at an MVD office if your license has expired, you need to change your address, or you want to update your photo.
- Mail renewal is available but slower — allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing, and you cannot change your address by mail.
- You will need your current Arizona driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
- If you renew online, your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary digital license for when ready use.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Online renewal is the quickest and most straightforward option if your license is still valid and your address has not changed. Go to azmvd.gov, select "Renew Your License," and log in or create an account. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
The system will ask you to confirm your personal information, vision status, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. Answer honestly — lying on these questions is a criminal offense in Arizona. You will then pay the $25 renewal fee with a debit or credit card. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
After you submit, you can request a temporary digital license that appears in your phone's wallet app and is valid when ready for most purposes. Your physical license card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the MVD at 602-255-0072.
In-Person Renewal at an MVD Office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, you need to change your address, you want to update your photo, or you are renewing a commercial driver's license. Bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee.
The renewal fee is $25 for a standard five-year license. If you are over 65, the fee is $10. Bring a debit or credit card or a check. The MVD does not accept cash at all locations, so call ahead if you plan to pay by check.
Visit azmvd.gov and use the office locator to find the nearest Motor Vehicle Division office and check wait times. Many offices allow you to reserve a time slot online, which can cut your wait from 30 minutes to a few minutes. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer. The vision test is quick — you will read letters on a screen — and the entire visit usually takes 15 to 20 minutes once you are called.
Mail Renewal: Slowest but No Office Visit
You can renew by mail if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address or photo. read the DL 44 form from azmvd.gov, fill it out completely, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $25 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the MVD receives your envelope. If you are renewing close to your expiration date, mail renewal is risky — if your license expires before the new one arrives, you will have to renew in person. The MVD recommends mailing your renewal at least 6 weeks before your expiration date.
You cannot update your address, change your photo, or correct other information by mail. If you need to make any changes, you must go to an office in person.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
If your Arizona driver's license has been expired for any length of time, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person, bring your expired license, and pass a vision test. The fee is still $25 for a standard five-year renewal.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you have a renewal process pending. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer your temporary digital license (if you renewed online) or a receipt from your in-person office visit, but neither fully protects you from a citation. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.
Address Changes and Other Updates
If you have moved to a new address in Arizona, you must update it in person at an MVD office. You cannot change your address online or by mail during renewal. Bring your current license, proof of your new Arizona address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and $25.
If you want to update your photo, change your name, or correct other information on your license, you also must go to an office. The MVD will take a new photo at no extra charge. If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Fees and Payment Methods
The standard renewal fee for a five-year Arizona driver's license is $25. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $10. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. In-person renewal accepts debit cards, credit cards, checks, and money orders at most offices — call ahead to confirm your location accepts checks. The MVD does not accept cash.
If you renew online and request a temporary digital license, there is no extra charge. The temporary license is valid for 120 days while you wait for your physical card to arrive.
Timeline and What to Expect
| Renewal Method | Time to Complete | Time to Receive License | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 10 minutes | 7–10 business days (or when ready digital) | License still valid, no address change |
| In-person | 15–20 minutes | when ready (temporary) + 7–10 business days (physical) | License expired, address change, photo update, or commercial license |
| 5 minutes to prepare | 4–6 weeks | License still valid, no changes needed, plenty of time before expiration |
If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days. Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew online, you can get a temporary digital license right away that works on your phone for 120 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I live out of state?
No. Arizona requires you to be a resident to hold an Arizona driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you must get a license from your new state. If you still live in Arizona but are temporarily out of state, you can renew online as long as your license is still valid.
What if my name has changed since I got my license?
You must renew in person and bring the legal document that proves your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The MVD will not process a renewal with a name mismatch online or by mail. Bring your current license, the legal document, proof of Arizona residency, and $25.
Do I need to take a written test to renew my license?
No. Renewal does not require a written test. You only need to pass a vision test if you renew in person. Online and mail renewals do not include a vision test, so if your vision has changed significantly, renew in person so the MVD can assess whether you still meet the vision standard.
What if I did not receive my renewed license after two weeks?
Contact the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 or visit an MVD office with your renewal receipt. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. Bring your temporary license or receipt as proof of your renewal.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at an MVD office. You will need to pass a vision test and may need to provide medical certification depending on the type of commercial license you hold. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and $25.