Renewing Your Arizona License: The Basic Path
In Arizona, you can renew your 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 and costs $25 for a five-year license. You'll need your current license number, a valid email address, and a payment method. If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or medical information. In those cases, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona allows online renewal through the Department of Transportation website for most drivers, costing $25 for a five-year license.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after online renewal; you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
- You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office if your license is suspended, revoked, expired for more than five years, or if you need to change your name or address.
- Arizona licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to five years after expiration.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
Renewing Online Through Arizona's Website
To renew online, go to the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division website and select the renewal option. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and show you the renewal fee.
Payment is by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Once you pay, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your mailing address before renewal, you must do that in person or by mail — you cannot change your address during online renewal.
While you wait for your new license, your current license remains valid. Arizona does not issue a temporary paper license after online renewal, so keep your old license with you until the new one arrives.
Renewing in Person at a Motor Vehicle Division Office
Visit any Motor Vehicle Division office with your current driver's license, proof of Arizona residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your current address. The office will take a new photo, process your renewal, and issue your new license on the spot.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Arizona Department of Transportation website.
If you need to change your name, you must bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you need to update your medical information or organ donor status, you can do that during in-person renewal.
When You Must Renew in Person
You cannot use online renewal if your license is suspended or revoked. You also cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago. In both cases, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office.
If you're changing your name, address, or medical information, in-person renewal is required. The same applies if you want to add or remove organ donor status, or if you need to update your gender marker. Online renewal only updates your photo and extends your license expiration date.
If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must request a replacement. Replacement also requires an in-person visit and costs $25.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is available but slower than online renewal. You'll need to request a renewal form from the Motor Vehicle Division, complete it, and mail it back with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks after the Motor Vehicle Division receives your process.
Mail renewal is useful if you live out of state or cannot visit an office in person. To request a form, call the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 or visit their website. You can also pick up a form in person at any Motor Vehicle Division office.
License Expiration and Renewal Timing
Your Arizona driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew up to one year before your birthday or up to five years after it expires. If you renew before your birthday, your new license will expire five years from your birthday, not five years from the renewal date.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. The office may require you to pass a vision test or written test depending on how long your license has been expired.
Costs and Payment Methods
A standard five-year renewal costs $25 in Arizona. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal costs $50. Payment is accepted by credit card, debit card, or electronic check for online renewal. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card.
If you're over 65, you may be may be able to access for a reduced-cost renewal. Contact your local Motor Vehicle Division office for details about senior discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on my expired license while I wait for my new one?
If you renewed online or by mail, yes — your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you receive your new license when ready and should not drive on the expired one. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot legally drive until you renew in person.
What if I moved out of state after getting my Arizona license?
You can still renew your Arizona license by mail or online as long as it hasn't expired for more than five years. If you've moved permanently, you should transfer to your new state's license instead. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for transfer requirements.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew online?
No. Online renewal uses your current photo from your existing license. If you renew in person, the Motor Vehicle Division will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online, you must renew in person instead.
How long does it take to get my new license after online renewal?
Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Delivery time depends on mail processing and your location within Arizona. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
A lost or stolen license requires a replacement, not a renewal. Replacement costs $25 and must be done in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. You'll receive your replacement license on the spot.