Where to go and what to bring
You replace your Arizona driver's license at a Motor Vehicle Division office, not online or by mail. Arizona has about 40 locations statewide, including offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, and most county seats. You can find the full list and hours on the Arizona Department of Transportation website.
Bring your current license if you still have it, or a state ID card. You will also need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of your current Arizona address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your birth certificate or passport. If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system to manage wait times. Check your local office's page before you go.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person; Arizona does not offer online or mail-in license replacement.
- Bring your current license or state ID, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Arizona address, and your birth certificate or passport.
- If your name has changed, bring the legal document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
- The replacement license costs $12 and is usually ready the same day or within a few business days.
- Some offices accept online reservations to reduce wait times; check your local office before you go.
Cost and how long it takes
A replacement Arizona driver's license costs $12. You pay at the office when you submit your documents. The fee covers a standard five-year license for drivers under 65 and a ten-year license for drivers 65 and older.
Most offices issue your new license the same day you explore. If the office needs to verify information or your documents are incomplete, it may take a few business days. You can ask the staff whether your license will be ready when ready or if they will mail it to you.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged
The replacement process is the same whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not need a police report, even if your license was stolen. Bring the documents listed above and go to any Motor Vehicle Division office.
If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This is a separate step from replacing your license and costs nothing. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
Renewing instead of replacing
If your license is not lost, stolen, or damaged, and it has not expired yet, you may be able to renew it instead of replacing it. Renewal is cheaper and faster than replacement. You can renew online through the Arizona Department of Transportation website if your license is still valid and you have not had any address changes or name changes since it was issued.
If you cannot renew online—because your license is expired, your address or name has changed, or you need a new photo—you must go to a Motor Vehicle Division office and follow the replacement process described above. The cost is the same ($12), and you will receive a new license with a new photo.
What to do if your documents are not accepted
Motor Vehicle Division staff will tell you on the spot if a document does not meet the requirements. The most common issue is proof of address: the document must be dated within 60 days and show your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement usually works. A credit card statement or insurance bill may not.
If you do not have an acceptable proof of address, ask the staff what documents they will accept. You can then go home, gather the right document, and return. You do not lose your place in line or have to start over; you straightforward come back with the correct paperwork.
If you do not have your birth certificate or passport, you can order a certified copy from the Arizona Department of Health Services (for birth certificates) or the U.S. State Department (for passports). This takes time, so plan ahead if you know you will need a replacement license soon.
Real ID and standard licenses
When you replace your Arizona driver's license, you can choose between a standard license and a Real ID license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards. You need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
Getting a Real ID requires the same documents as a standard replacement, plus proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. The cost is the same ($12). If you do not need a Real ID right now, you can get a standard license and upgrade later.
If you have a commercial driver's license
If your license is a commercial driver's license (CDL), the replacement process is different and more involved. You must go to a Motor Vehicle Division office that handles CDL transactions—not all offices do. You will need to pass a knowledge test and a skills test, and you may need a medical certificate depending on the type of CDL you hold.
Contact the Arizona Department of Transportation directly or check their website for the nearest CDL office and what documents and tests you will need. Replacing a CDL takes longer than replacing a standard license and may cost more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
Arizona does not issue temporary paper licenses. If your license is lost or stolen and you need to drive when ready, you can request a temporary driving permit at the Motor Vehicle Division office, though availability varies by location. Ask the staff when you arrive.
What if I moved out of state after getting my Arizona license?
You cannot replace an Arizona license if you no longer live in Arizona. You will need to get a license from your new state instead. If you still live in Arizona but your address on file is out of state, you can update your address at a Motor Vehicle Division office and then replace your license.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must pick up your replacement license in person at the Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring your receipt or the confirmation number you received when you applied.
How long is my replacement license valid?
A standard Arizona driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for ten years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license.
What if my replacement license arrives with a mistake on it?
Contact the Motor Vehicle Division office where you applied and bring your license and the documents that show the correct information. They will issue a corrected license at no additional cost.