How to Renew Your Arizona Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Arizona driver's license in person at any Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, or online through the ADOT website if you meet certain conditions. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes. Online renewal, when available to you, takes a few minutes and costs less.

For in-person renewal, bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office.

For online renewal, you'll need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, if you're over 65, if you need to update your address, or if your license expired more than five years ago.

Key Takeaways

Arizona driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to five years after.
Online renewal is faster and cheaper than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is current and you haven't changed your address.
In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and a vision test at an ADOT office.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of in-person renewal, or within 10 business days of online renewal.
ADOT offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary by location and time of day — calling ahead can tell you the current wait.

When your license expires and renewal windows

Your Arizona driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew it starting one year before that date, and you can continue to drive legally for up to five years after expiration if you have a pending renewal process. However, you cannot legally drive once your license has been expired for more than five years.

Renewing early — even a year ahead — is often the smartest move. It avoids the rush near your birthday, gives you time to gather documents if your address or name has changed, and means you won't accidentally drive on an expired license if mail is delayed.

Online renewal step-by-step

Go to the ADOT website and select "Renew Your License Online." You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you whether online renewal is available for you.

If you're may be able to access, you'll review your current information, update your address if needed (though this may require in-person renewal instead), and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days.

If the system tells you that you're not may be able to access for online renewal, you'll need to visit an ADOT office in person. This happens most often when your license is suspended, when you're over 65, or when your license expired more than five years ago.

In-person renewal at an ADOT office

Find your nearest ADOT office on the ADOT website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can walk in without an appointment, but calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip during peak hours.

Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, and your Social Security number. The staff will verify your information, take a new photo, and give you a vision test. If you pass, you'll pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed.

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within that window, contact ADOT to check the status. If your license is needed for travel or identification before it arrives, you can request an expedited replacement at the office for an additional fee.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal. As of 2024, online renewal is $12, and in-person renewal is $25. These amounts can change, so check the ADOT website for the current fee before you go. ADOT accepts credit cards, debit cards, and checks at in-person offices. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only.

If you're renewing after your license has expired, the fee is the same. There is no penalty fee for late renewal in Arizona, though you cannot legally drive on an expired license.

What to do if your address has changed

If you've moved since your last license, you can update your address during online renewal — but doing so may require you to renew in person instead. The ADOT website will tell you during the online process whether your address change can be handled online or whether you need to visit an office.

At an ADOT office, updating your address is part of the same renewal process. Bring proof of your new Arizona residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within 60 days. If you're moving out of Arizona, you cannot renew an Arizona license — you'll need to get a license in your new state.

If your license was suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your license online if it has been suspended or revoked. You must visit an ADOT office in person. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal, plus any paperwork related to the suspension or revocation — a court order, a letter from ADOT, or a notice of suspension.

The ADOT staff will check the status of your suspension and tell you whether you're may be able to access to renew. If the suspension is still active, you cannot renew until it's lifted. If it has been lifted, you can proceed with renewal. If you're unsure whether your license is suspended, call ADOT before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?

No. Once your license has been expired for more than five years, you must explore for a new license rather than renew. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, a driving test, and new documents proving identity and residency. Contact ADOT for the full list of requirements.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

You need a document dated within 60 days showing your name and Arizona address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If you don't have one, ask ADOT staff which other documents they accept. Some offices will take a combination of documents if a single recent one isn't available.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it at the ADOT office. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't, contact ADOT to check the status or request a replacement.

Can I renew my license by mail?

No. Arizona does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either online through the ADOT website or in person at an ADOT office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access.

What happens if I drive on an expired license?

Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation in Arizona. You can be stopped and cited. If your license expired less than five years ago and you have a pending renewal process, you may have some legal protection, but it's best to renew before your expiration date to avoid the risk.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.