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 almost 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 current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring your birth certificate or passport unless ADOT staff ask for it during your visit.

For an online renewal through the ADOT website, you'll need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer questions about medical conditions and traffic violations. You cannot renew online if you've had any address changes, medical changes, or if your license expired more than five years ago.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through ADOT's website takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license expired within the last five years and your address hasn't changed.
In-person renewal at an ADOT office requires your current license, proof of address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
Arizona driver's licenses are valid for 12 years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to five years after expiration.
ADOT offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary by location and time of day — checking the office's current wait time online before you go saves time.
If you renew online, your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready.

Online renewal through ADOT's website

The ADOT online renewal system is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the ADOT website, select "Renew Your License Online," and enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm or update your address, answer health questions, and review any traffic violations on your record.

The fee for online renewal is $25 for a 12-year license. You can pay by debit card or credit card. After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new physical license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your old license remains valid.

You cannot use online renewal if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have medical restrictions or conditions that need review, if your address has changed, or if you need to update your name. In any of those cases, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at an ADOT office

Walk into any ADOT office with your documents and take a number. You do not need an appointment. Bring your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing within one year before your license expires, the process is straightforward. If your license has already expired, staff may ask additional questions about why you waited.

The fee for in-person renewal is $35 for a 12-year license. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. ADOT will take a new photo, ask you to confirm your information, and give you a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Wait times at ADOT offices vary widely. Some offices have wait times of 15 minutes; others can be an hour or more, especially on Fridays and near the end of the month. The ADOT website shows the current wait time at each office. Going early in the morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means a shorter wait.

What happens if your license is expired

Arizona law allows you to renew your driver's license up to five years after it expires. You can renew online if it expired within the last five years and you meet the other online renewal conditions. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an ADOT office.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you're in the process of renewing. If you're pulled over, you can show the officer your temporary paper license (if you renewed in person) or your confirmation email from online renewal, but these do not may provide you won't receive a citation. The safest approach is to renew before your license expires or to not drive until your new license arrives.

If your license expired more than five years ago, ADOT may require you to pass the written knowledge test and vision test again, depending on how long it has been. Call the ADOT office before you go to ask whether you'll need to test.

Address changes and name changes

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online — you must go to an ADOT office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. ADOT will update your address on your new license at no extra charge.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change along with your current license and proof of address. A certified copy means a document with an official seal or stamp from the court, vital records office, or government agency that issued it. A photocopy or notarized copy is not enough. ADOT will update your name on your new license.

Medical conditions and restrictions

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as vision problems, hearing loss, or a seizure disorder — you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at an ADOT office. During your visit, ADOT staff may ask you questions about your condition or require you to pass a vision or hearing test. Depending on the results, your new license may include restrictions, such as "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only."

If you already have medical restrictions on your current license and your condition has not changed, you can renew online as long as you meet the other online renewal conditions. If your condition has improved or worsened, renew in person so ADOT can review your medical status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona license if I live out of state?

Yes, if you still have an Arizona address on file or can provide one. You can renew online from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you can visit any ADOT office during a trip to Arizona, or contact ADOT to ask about mailing in your documents — not all offices accept mail-in renewals, so call ahead.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew online without your license number. You must go to an ADOT office in person and bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID) and proof of address. ADOT will issue a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your old license was still valid.

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

Both online and in-person renewals result in a new license arriving by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that's valid for 30 days. If you renewed online, your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. Arizona allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not extend your license expiration date — your new license will still expire 12 years from the date you originally received your current license, not 12 years from the renewal date.

What if ADOT rejected my online renewal?

The system will tell you why — usually because your address changed, your license expired more than five years ago, or you have a medical restriction. Go to an ADOT office in person with the documents listed above. Bring the rejection notice if you received one, though staff can look up your record by license number.

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.