What you need to do to update your Arizona driver's license
An Arizona driver's license update means renewing an expired license, replacing a lost or damaged one, or changing information on your current license — like your address or name. The process depends on which of these you need: renewal is the most common and can often be done online or by mail, while replacements and corrections usually require a visit to an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person.
Arizona licenses expire on your birthday, five years after they were issued. If your license is still valid but your address or name has changed, you can update it without waiting for expiration. If your license is expired, lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to take specific steps based on your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona driver's licenses expire on your birthday, five years after issue, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your circumstances.
- Address and name changes can be made at any ADOT office without waiting for expiration, and some changes can be done online through the ADOT website.
- Lost, stolen, or damaged licenses require an in-person visit to an ADOT office and a replacement fee, which varies based on how much time remains on your license.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number for most transactions at an ADOT office.
- ADOT offices accept appointments through their online system, and walk-ins are also served, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Renewing your license before or after expiration
If your Arizona license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you can renew it online through the ADOT website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you cannot have any outstanding traffic violations, and you must have a valid email address on file. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $25, and your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not meet the online requirements or prefer not to renew online, you can renew by mail. read the DL 44 form from the ADOT website, include a check or money order for $25, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — so plan ahead if your license is close to expiring.
You can also renew in person at any ADOT office. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. In-person renewal is when ready: you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card within 7 to 10 business days. This option is useful if you need to make other changes at the same time, such as updating your address or correcting your name.
Updating your address or name on your current license
If your address has changed but your license is still valid, you can update it online through the ADOT website without paying a fee. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, enter your new address, and your updated license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office for an address change alone.
A legal name change — such as after marriage, divorce, or court order — requires an in-person visit to an ADOT office. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. There is no fee for a name change. Your new license will be issued on the spot as a temporary paper license, with the plastic card arriving within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need to change both your address and name, you can do both in one visit to an ADOT office. Bring all the documents listed above, and the office will process both changes at the same time.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit an ADOT office in person to request a replacement. Bring proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a police report, though it is not required by ADOT.
The replacement fee depends on how much time is left on your license. If your license expires within one year, the fee is $5. If it expires in one to five years, the fee is $25. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic replacement card within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus and monitoring your credit report. ADOT can issue a replacement, but protecting your financial identity is a separate step you may want to take on your own.
Documents you will need at an ADOT office
Most transactions at an ADOT office require the same core documents. Bring one form of proof of identity — a valid passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or tribal ID. Bring one form of proof of residency — a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Arizona address. You will also need your Social Security number, either memorized or on a card.
For specific transactions, you may need additional documents. A name change requires a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A replacement license may require a police report if the license was stolen. A renewal after suspension or revocation requires documentation that the suspension or revocation has been cleared.
If you do not have one of the required documents, contact your local ADOT office before visiting. They can tell you what alternatives they will accept and may be able to help you obtain missing documents.
Finding an ADOT office and scheduling an appointment
Arizona has ADOT offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the ADOT website by entering your city or ZIP code. The website also shows each office's hours, phone number, and current wait times.
You can schedule an appointment online through the ADOT website, which usually reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes. Appointments are available several weeks in advance, and you can choose the date and time that works for you. Walk-ins are also accepted at all offices, but wait times vary — they can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as two hours, depending on the time of day and how busy the office is. Early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than afternoons and Fridays.
If you call an ADOT office directly, staff can answer questions about which documents you need and whether your specific situation can be handled online or by mail. This can save you a trip if your transaction does not require an in-person visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license online if it has been expired for more than five years?
No. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an ADOT office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You may also be required to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long it has been since your license was valid.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew or replace it?
You receive a temporary paper license when ready when you complete your transaction in person or online. Your plastic card is mailed to your address and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During busy periods, it may take slightly longer.
What if I moved out of state but still have an Arizona license — do I need to update it?
You should obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. Arizona will not renew your license if you no longer live in the state. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn about their licensing process.
Can I update my address online if I also need to change my name?
No. Name changes must be done in person at an ADOT office because you need to provide a certified copy of your name-change document. You can update your address online separately, but if you need both changes, visit an office and do them together.
What happens if my license was suspended or revoked — can I still renew it?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license online or by mail. You must visit an ADOT office in person and bring documentation that the suspension or revocation has been cleared. Contact ADOT or your local office to find out what documents you need before you visit.