How to Renew Your Arizona Driver's License

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 receive your new license by mail within two weeks. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired more than one year, you have not had any address changes you have not reported, and you have not had any medical suspensions or restrictions added.

If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address. The in-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs the same $25 for a five-year license.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Arizona Department of Transportation website is the fastest option if your license is not expired more than one year and you have no address changes or medical restrictions.
In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office requires your current license, proof of address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
Arizona driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to one year after expiration.
If you need a Real ID-compliant license, you must renew in person and bring additional documents like a birth certificate and proof of Social Security number.

Online renewal through the ADOT website

Visit servicearizona.com and select "Driver License Services" to start an online renewal. You will need your current Arizona driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your address and whether any of your medical information has changed since your last license was issued.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired more than one year, you have not had any address changes since your last license was issued, and you do not have any medical suspensions or restrictions. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you will be directed to renew in person instead. Once you complete the online form, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days.

In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office

You can renew in person at any Motor Vehicle Division office across Arizona. Bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and be prepared to provide your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring proof of both your old address and your new address.

Walk-in service is available at all offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Arizona Department of Transportation website before you go. The renewal process takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days.

Real ID renewal: what you need to bring

If you want a Real ID-compliant license — one that meets federal identification standards for air travel and federal building access — you must renew in person. Real ID renewal requires additional documents beyond a standard renewal. Bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of your date of birth (your birth certificate, passport, or adoption decree), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

Real ID licenses cost the same $25 for a five-year license. Your new Real ID license will have a small gold star in the upper right corner. If you do not bring all required documents, the office will tell you what is missing and you will need to return with the complete set before your license can be issued.

Renewing an expired Arizona license

You can renew your Arizona driver's license up to one year after it expires. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew — you will need to explore for a new license instead, which requires taking the written and road tests again. Check your license expiration date before you attempt to renew.

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew online (if you meet the other requirements) or in person. The cost and timeline are the same as a standard renewal. If your license expired more than one year ago, contact a Motor Vehicle Division office to find out whether you need to retake the written test, the road test, or both.

Timeline and what to expect after renewal

Online renewals are processed within one to two business days, and your new license ships by mail within 10 to 14 business days after that. In-person renewals are processed when ready — you receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid until your permanent license arrives. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days.

If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072. Have your confirmation number (if you renewed online) or your temporary license number ready. Do not use an expired license to drive once your renewal is complete — use your temporary paper license until the permanent one arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona license if I moved out of state?

No. If you no longer live in Arizona, you cannot renew an Arizona license. You will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for their requirements.

What if I lost my current Arizona license?

You cannot renew online if you do not have your current license. You will need to visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person and bring proof of your identity (a passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The office will issue a replacement license at the same time.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are not required, but you can schedule one online through the Arizona Department of Transportation website to reduce your wait time. Walk-in service is available at all offices during business hours.

How much does it cost to renew an Arizona driver's license?

A standard five-year Arizona driver's license renewal costs $25. Real ID licenses cost the same amount. Payment methods accepted at Motor Vehicle Division offices include cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

What if my name changed since my last license was issued?

If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring your current license and proof of your current address as well.

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.