Renewing your Arizona driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Arizona driver's license through three routes: online at servicearizona.com, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online and receive their new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 45 days before your license expires. That notice contains a barcode and renewal code you'll need if you renew online. If you don't receive one, you can still renew in person or by mail, but you'll need to bring your current license and proof of residency.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at servicearizona.com is the fastest method and works if your license is valid and you haven't changed your address since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal requires your renewal notice and takes about two to three weeks, but you don't have to visit an office.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is necessary if your license is expired, you need to update your address, or you want to change your photo.
- Arizona driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- You'll need to pay a renewal fee; the amount depends on whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online renewal through servicearizona.com
Online renewal is the fastest and most common method. Go to servicearizona.com, select "Driver License Services," then choose "Renew Driver License." You'll need your renewal notice (which has your barcode and renewal code), your current Arizona driver's license number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Online renewal works only if your license is still valid, you haven't changed your address since your last renewal, and you don't need to update your photo. If any of those conditions don't explore, you must renew in person. After you complete the online transaction, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
The online renewal fee is lower than the in-person fee. You pay through the website using a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Keep your confirmation number for your records.
Mail renewal using your renewal notice
If you have your renewal notice, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Fill out the renewal notice, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order to the address printed on the notice. Include a copy of your current driver's license and proof of your current Arizona address (such as a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Motor Vehicle Division receives your envelope. Send it early enough that it arrives before your license expires. Unlike online renewal, you cannot use a credit or debit card by mail — only check or money order. The fee for mail renewal is the same as the in-person fee.
If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail by including a letter with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and current address. However, calling a Motor Vehicle Division office first to confirm what documents they need is faster than guessing.
In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office
Visit a Motor Vehicle Division office if your license is expired, you've changed your address, you want a new photo, or you prefer to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Arizona address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail), and your Social Security number. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You pay the renewal fee at the counter using cash, debit card, or credit card. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you can drive home with it that day. The in-person fee is higher than the online fee.
Motor Vehicle Division offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Motor Vehicle Division website.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. The process is more involved and costly than a renewal.
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal. You do not need to retake the written or driving test. The renewal fee is the same whether your license is current or expired within the five-year window.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Arizona renewal fees vary by method. Online renewal costs less than in-person or mail renewal. The exact amount changes periodically, so check servicearizona.com or call the Motor Vehicle Division before you renew to confirm the current fee. You can pay online using a debit card or credit card. By mail, you can pay only by check or money order. In person, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card.
Some offices accept payment plans if you cannot pay the full fee at once, though this option is not available for online renewal. Ask at the office or call ahead to learn whether your location offers payment plans.
Changing your address during renewal
If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew in person or by mail. For mail renewal, include your new address on the renewal notice and provide proof of your current Arizona address. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address and tell the clerk you need to update it.
Updating your address during renewal is faster and cheaper than changing it separately after renewal. If you renew online and then move, you can update your address later through the Motor Vehicle Division website or in person, but you'll pay a separate fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired. This means your new expiration date will be five years in the future, not the original expiration date.
What if I don't receive my renewal notice in the mail?
You can still renew in person or by mail without the notice. For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license and proof of your Arizona address. For mail renewal, include a letter with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and current address. Calling a Motor Vehicle Division office first to confirm what documents they need is the safest approach.
How long does it take to receive my new license after online renewal?
Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office and receive it the same day.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to renew?
No. Renewal does not require any test, even if your license has expired within the past five years. You only need to retake tests if your license expired more than five years ago and you are explore for a new license instead of renewing.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Arizona does not automatically block renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but some courts may place a hold on your driving record. Check with the court that issued the ticket to learn whether a hold exists. If one does, you may need to resolve it before you can renew. Contact the court directly for guidance on your specific situation.