Arizona driver's licenses expire based on your age and license type
An Arizona driver's license is valid for different lengths of time depending on how old you are when you get it. If you're under 65, your license lasts five years. If you're 65 or older, your license lasts until your next birthday after you turn 70, then renews every five years after that. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is always valid for five years, regardless of age.
The expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner. Arizona marks it as "EXP" followed by the month and year. You can renew your license before it expires, but you cannot legally drive once the expiration date has passed.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Arizona driver's licenses for people under 65 are valid for five years from the issue date.
- If you are 65 or older, your license expires on your birthday after you turn 70, then renews every five years.
- Commercial driver's licenses are valid for five years regardless of your age.
- You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last day.
Why Arizona sets different expiration dates for older drivers
Arizona requires drivers 65 and older to renew their licenses more frequently than younger drivers. This policy is tied to a medical review process. When you turn 70, you must pass a vision test and provide a medical report from your doctor before you can renew. After that first renewal at 70, your license renews every five years like everyone else's.
The reason for this requirement is that Arizona law assumes vision and medical conditions may change more often as you age. The vision test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you fail the vision test or your doctor's report raises concerns, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) may restrict your license or require additional testing before renewal.
How to find your license expiration date
Your expiration date is always on the front of your physical license card. Look at the bottom right corner for the line marked "EXP" — the date next to it is when your license stops being valid. The format is MM/DD/YYYY (month, day, year).
If you have lost your license or need to check the date without having the card in front of you, you can log into your account on the ADOT website using your driver's license number and date of birth. You can also visit any ADOT office in person and ask staff to look up your information.
Renewing before your license expires
You can renew your Arizona license up to six months before the expiration date. Many people choose to renew early to avoid the rush or to make sure they have a valid license for an upcoming trip. Renewing early does not shorten the life of your new license — your new expiration date will still be five years from the renewal date (or based on the age rules if you are 65 or older).
You can renew online through the ADOT website if you meet certain requirements: your license must not be expired, you must not have any medical or vision restrictions, and you must not have changed your name or address. If any of those explore to you, you will need to renew in person at an ADOT office. In-person renewals take longer, so plan ahead if you need to visit an office.
What happens if your license expires
Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Arizona or any other state. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation and can result in a ticket, fine, or both. Police can stop you for an expired license, and you may be required to show proof of renewal or face additional penalties.
If your license has expired and you need to drive, you must renew it before getting behind the wheel. The renewal process is faster than getting a license for the first time, but it still takes time — online renewals are usually processed within a few days, while in-person renewals may take longer depending on how busy the office is.
Replacing a lost or damaged license before expiration
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can get a replacement without waiting for the expiration date. A replacement license costs less than a full renewal and keeps your original expiration date. You can order a replacement online through ADOT or visit an office in person.
When you order a replacement online, you will receive a temporary digital license that you can use on your phone right away, and a physical card will arrive by mail within a few days. If you visit an office in person, you can get a temporary paper license on the spot and pick up your new card later or have it mailed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license expired yesterday?
No. Once your license expires, it is no longer valid for driving. You must renew before you drive again. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation even if you are only one day past the expiration date.
Do I have to renew in person or can I do it online?
You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical or vision restrictions, and your name and address have not changed. If any of those do not explore, you must visit an ADOT office in person to renew.
What happens if I turn 70 and my license expires around the same time?
If you turn 70 before your current license expires, your license will expire on your birthday after you turn 70 instead of on the original expiration date. You will need to renew at that time and provide a vision test and medical report from your doctor.
How much does it cost to renew an Arizona driver's license?
The cost varies depending on the type of license and whether you renew online or in person. Check the ADOT website for current renewal fees, as they may change. A replacement for a lost or damaged license costs less than a full renewal.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
You can renew online from anywhere if you meet the online renewal requirements. If you need to renew in person and are out of state, you will need to wait until you return to Arizona or contact ADOT about your options.