How to Renew Your Arizona Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you start

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 since your last renewal.

Before you go to an ADOT office or start an online renewal, gather these documents: your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing in person and your address has changed, you'll need to bring proof of the new address.

ADOT offices are located in most Arizona cities and towns. You can find the nearest one and check current wait times on the ADOT website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online, which typically reduces your wait time significantly.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license expired fewer than five years ago and has no medical restrictions.
In-person renewal at an ADOT office takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on wait time and works for all renewal situations, including address changes and name changes.
You need your current license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number for either renewal method.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after renewal, and you can drive legally on your old license until the new one arrives.

Renewing online through the ADOT website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the ADOT website, select "Renew Your License Online," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you're may be able to access to renew online — if you're not, it will tell you which requirement you don't meet and direct you to renew in person instead.

If you're may be able to access and proceed, you'll review your current information, update your address if needed, and pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $25. Once you complete the transaction, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not include a new photo — your license will use the photo from your previous license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person.

Renewing in person at an ADOT office

Walk into any ADOT office with your documents and take a number. You'll wait your turn, then hand your documents to a clerk who will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You can check wait times on the ADOT website before you go.

The renewal fee for a standard five-year license is $25 if you pay by cash or check, or $25.50 if you pay by card. If you're over 65, the fee is $10 for a five-year license. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired by more than five years, if you have medical restrictions on your license, if your address has changed, if your name has changed, or if you want a new photo. It's also the only option if you're renewing for the first time after moving to Arizona.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your Arizona license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it using either the online or in-person method. The process is the same — you don't need to retest or provide additional documents just because it's expired.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires taking the written test and the driving test at an ADOT office. This is a longer process than renewal and costs more. Contact your local ADOT office for information about explore for a new license.

Timeline and what to expect after you renew

If you renew online, the entire process takes about 10 minutes. If you renew in person, plan for 15 to 45 minutes at the office depending on wait time. Either way, your new license is mailed to your address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

You can legally drive on your old license until your new one arrives. You don't need to do anything while you wait — no temporary license is issued for online renewals, but your old license remains valid. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records; Arizona does not require you to return it.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

If you hold a commercial driver's license, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at an ADOT office. The process is the same as renewing a standard license, but you may be required to pass a medical examination depending on the type of CDL you hold and how long it has been since your last medical exam. Bring any medical certification documents you have.

The renewal fee for a CDL is $50 for a five-year license. If your CDL has expired by more than five years, you must explore for a new one rather than renew, and you'll need to retake the written and driving tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I don't have proof of my current address?

No, proof of your current address is required for both online and in-person renewal. If you don't have a utility bill or lease in your name, a bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail addressed to you at your current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a document proving the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your other renewal documents. You can renew in person or online if the name change is recent and documented. If you're renewing online, upload an image of the name-change document when prompted.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Online renewal uses your photo from your previous license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an ADOT office. The clerk will take a new photo as part of the in-person renewal process at no additional cost.

What if I'm renewing while traveling outside Arizona?

If you're outside Arizona when your license expires, you can renew online if you're may be able to access. You'll need access to a computer and a credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the Arizona address on file. If you need to renew in person, you'll have to wait until you return to Arizona or visit an ADOT office in person.

How much does it cost to renew my license?

A standard five-year renewal costs $25 if you pay by cash or check, or $25.50 if you pay by card. If you're over 65, the fee is $10 for a five-year license. Commercial driver's licenses cost $50 for a five-year renewal. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal.

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.