Arizona driver licenses renew every 12 years, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation

Arizona's Department of Transportation (ADOT) handles driver license renewals. Most people renew every 12 years, though some renew more often if they have a commercial license, a restricted license, or a medical condition that requires monitoring. You have three main paths: online through the ADOT website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at an ADOT office.

The easiest route for most people is online renewal, which takes about 15 minutes and costs $25. You'll need your current Arizona license number, a valid email address, and a payment method. If you can't renew online—because your license is expired by more than five years, you need to change your address, or you have a commercial endorsement—you'll need to go in person or use the mail option.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona driver licenses last 12 years, and ADOT sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration.
  • Online renewal through the ADOT website is the fastest option for most people and costs $25.
  • Mail renewal is available only if your license is current or expired less than five years, and takes about two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at an ADOT office requires an appointment and proof of residency, and you'll need to pass a vision test.
  • If your license has been expired more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit an ADOT office in person.

Online renewal through the ADOT website

The ADOT website (azdot.gov) has a dedicated renewal portal. You'll enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current information and let you review and update your address if needed. Payment is by credit or debit card only.

Once you complete the online renewal, ADOT mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your name, if you have a commercial license, or if you're renewing a restricted license.

Mail renewal for current or recently expired licenses

If your license is current or expired less than five years, you can renew by mail. You'll need to fill out the process for Renewal of Driver License form (DL 44R), which you can read from the ADOT website or request by phone. Include a check or money order for $25 payable to ADOT, your current license, and proof of your current Arizona address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days works).

Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date ADOT receives it. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. During this time, your old license remains valid. If your license is expired by more than five years, the mail option is not available—you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at an ADOT office

You can renew in person at any ADOT office across Arizona. You'll need to schedule an appointment through the ADOT website; walk-ins are not accepted. Bring your current license, proof of your Arizona address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and payment of $25 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

At your appointment, you'll pass a vision test and have your photo taken. The new license is issued on the spot, though the physical card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have a commercial license, if you need to change your name or address, or if you're renewing a restricted license for medical reasons.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Arizona license expired less than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the standard process. If it expired more than five years ago, you cannot use the mail or online options—you must visit an ADOT office in person and bring all required documents. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Arizona, so renew as soon as you notice your license has lapsed.

If your license has been expired for a very long time (typically more than 10 years), ADOT may require you to retake the written knowledge test and the driving test in addition to the vision test. Call ADOT at 602-255-0072 to confirm what you'll need before your appointment.

Renewing a commercial driver license

Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at an ADOT office and bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and $25. You'll also need to pass a vision test and have your photo taken. If your CDL has a hazmat endorsement, you may need to provide additional documentation.

Schedule your appointment through the ADOT website. The renewal process is the same as for a standard license, but the appointment may take longer because of the additional requirements for commercial licenses. Your new CDL will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing with a medical condition or restricted license

If you have a restricted license due to a medical condition, you must renew in person at an ADOT office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and $25. You may also need to bring medical documentation or a letter from your doctor, depending on the type of restriction. ADOT will tell you what documents are needed when you schedule your appointment.

Some medical restrictions require renewal more often than every 12 years—for example, if you have a condition that affects your vision or mobility, ADOT may require you to renew every one to five years. Check your license to see your renewal date, or call ADOT to confirm how often you need to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I renew my Arizona driver license?

ADOT mails a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew anytime within that window or up to five years after expiration. However, driving on an expired license is illegal, so renew before the expiration date on your card.

Can I renew my license if I've moved out of Arizona?

No. Arizona driver licenses are for Arizona residents only. If you've moved to another state, you need to obtain a driver license from that state. If you've moved within Arizona, you can update your address during online or in-person renewal.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal. You'll need to visit an ADOT office in person with proof of residency and pay a replacement fee. This is a different process from renewal and requires an appointment.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your new license is mailed to you and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail anytime within 60 days before your license expires. In-person renewal can happen anytime before expiration. Early renewal does not extend your 12-year cycle—your new license will expire 12 years from the date you renew.