Arizona lets you renew online if your license is not suspended and you meet a few other conditions

You can renew your Arizona driver's license online through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website if your license is not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and if you are not required to take a new photo or pass a vision test. Most people renewing a standard license for the first time can do this. If you have a commercial license, a CDL, you must renew in person at an ADOT office.

The online process takes about 15 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person. You will need your current Arizona license number, a valid email address, and a payment method — ADOT accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license is valid and not under suspension, and if you do not need a new photo or vision test.
  • The online renewal process happens on the ADOT website and takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.
  • You will need your current license number, a valid email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
  • If your license is suspended or you need a new photo, you must renew in person at an ADOT office or an authorized third-party location.

Who can renew online and who cannot

ADOT allows online renewal for standard driver's licenses that are not under suspension, revocation, or cancellation. You also cannot have any open traffic violations, unpaid fines, or child support issues flagged on your record. If any of these explore to you, the online system will reject your renewal and direct you to renew in person.

You must renew in person if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to update your address or name, or if ADOT requires a new photo or vision test. Arizona requires a new photo every 12 years for standard licenses and every 5 years for commercial licenses. If your last photo was taken more than 12 years ago, you cannot renew online.

If you are not sure whether you can renew online, you can check your license status on the ADOT website before you start the process. The system will tell you whether your license is may be able to access for online renewal.

Step-by-step: how to renew online

Go to the ADOT website and find the online renewal section. You will need to enter your Arizona driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to review it for accuracy.

Next, you will confirm your mailing address or enter a new one if you have moved. ADOT will mail your new license to this address, so make sure it is correct. You cannot change your name or address online; if either has changed, you must renew in person at an ADOT office.

Once you have reviewed your information, you will pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. ADOT will send you a confirmation email with your receipt and a reference number. Keep this number in case you need to check on your renewal status later. Your new license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens after you submit your online renewal

After you pay, ADOT processes your renewal and prints your new license. You can use your old license until your new one arrives. If you need to drive before the new license reaches you, your old license is still valid.

If there is a problem with your renewal — for example, if ADOT cannot verify your information or if a flag appears on your record — you will receive an email or letter explaining what went wrong. Most issues can be resolved by visiting an ADOT office in person. If you do not hear anything within two weeks, you can call ADOT or check your renewal status on their website using your reference number.

When you cannot renew online and must go in person

If your license is suspended, you cannot renew online. You must first resolve the suspension — this might mean paying a fine, completing a traffic safety course, or handling a child support issue — before you can renew. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online or in person.

If you need to change your name or address, you must visit an ADOT office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease), and if you are changing your name, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can renew at the same time you make these changes.

If ADOT requires a new photo because your last one is too old, you must renew in person. The same applies if you need a vision test or if you are upgrading your license class.

ADOT offices and authorized third-party locations

If you need to renew in person, you can visit any ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office. Arizona has offices in most cities and towns. You can find the nearest one and check its hours on the ADOT website. Some offices are busier than others; visiting early in the day or on a weekday usually means shorter wait times.

You can also renew at certain authorized third-party locations, such as some Walmart and Albertsons stores. These locations offer the same services as ADOT offices and often have shorter wait times. Not all third-party locations offer all services, so check the ADOT website to see which ones handle license renewals in your area.

Documents you need for in-person renewal

Bring your current Arizona driver's license and one form of identification that shows your date of birth, such as a passport or birth certificate. You will also need to pass a vision test, which ADOT performs at the office. If you are renewing after a suspension, bring proof that the suspension has been lifted — this might be a letter from ADOT or a court document.

If you are changing your name or address, bring proof of the change. For a name change, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For an address change, bring a utility bill, lease, or other document showing your new address and your name. ADOT accepts documents dated within the last 60 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona license online if it is expired?

Yes, you can renew online even if your license has expired, as long as it is not suspended or revoked. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to renew in person and take a new photo and vision test. Check the ADOT website or call to confirm before you start the online process.

How much does it cost to renew online?

The cost varies depending on how long you renew your license for. A standard five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. ADOT will show you the exact fee before you pay. The cost is the same whether you renew online or in person.

What if I do not receive my new license within 10 business days?

Contact ADOT using the reference number from your confirmation email. ADOT can track your license and tell you where it is in the mail. If it has been lost, ADOT can reissue it. You can also visit an ADOT office to request a replacement license in person.

Can I renew my license online if I have a suspended license?

No. You must resolve the suspension first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or handling child support issues. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online or in person. Contact ADOT to find out what you need to do to lift the suspension.

Do I need to take a new photo if I renew online?

No. If you renew online, you keep your current photo. If ADOT requires a new photo because your last one is more than 12 years old, the online system will reject your renewal and direct you to renew in person at an ADOT office.