Arizona renewal locations and methods

You can renew your Arizona driver's license at any Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all. If you do need to go in person, ADOT operates about 20 service centers across the state — the main locations are in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, Tempe, and Flagstaff, but smaller offices exist in most counties.

The method you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how much time you have. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit an office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona lets you renew online or by mail if your license expired within the last five years and you do not need a new photo.
  • Online renewal through the ADOT website takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license and a check.
  • In-person renewal at an ADOT office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a new photo, or you want to change your address or name.
  • ADOT offices do not require an appointment for most transactions, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Online renewal through the ADOT website

The fastest and cheapest way to renew is online at azdot.gov. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.

Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years, you do not need a new photo, and your address and name have not changed. If any of those do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person. The fee for online renewal is $12 for a five-year license or $24 for a ten-year license.

Mail renewal and what to send

To renew by mail, print the renewal form from azdot.gov or request one by phone at 602-255-0072. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check made out to ADOT. The renewal fee is the same as online: $12 for five years or $24 for ten years.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — it varies depending on which ADOT office processes your county. Processing takes two to three weeks after ADOT receives your envelope. Mail renewal works under the same rules as online: your license must have expired within five years, you do not need a new photo, and your address and name must be current.

In-person renewal at an ADOT office

Visit an ADOT service center if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a new photo, or you want to change your address or legal name. Bring your current license (or expired license if you no longer have it), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Arizona address. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works for address proof.

ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations staying open until 6 p.m. on certain days. Most offices do not require an appointment, but you can check wait times and reserve a spot online at azdot.gov before you go. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes and costs the same as mail or online renewal.

ADOT office locations and hours

The main Phoenix office is at 1801 W. Jefferson Street and handles the highest volume of customers. The Tucson office is at 2425 N. Pantano Road. If you live in the East Valley, the Mesa office at 2015 S. Longmore Avenue or the Chandler office at 3737 S. Arizona Avenue may be closer. West Valley residents can use the Glendale office at 5600 W. Camelback Road or the Peoria office at 8808 W. Thunderbird Road.

Wait times are longest on Mondays and Fridays and during lunch hours. If you can visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning, you will usually wait less than 30 minutes. Check the ADOT website for real-time wait times at each location before you leave home.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your Arizona license expired within the last five years, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an ADOT office. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you have a renewal process in progress.

If you are caught driving with an expired license, you can face a traffic citation. Tell the officer you have renewed or are in the process of renewing, but that does not erase the violation. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.

Changing your name or address during renewal

If you want to change your name or address, you must renew in person at an ADOT office. Bring proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) or proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). You cannot make these changes online or by mail.

If you only need to change your address and your license is still valid, you can also update your address without renewing by visiting an ADOT office or calling 602-255-0072. Address changes do not cost extra and take about five minutes in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days after you complete the online renewal. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at an ADOT office and receive a temporary license the same day.

Do I need an appointment to renew at an ADOT office?

No appointment is required, but you can reserve a time slot online at azdot.gov to skip the wait. Walk-ins are welcome, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Calling ahead to check the current wait time helps you plan.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must visit an ADOT office in person to renew. Bring your proof of identity, Social Security number, and address. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within seven to ten days.

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

No. You must hold an Arizona address to renew an Arizona license. If you moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state. If you moved within Arizona, you can renew online or by mail as long as you update your address.

What is the cost difference between a five-year and ten-year license?

A five-year Arizona license costs $12 to renew, and a ten-year license costs $24. The ten-year license is valid longer, so you renew less often. Both cost the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.