Your Arizona driver license expiration date is printed on the front of your card, and renewal important date depend on your age and license type

Arizona prints your expiration date directly on your driver license in the bottom right corner. For most adults, licenses expire on your birthday — specifically, on the birthday that falls five years after you received the license. If you turn 65, your license expires on that birthday instead of five years out. Instruction permits and temporary licenses follow different timelines, and commercial licenses have their own rules.

You do not have to wait until your license expires to renew it. Arizona allows you to renew up to 12 months before the expiration date printed on your card. Many people renew early to avoid the rush or because they are planning a trip and want a fresh card. The key is knowing your exact expiration date so you can plan ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Arizona driver licenses expire on your birthday, five years after you received them, unless you are 65 or older.
  • You can renew your license up to 12 months before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
  • Instruction permits expire 180 days after issue, and temporary licenses expire on the date printed on the card.
  • Renewing online through the Arizona Department of Transportation website is faster than visiting a location in person.
  • If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face additional requirements depending on how long it has been expired.

Standard expiration dates for adult driver licenses

If you are between 18 and 64 years old, your Arizona driver license expires five years from the date you received it. The expiration date is always your birthday in the year it expires. For example, if you got your license on March 15, 2021, it expires on March 15, 2026.

Arizona does not send renewal reminders by mail, so it is your responsibility to track your expiration date. Write it down, set a phone reminder, or check the front of your card whenever you need to know. Some people take a photo of their license and save it to their phone so they always have the date handy.

Expiration dates for drivers 65 and older

If you are 65 or older when you receive your license, Arizona requires you to renew every year on your birthday. This is a state safety rule, and it applies whether you received your license at 65 or turned 65 after you already had one.

When you turn 65, your next renewal will be one year later, not five years. After that, every renewal is one year from the previous renewal date. You will need to renew in person at an Arizona Department of Transportation office or an authorized third-party location — online renewal is not available for drivers 65 and older.

Instruction permits and temporary licenses

An instruction permit (also called a learner's permit) expires 180 days after the Arizona Department of Transportation issues it. This gives you six months to practice driving and prepare for your road test. If you do not pass your road test within that window, you will need to explore for a new permit.

A temporary license is the paper document you receive when you pass your road test and are waiting for your permanent card to arrive in the mail. The expiration date is printed on the temporary license itself. Temporary licenses typically last 30 to 45 days, depending on processing time. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.

Commercial driver license expiration dates

If you hold a commercial driver license (CDL), your expiration date follows the same five-year rule as a standard license — it expires on your birthday, five years after you received it. However, if you are 65 or older, your CDL expires every year on your birthday, just like a regular license.

Commercial licenses also require a medical certificate from a certified examiner. Your CDL can expire before your medical certificate does, or vice versa. You cannot legally drive a commercial vehicle if either document has expired, so track both dates carefully.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you only expired yesterday. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. However, if your license expired very recently and you can show proof that you have already started the renewal process, an officer may use discretion.

If your license has been expired for a long time — typically more than a year — you may have to retake your written test or road test when you renew, depending on how long it has been. Arizona's rules on this can change, so contact your local Department of Transportation office or check their website if your license has been expired for more than a few months.

How to renew before your expiration date

The fastest way to renew is online through the Arizona Department of Transportation website, as long as you meet certain requirements. You must have a valid Social Security number, a current mailing address on file, and no disqualifying medical conditions. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot renew online, you can visit an Arizona Department of Transportation office or an authorized third-party location like an insurance agent's office or a motor vehicle service center. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. In-person renewal is faster if you need your license the same day — some locations can issue a temporary license on the spot.

Renewing after your license has expired

You can still renew after your expiration date has passed. If your license expired recently, the process is the same as a regular renewal — online or in person. If it expired more than a year ago, you may need to pass a written test or road test again, depending on Arizona's current rules.

Contact the Arizona Department of Transportation before you go in to renew if your license has been expired for a long time. They can tell you exactly what documents and tests you will need. Do not drive until your renewal is complete, since driving with an expired license is illegal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?

No. Your license must be valid on the day you drive. If it expires tomorrow, you cannot legally drive starting tomorrow. However, you can renew online today, and your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before then, visit an in-person location to get a temporary license the same day.

What if I lost my license and do not know the expiration date?

Contact the Arizona Department of Transportation with your name, date of birth, and driver license number (if you have it). They can tell you your expiration date over the phone. You can also visit any Department of Transportation office in person, and staff can look it up for you when ready.

Do I have to renew in person if I am 65 or older?

Yes. Arizona requires drivers 65 and older to renew in person at a Department of Transportation office or authorized third-party location. You cannot renew online at that age. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

What happens to my expiration date if I change my address?

Your expiration date does not change when you update your address. The date on your current license stays the same. When you renew, your new license will have a new expiration date based on the five-year rule (or one-year rule if you are 65 or older), not based on when you changed your address.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

Yes, you can renew online from anywhere as long as you meet the online renewal requirements. If you need to renew in person and are out of state, you will have to wait until you return to Arizona, since only Arizona Department of Transportation offices and authorized Arizona locations can process renewals.