Arizona driver's license renewal in person or by mail
You can renew your Arizona driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Mail renewal is the slowest option — it takes four to six weeks. Online renewal through the Arizona Department of Transportation website is faster and available if your license is not suspended and you meet other requirements. In-person renewal at an MVD office takes about an hour and is the only option if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your photo, or if you are over 65 and renewing for the first time in many years.
Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 45 days before your license expires. It contains a barcode and instructions for each method. You do not have to wait for the notice to renew — you can start the process up to one year before expiration. If you miss the expiration date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee and will need to renew in person rather than by mail or online.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Arizona Department of Transportation website is the fastest method if your license is not suspended and you have not changed your address recently.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires you to return your old license and a completed form to the MVD.
- In-person renewal at an MVD office is required if your license is suspended, if you need a new photo, or if you are over 65 and renewing for the first time in many years.
- Your renewal notice arrives about 45 days before expiration and includes a barcode needed for online or mail renewal.
- Renewing after your license expires requires an in-person visit and may include a late fee.
Online renewal through the Arizona Department of Transportation website
Online renewal is available at servicearizona.com and is the fastest method if you meet the requirements. You will need your driver's license number, the barcode from your renewal notice, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.
You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, if you have an active warrant, if you changed your address in the last 30 days, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. You also cannot renew online if you need to update your photo or if you are over 65 and renewing for the first time in many years. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person.
Mail renewal and what to send
To renew by mail, complete the renewal notice you received and mail it with your old license to the address printed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash. The fee varies depending on how long you want your license to be valid: a four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. You can find the current fee on the Arizona Department of Transportation website.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the MVD receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you move before your new license arrives, you can update your address online through servicearizona.com or at an MVD office, and the license will be forwarded to you. Do not mail your renewal if your address has changed in the last 30 days — renew in person instead.
In-person renewal at an MVD office
Visit any Motor Vehicle Division office with your current license, proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you changed your address, bring proof of your new address. You will have your photo taken and receive your new license on the spot or within a few days if the office needs to mail it.
Wait times at MVD offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are usually less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can check wait times and make an appointment online through servicearizona.com. Some offices allow you to schedule a specific time slot, which can save you an hour or more. If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your renewal instead, though it will take longer.
Suspended licenses and how to renew
If your license is suspended, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an MVD office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee. You will also need to bring proof that you have resolved the reason for the suspension — for example, proof of payment if the suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, or proof of insurance if it was for driving without coverage.
The type of proof required depends on why your license was suspended. The MVD office can tell you what documents to bring when you call or visit. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, you can check your status on servicearizona.com or by calling the MVD at 602-255-0072. Do not drive while your license is suspended — you can face criminal charges and additional fines.
Fees and payment methods for Arizona renewal
Renewal fees depend on the length of validity you choose. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Drivers over 65 can renew for four years at a lower rate. The exact fee changes each year and varies slightly depending on whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Check the Arizona Department of Transportation website for the current fee before you renew.
You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check when you renew online. By mail, send a check or money order — do not send cash. In person at an MVD office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you pay by check and it bounces, the MVD will contact you and may charge an additional fee.
What to do if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires before your renewal is processed, you can still renew, but you must do so in person at an MVD office. You cannot renew online or by mail after expiration. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee. You may also be charged a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee.
An expired license is not valid for driving. If you are stopped by police while driving with an expired license, you can face a traffic citation. Renew as soon as you realize your license has expired or is about to expire. If you are unsure of your expiration date, check your license or log into servicearizona.com to see when it expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I moved out of state?
No. You must be an Arizona resident to hold an Arizona driver's license. If you moved out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state. If you still own property in Arizona or plan to move back, contact the MVD to discuss your options.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You do not need the renewal notice to renew online or in person. You can renew online at servicearizona.com using your driver's license number and date of birth. If you want to renew by mail, you can request a new notice by calling the MVD or visiting an office, though it is faster to renew online or in person.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks after you complete your online renewal. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the MVD to check the status. In-person renewal is faster — you may receive your license the same day or within a few days.
Do I need to renew my license if I changed my address?
No. You can update your address separately without renewing your license. Update your address online at servicearizona.com or in person at an MVD office. If you are renewing your license anyway, you can update your address at the same time.
What if my name changed since my last license?
Bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order, when you renew in person. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name changed. The MVD will issue a new license with your updated name.