Arizona driver's licenses are valid for different lengths of time depending on your age and license type

An Arizona driver's license lasts 12 years if you are between 18 and 65 years old. If you are 65 or older, your license lasts 5 years. Licenses issued to people under 18 are valid until your 18th birthday. These timelines explore to standard Class D licenses used for regular driving. Commercial licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and other restricted license types follow different renewal schedules.

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license card. Arizona does not send renewal reminders by mail, so you are responsible for tracking when your license expires. Renewing before the expiration date is simpler than renewing after it has expired, though both options are available through the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT MVD).

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Arizona driver's licenses last 12 years for people aged 18 to 65, and 5 years for people 65 and older.
  • Licenses issued before age 18 expire on your 18th birthday, not years later.
  • Your expiration date appears on the front of your license card, and ADOT MVD does not mail renewal notices.
  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person at an ADOT MVD office, and the method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid.
  • Renewing before expiration takes less time and requires fewer documents than renewing an expired license.

Renewal timelines by age and license type

Arizona groups renewal timelines by age because older drivers are required to renew more frequently. The state assumes that vision and medical changes happen more often after 65, so licenses issued at that age or later expire after 5 years instead of 12. This means a person who gets their first license at 70 will renew at 75, then 80, and so on.

If you received your license before turning 18, it expires on your 18th birthday, not 12 years later. You must renew it in person at an ADOT MVD office before you can legally drive. This is treated as an initial license issuance, not a standard renewal, so you will need to bring an identity document, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) and licenses with motorcycle endorsements follow the same age-based timelines as standard Class D licenses. A 40-year-old with a CDL gets 12 years; a 68-year-old with a CDL gets 5 years. Restricted licenses (such as licenses with an ignition interlock requirement) may have shorter validity periods set by the court or ADOT MVD.

How to find your expiration date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your Arizona driver's license in the lower right corner, next to the letters "EXP." The date is formatted as MM/DD/YYYY. Check this date now if you are unsure when you need to renew. Many people do not notice their expiration date until they try to use their license for something that requires a valid ID.

If you have lost your license or cannot read the expiration date clearly, you can contact ADOT MVD by phone at 602-255-0072 (Phoenix area) or check the ADOT MVD website. You will need to provide your driver's license number or date of birth to look up your expiration date. Some ADOT MVD offices also allow you to check this information in person.

Renewing before your license expires

Renewing before expiration is the fastest and easiest path. You can renew online through the ADOT MVD website if your license is still valid and you meet certain conditions: you must be a U.S. citizen, have no medical restrictions, and not have any outstanding violations or suspensions. Online renewal takes about 10 business days, and your new license will be mailed to your address on file.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by submitting a completed process for Arizona Driver License or Instruction Permit (Form 40-1002), your current license, and the renewal fee. Mail-in renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. You can also visit an ADOT MVD office in person for when ready processing, though you may wait in line depending on the office location and time of day.

The renewal fee for a 12-year license is $45. The fee for a 5-year license (age 65 and older) is $25. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change; confirm the current fee on the ADOT MVD website before you renew.

Renewing after your license has expired

If your license has expired, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at an ADOT MVD office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster and is the recommended route if your license has been expired for more than a few months. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and a valid identity document.

Mail-in renewal for an expired license requires the same documents listed above, plus a completed Form 40-1002. Processing time is typically 3 to 4 weeks. During this time, you are not legally permitted to drive. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary permit at an ADOT MVD office, though this is not may provide and depends on the reason for your request.

Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation, even if you have already submitted a renewal process. The citation is usually a minor violation, but it creates a record. Renewing before expiration avoids this risk entirely.

Special cases: medical restrictions and license suspensions

If your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), your renewal timeline remains the same, but you may need to renew in person or provide updated medical documentation. ADOT MVD will notify you if additional information is required.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact ADOT MVD to find out the status of your license and what steps are required to restore it. Suspension periods vary depending on the reason (such as unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, or medical disqualification) and can range from a few months to several years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew by mail if your license is still valid. If your license has expired, you must renew in person at an ADOT MVD office or request a temporary permit by mail. Some people who have moved out of state choose to keep their Arizona license active by renewing by mail every 12 years (or 5 years if over 65).

What happens if I let my license expire for several years?

You can still renew it, but you must do so in person at an ADOT MVD office. You cannot drive legally until your new license is issued. If you were stopped by police while driving with an expired license, you could receive a citation. Renewing as soon as you notice expiration is the safest approach.

Do I need to take a new written or driving test when I renew?

No. Standard renewals do not require a written test or driving test. However, if ADOT MVD has concerns about your medical fitness to drive or if you have certain violations on your record, they may require a vision test or medical evaluation. You will be notified if this applies to you.

Can I get a license that lasts longer than 12 years?

No. The maximum validity period for an Arizona driver's license is 12 years for people under 65. Licenses for people 65 and older are limited to 5 years. These timelines are set by Arizona state law and cannot be extended.

What if my address changes before my license expires?

You must update your address with ADOT MVD within 10 days of moving. You can update your address online through the ADOT MVD website, by mail, or in person at an ADOT MVD office. Updating your address does not change your expiration date or require you to renew early.