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 driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Arizona address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). 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.

If you renew online, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You'll also pay the renewal fee online and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

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 has no medical restrictions.
  • In-person renewal at an ADOT office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your Arizona address, and you'll receive your new license when ready.
  • ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday, and wait times vary by location—checking the ADOT website before you go can save you time.
  • Your renewed license is valid for five years from the issue date, and you can renew up to six months before your current license expires.

How to renew online through ADOT

Go to the ADOT website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against ADOT's records.

Once verified, you'll review your personal information and confirm your address. If anything needs to be corrected, you'll be directed to renew in person instead. If everything is correct, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. ADOT charges $25 for a five-year renewal online.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can pick it up in person at an ADOT office once it's ready, though this requires a separate trip.

In-person renewal at an ADOT office

Find your nearest ADOT office on the ADOT website and note its hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings. Bring all required documents: your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your Arizona address.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The process itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes—you'll verify your information, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. In-person renewal costs $25 for a five-year license. You'll receive your new license on the spot.

Wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. Mid-morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday is typically faster than late afternoon or Friday. The ADOT website shows current wait times for some offices, so check before you go.

Renewing when your license has expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it online or in person using the same process. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an ADOT office. You cannot use the online system for licenses expired longer than five years.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you've already started the renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you can show proof that you've submitted a renewal process, but this doesn't may provide you won't receive a citation. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.

What happens if your address changed

If you've moved within Arizona, you can update your address during online renewal if everything else on your license is correct. straightforward enter your new address when prompted, and it will appear on your renewed license.

If you've moved out of state and then back to Arizona, or if your address change involves other corrections, you must renew in person. Bring proof of your new Arizona address—a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within 60 days.

Renewing with medical restrictions or endorsements

If your current license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or left foot accelerator only), you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at an ADOT office so ADOT can verify that your medical condition hasn't changed.

Bring your current license and any medical documentation that supports your restrictions. ADOT may ask you to provide updated medical certification from your doctor, depending on the type of restriction. The office staff will tell you what's needed when you arrive.

Fees and how long your renewed license lasts

Online renewal costs $25 for a five-year license. In-person renewal also costs $25 for a five-year license. Both are the standard rates for Arizona driver's license renewal. If you need a duplicate license (for example, if yours was lost or stolen), the fee is different and you'll need to contact ADOT for current pricing.

Your renewed license is valid for five years from the date it's issued. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute. Renewing early gives you time to receive your new license by mail if you choose online renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Arizona only renews licenses for residents with a current Arizona address. If you've moved out of state, you'll need to get a license from your new state. If you're moving back to Arizona, you can renew once you have an Arizona address and proof of residency.

What if I don't have proof of my Social Security number?

You'll need to bring one of these documents: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your Social Security number. If you don't have any of these, contact ADOT before you go to the office to find out what other documents they'll accept.

How do I renew if my name changed?

Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can renew online if your name change is already reflected in ADOT's system; if not, you must renew in person.

Can I renew my license by mail?

No. Arizona does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online (and receive your license by mail) or in person at an ADOT office. Online renewal is the closest option to mail renewal.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a lost license. Instead, you'll need to get a duplicate license, which is a different process. Contact ADOT or visit an office to report your lost license and request a duplicate.