Arizona driver's licenses are valid for 12 years if you're under 65, and 5 years if you're 65 or older

An Arizona driver's license issued to someone under 65 does not expire until 12 years after the issue date printed on the front. If you're 65 or older when you get your license, it expires after 5 years instead. The expiration date is always printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner — that's the date you need to watch.

The 12-year term applies whether you get a standard license, a commercial license, or a license with any endorsement. The only exception is the 5-year rule for drivers 65 and up, which Arizona uses because the state requires vision tests more frequently for older drivers. If you turn 65 between renewals, your license still runs until its printed expiration date — you don't have to renew early just because of your age.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Arizona driver's licenses last 12 years for drivers under 65 and 5 years for drivers 65 and older.
  • Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, either online, by mail, or in person at an MVD office.
  • Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you're only one day past the expiration date.
  • If your license expires while you're deployed with the military, Arizona extends it automatically until 180 days after you return home.

When to renew before your license expires

Arizona lets you renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. This means if your license expires on March 15, 2026, you can renew it starting March 15, 2025. Many people renew about 2 to 3 months before expiration to avoid the rush and to make sure the new card arrives in time.

You do not have to wait until your license is about to expire. Renewing early gives you a full 12 years (or 5 years if you're 65+) from the date of your new license. If you renew a year early, your new expiration date will be 12 years from the renewal date, not from the old expiration date.

Three ways to renew your Arizona license

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website if your license is not expired, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, and you're under 65 (or if you're 65+, you renewed in person at your last renewal). Online renewal takes a few minutes and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $12.

Mail renewal is available if you meet the same conditions as online renewal. You fill out the renewal form, mail it with your current license and the fee, and the MVD processes it. Mail renewal takes longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks — because of postal time both ways. The fee is also $12.

In-person renewal at an MVD office is required if your license is already expired, if you're 65 or older, if you have a medical suspension, or if you want to change your address or name. You bring your current license (or ID if it's expired), proof of residency, and the fee ($12 for a standard renewal, or $27 if you need a new photo). You'll take a new photo and usually pass a vision test. Processing time at the office is typically 15 to 30 minutes, and you can get a temporary paper license to drive home with when ready.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired Arizona license is illegal. If you're pulled over, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, which is a traffic violation. The fine varies but is typically $130 to $260 depending on the court. An expired license also means you cannot legally drive, even if you have a valid insurance policy — your insurance may not cover a claim if you were driving on an expired license.

If your license expired recently and you realize it before driving, renew it right away. If you're in person at an MVD office, you can usually get a temporary paper license the same day. If you renew online or by mail, your new license is on the way but you cannot legally drive until it arrives.

Military deployment and license expiration

If you're on active duty with the U.S. military and your Arizona driver's license expires while you're deployed, Arizona automatically extends your license. The extension lasts until 180 days after you return home or are reassigned to Arizona, whichever comes first. You do not have to do anything to get this extension — it is automatic.

When you return and want to renew, you can do so online, by mail, or in person using the same process as any other renewal. Bring proof of your military service (such as your military ID or discharge papers) if you renew in person, so the MVD can confirm your deployment dates if needed.

Renewing after a long gap

If your license has been expired for more than a few months, you may need to renew in person instead of online or by mail. Arizona's rules on this vary slightly depending on how long it has been expired and whether you have any suspensions or restrictions on your record. The safest approach is to visit an MVD office or call ahead to confirm what you'll need.

When you renew after a long gap, you'll take a new photo and pass a vision test. If you're 65 or older, you must renew in person regardless of how long your license has been expired. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license if I've already mailed in my renewal?

No. You can only drive legally once your new license arrives in the mail. If you renewed online or by mail and are waiting for the card, you cannot drive until it arrives. If you need to drive before your new license comes, go to an MVD office in person and get a temporary paper license the same day.

What if I turn 65 between renewals — do I have to renew early?

No. Your license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, even if you turn 65 before that date. When you do renew, it will be for 5 years instead of 12. You do not have to renew early just because of your age.

How much does it cost to renew my Arizona license?

A standard renewal costs $12 if you renew online or by mail, or $12 if you renew in person without needing a new photo. If you need a new photo (which is required every 12 years for most drivers), the fee is $27. Military members on active duty may be may be able to access for a fee waiver — ask at the MVD office.

Can I renew my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Arizona issues driver's licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens, including people with valid visa status or DACA. You'll need to bring proof of your legal presence in the United States, such as your visa, I-94, or DACA approval notice. The renewal process is the same as for citizens.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You can update your address online through the Arizona MVD website without renewing your license, or you can change it when you renew. If you renew in person, you can update your address at the same time. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.