Arizona driver's licenses expire on your birthday, five years after you received or last renewed them

Your Arizona driver's license expires on the same date every five years — specifically, on your birthday in the fifth year after you got the license or renewed it. If you turned 18 on March 15, 2020, and got your first license that day, it expires on March 15, 2025. If you renewed it in 2025, the new one expires on March 15, 2030.

The expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner. Arizona does not send renewal reminders by mail, so you need to track this date yourself or check your license when you think renewal might be coming up.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which means you can start the process as early as your birthday in the year before expiration. Many people renew several months early to avoid the rush or to make sure they have a valid license before a planned trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona licenses expire on your birthday, five years after issue or last renewal, with the expiration date printed on the front of your card.
  • You can renew up to one year early, so you do not have to wait until your birthday to start the process.
  • Arizona does not mail renewal reminders, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date.
  • Renewing online through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is the fastest option if you are renewing a standard license and have not changed your address or other information.
  • If your license is already expired, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office; you cannot drive on an expired license.

How to renew before your license expires

Arizona offers three ways to renew: online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. The online option is fastest and is open to most people renewing a standard driver's license who have not had a name change, address change, or other updates to their record.

To renew online, go to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website, create or log into your account, and follow the renewal steps. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The fee is $25 for a five-year renewal. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If you prefer to renew by mail, you can request a renewal form from ADOT or pick one up at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Mail the completed form, a copy of your current license, and a check or money order for $25 to the address on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.

In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). The fee is $25.

What happens if your license expires

Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Arizona or any other state. Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation and can result in a fine, points on your driving record, or both.

If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You cannot renew online or by mail once the license is past its expiration date. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The renewal fee remains $25.

If you are stopped by police while driving on an expired license, you may receive a citation. The fine varies but typically ranges from $50 to $250, depending on how long the license has been expired and whether you have other violations on your record. It is best to renew as soon as you realize your license has expired.

Real ID and expiration dates

Arizona offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the top right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. The expiration date works the same way for both: five years from issue or renewal.

If you have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You will need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport), and two proofs of your current address. The fee is $25 for the Real ID license.

If you already have a Real ID license, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a standard license renewal. Your new Real ID license will also expire five years from the renewal date.

Renewing your license if you have moved

If you have moved to a new address in Arizona since your last renewal, you can still renew online as long as you update your address during the online renewal process. You will be asked to confirm or change your address before you complete the transaction.

If you have moved out of Arizona, you cannot renew your Arizona license. You must obtain a license from your new state. Once you move, your Arizona license is no longer valid for driving in that state, even if it has not yet expired.

If you have moved within Arizona and want to renew in person, bring your current license and a proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The Motor Vehicle Division will update your address on your new license at no extra cost.

Renewing your license if your name has changed

If your name has changed since your last license was issued — due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You cannot renew online or by mail with a name change.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Motor Vehicle Division will issue a new license with your updated name. The renewal fee is still $25.

Processing a renewal with a name change takes longer than a standard renewal. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for your new license to arrive by mail after you complete the in-person transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal to arrive?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive, even if you have already submitted a renewal process and are waiting for your new license to arrive. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office and ask for a temporary paper license, which you can use when ready while you wait for your plastic card.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You must go to a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. The office will issue a replacement license and renew it at the same time. The fee is $25 for the renewal; there is no separate charge for the replacement.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?

Most Motor Vehicle Division offices accept walk-ins, but some locations require appointments. Check the ADOT website for your local office to see whether appointments are required or recommended. Scheduling an appointment can reduce your wait time.

What if I am out of state when my license expires?

You can renew online or by mail before your license expires, even if you are out of state. If your license has already expired and you are out of state, you will need to renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office in Arizona when you return. You cannot legally drive on an expired license in any state.

Is there a grace period after my license expires?

No. Arizona does not have a grace period for expired licenses. Your license is invalid the moment it expires, and driving on it is a violation. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this problem.