Arizona driver's licenses expire every 12 years for standard licenses, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation
Arizona's Department of Transportation (ADOT) handles all driver's license renewals. Your license expires on your birthday in the year printed on the card — for example, if your license says it expires 12/15/2035, you can no longer legally drive after December 15, 2035. You do not have to wait until the expiration date to renew; Arizona allows you to renew up to one year before expiration.
The method you use depends on whether you need a new photo, whether your address or name has changed, and whether you have a Real ID-compliant license or a standard license. Not all renewal methods are available to everyone, so understanding which route applies to you saves time and prevents rejected applications.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona licenses expire on your birthday every 12 years, and you can renew up to one year early by any method.
- Online renewal through the ADOT website works only if you have a Real ID license, your address and name are unchanged, and your license is not expired yet.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and payment, but takes two to three weeks and does not include a new photo.
- In-person renewal at an ADOT office or authorized third-party location is the fastest option and the only way to get a new photo or change your address or name on the spot.
- You will need proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) for any renewal method.
Online renewal through the ADOT website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online at servicearizona.com if your license is not yet expired, you have a Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star in the top right corner), your name and address have not changed, and you do not need a new photo. The entire process takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a standard license renewal.
You will need your current Arizona driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). After you complete the online form and pay, ADOT mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.
If your license has already expired, you cannot use online renewal — you must renew in person or by mail. If you have a standard (non-Real ID) license, you also cannot renew online; you must choose mail or in-person renewal.
Mail renewal with a paper form
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired, your name and address have not changed, and you do not need a new photo. read the process for Renewal of Driver License or Identification License (Form 40-2) from the ADOT website, or call ADOT at 602-255-0072 to request a form by mail.
Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $25 (made payable to ADOT) to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of Arizona residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date ADOT receives your process. Your old license remains valid during this time.
Do not send cash through the mail. If you prefer to pay by card, you must renew online or in person instead.
In-person renewal at an ADOT office or third-party location
In-person renewal is the only option if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if your name or address has changed, or if you have a standard (non-Real ID) license and want to upgrade to Real ID. You can renew at any ADOT office or at an authorized third-party location such as certain MVD Now kiosks or authorized dealers.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment ($25 for a standard renewal, $30 for a Real ID upgrade). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your address has changed, the proof of residency document itself serves as your address verification.
Processing times vary by location. ADOT offices typically process renewals the same day, though wait times can be long during peak hours (mid-morning and mid-week are usually quieter). Third-party locations may take longer. Your new license is printed on-site, and you can drive home with a temporary paper license while the plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Real ID versus standard license renewal
Arizona offers two types of driver's licenses: Real ID-compliant and standard. A Real ID license has a gold star in the top right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for domestic air travel as of May 7, 2025 — you will need a passport or other federal ID instead.
If you have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence (a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or immigration document). The Real ID renewal costs $30 instead of $25. If you renew your standard license without upgrading, you will receive another standard license with the same expiration date.
What to do if your license has already expired
If your license expired before you renew, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must renew in person at an ADOT office or authorized third-party location. Bring the same documents as for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. An expired license is still accepted as identification for the renewal process.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process (a receipt or confirmation number from online renewal, or a mailed process with a tracking number), but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.
Finding an ADOT office or third-party location near you
ADOT operates offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, Tempe, Scottsdale, Flagstaff, and Yuma. You can find the address, hours, and current wait times for each office on the ADOT website at azdot.gov. Third-party locations include MVD Now kiosks at various retail locations and authorized dealers; the ADOT website lists all participating locations and their hours.
Walk-in service is available at all ADOT offices and most third-party locations, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. Appointments are not required but can save 30 minutes or more during busy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I no longer live in Arizona?
No. Arizona driver's licenses are only for Arizona residents. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. You cannot renew an Arizona license by mail or online from another state, and in-person renewal requires current proof of Arizona residency.
What if my name or address changed since I got my current license?
You must renew in person if your name or address has changed. Bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Online and mail renewal do not allow address or name changes.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date ADOT receives your process. In-person renewal produces a temporary paper license on the spot, and the plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Do I need to take a new photo or pass a vision test to renew?
Online and mail renewal do not include a new photo or vision test — your current photo stays on file. In-person renewal includes a new photo and a vision screening. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, or your license may be restricted.
What if I lost my current license before I could renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must report it to ADOT and obtain a replacement before you can renew. A replacement costs $10 and requires an in-person visit to an ADOT office or third-party location. Once you have the replacement, you can renew using any method that applies to your situation.