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. The in-person route works for nearly everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring proof of citizenship or residency for a renewal; ADOT already has that information on file.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license expired within the last five years and has no medical restrictions.
In-person renewal at an ADOT office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within 60 days.
Standard in-person renewals are valid for five years; you can pay extra for a ten-year license if you are between 21 and 60 years old.
ADOT offices do not require an appointment for renewals, but wait times vary by location and time of day—early morning and weekday visits are typically shorter.

Online renewal: speed and cost

If you renew online through the ADOT website, the process takes about 10 minutes and you can complete it from home. You will need your current Arizona driver's license number, your date of birth, and a payment method. The online fee is lower than the in-person fee—currently $12 for a five-year renewal—and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have medical restrictions or corrective lens requirements on your current license, if your address has changed, or if you need to renew your photo. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at an ADOT office

Walk into any ADOT office during business hours with your documents. ADOT does not require appointments for renewals, though some offices accept them. You will be assigned a number and wait your turn. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter. Your new license will be printed on the spot, and you can use it when ready as your legal ID.

ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours. Check the ADOT website to find the office nearest you and confirm its hours before you go. Offices in Phoenix, Tucson, and other large cities tend to have longer waits during midday and late afternoon; arriving early in the morning or on a weekday typically means a shorter wait.

Fees and license validity periods

In-person renewal costs $25 for a five-year license. If you are between 21 and 60 years old, you can pay an additional $10 to get a ten-year license instead. Drivers 65 and older renew for five years at no charge. Online renewal costs $12 for a five-year license only.

Your new license becomes valid the day it is issued (in-person) or the day it arrives in the mail (online). It remains valid for the full term you chose—five or ten years—unless you let it expire. You can renew up to 12 months before your current license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last day.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for fewer than five years, you can still renew it using the same process as an active license. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and cannot use the online option. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you have submitted a renewal process.

If your license expired more than one year ago, ADOT may require you to pass a vision test at the office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them. You do not need to retake the written or driving test for a renewal, only for a new license after a suspension or revocation.

Renewing by mail or through a third party

Arizona does not offer mail-in renewal directly. However, you can use a third-party service to handle the renewal for you. These services charge a fee on top of the ADOT renewal fee—typically $15 to $30—and take longer than in-person or online renewal. They are useful only if you cannot visit an ADOT office or access the online system yourself.

If you use a third-party service, you will still need to provide the same documents: your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The service will submit these on your behalf and mail your new license to you once ADOT processes it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must clear the suspension or revocation with ADOT first. Contact ADOT to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew normally.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at an ADOT office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. ADOT will update your address on your new license during the renewal.

How long does it take to get my license in the mail after online renewal?

ADOT typically mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of your online renewal. Mail delivery time varies by location, so allow an additional 3 to 5 days. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact ADOT to check the status.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

For online renewal, ADOT uses your photo from your current license. For in-person renewal, ADOT takes a new photo at the office. If you want a new photo for an online renewal, you must renew in person instead.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

Yes, you can renew online from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you must visit an ADOT office in Arizona. Some military personnel stationed overseas may have other options—contact ADOT directly to ask about your situation.

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.