What to do if your Arizona driver's license has expired
If your Arizona driver's license has expired, you can renew it through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The process depends on how long it has been expired and whether you want to renew in person or by mail. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, though some situations require an in-person appointment at an ADOT location.
Arizona licenses expire on your birthday, five years after issue for standard licenses and ten years for those age 65 and older. You can renew up to one year before expiration or up to five years after expiration. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to explore for a new license rather than renew, which involves a written test and vision screening.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona driver's licenses expire on your birthday and can be renewed up to one year early or up to five years late through ADOT.
- Online renewal through the ADOT website is the fastest option if you have not changed your address, name, or other information since your last license.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires mailing your current license and a completed form to ADOT's processing center.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license in person, including a written test and vision exam.
- An expired Arizona license cannot be used as valid identification for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight, even if it is only recently expired.
Renewing online through ADOT's website
The fastest way to renew is through the ADOT website at azdot.gov. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The online system checks your information against ADOT records and issues a new license if everything matches.
Online renewal works only if you have not changed your address, name, or other personal information since your last license was issued. If any of that information has changed, you must renew by mail or in person. The new license will be mailed to your address on file within seven to ten business days after you complete the online transaction.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, read and complete the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL 44) from the ADOT website or request one by phone at 602-255-0072. Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $25 for a five-year license), and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date ADOT receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before you need the new license. If you have changed your address or other information, include a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the past 60 days.
Renewing in person at an ADOT office
You can renew in person at any ADOT Driver License office. Schedule an appointment through the ADOT website rather than showing up without one, as walk-ins face long wait times. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address if it has changed.
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You will have your photo taken and your vision tested. The new license is issued on the spot, though you may receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your physical card is mailed.
What happens if your license expired more than five years ago
If your Arizona license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which involves a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and an in-person appointment at an ADOT office. You will also need to provide proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address.
The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Arizona Driver License Manual, available free on the ADOT website. Schedule your appointment online, and plan for the visit to take 45 minutes to an hour. The new license costs the same as a renewal.
Using an expired license for identification
An expired Arizona driver's license cannot be used as valid identification for federal purposes, even if it expired only recently. This means you cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or open a bank account. However, you can use an expired license as secondary identification in some situations, such as when combined with another form of ID.
For driving, an expired license is not valid. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving with an expired license, you can be cited. However, if your license expired within the last six months and you can show proof that you have applied to renew it, some officers may issue a warning instead of a citation.
Fees and payment methods
A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $25. A ten-year license for those age 65 and older costs $35. ADOT accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) depending on the renewal method you choose. Online and in-person renewals accept all card types. Mail renewals require check or money order only.
If you are renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, ADOT will contact you to request payment. Do not send cash through the mail. If you are renewing in person and do not have a payment method with you, you can complete the transaction online or by mail instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired Arizona license?
No. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation. You should renew before your license expires. If you are caught driving with an expired license, you can be cited and fined. If your license expired within the last six months and you can show proof of a renewal process, an officer may issue a warning.
How long does it take to get a renewed license in the mail?
Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the date ADOT receives your envelope. Online renewals take seven to ten business days. In-person renewals issue a temporary paper license on the spot, with the physical card arriving by mail within one to two weeks.
What if I moved and my address changed since my last license?
If you moved, you cannot renew online. Renew by mail or in person and include proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days. The new license will be mailed to your updated address.
Do I need an appointment to renew at an ADOT office?
Yes. Schedule an appointment through the ADOT website before visiting. Walk-ins without appointments face significant wait times. Appointments are usually available within a few days to a week depending on your location.
What if my license has been expired for more than five years?
You cannot renew. You must explore for a new license, which requires a written test, vision screening, and an in-person visit to an ADOT office. Study the Arizona Driver License Manual before your appointment. The new license costs the same as a renewal.