Arizona driver's licenses expire on your birthday, five or eight years after you get them
Your Arizona driver's license has an expiration date printed on the front. For most adults, licenses last five years. If you are 65 or older when you renew, your license will last eight years instead. The expiration date is always your birthday — the same day and month, five or eight years forward from when you received the license.
You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush or because they need a new photo. You do not have to wait until the expiration date arrives.
Arizona does not send renewal reminders in the mail. It is your responsibility to track the date on your license and plan ahead. If your license expires while you are out of state or unable to renew, you can still renew it — there is no grace period, but you can explore at any time after expiration.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona driver's licenses expire on your birthday, five years after issue for adults under 65, and eight years after issue if you are 65 or older.
- You can renew your license up to six months before the expiration date without waiting until your birthday arrives.
- The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) does not mail renewal reminders, so you must check your license and plan your renewal yourself.
- You can renew in person at an ADOT office, by mail, or online through the ADOT website if you meet the requirements for each method.
- If your license has already expired, you can still renew it — there is no time limit on how long after expiration you can renew.
How to renew before your license expires
The easiest way to renew is online through the ADOT website if you are renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license) and you have not had any violations or suspensions. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The online renewal takes about 15 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail. You will mail your current license, a completed process form (DL 44 or DL 44D, depending on whether you are renewing or changing information), and payment to the ADOT office. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — because ADOT must process your documents and print your new license.
You can also renew in person at any ADOT office. Bring your current license, proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. In-person renewal is fastest if you need your new license quickly, though wait times at offices vary by location and time of day.
What happens if you renew after your license expires
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it through any of the same methods — online, by mail, or in person. There is no penalty for renewing late, and you do not lose your driving record or accumulated points. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have already submitted a renewal process.
If you are pulled over while your license is expired, you can be cited. Some officers may issue a warning if your renewal is in process, but this is not may provide. If you know your license is about to expire or has just expired, renew as soon as you can.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Arizona
Commercial driver's licenses in Arizona also expire on your birthday, but the renewal process is different. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail — you must renew in person at an ADOT office. You will need to pass a written test and a skills test (driving test) unless you are renewing without changes to your license class or endorsements.
CDL renewals take longer to schedule because testing slots fill up quickly. If your CDL is about to expire, contact ADOT early to book your appointment. You can renew up to six months before expiration, just as with a standard license.
Costs and payment methods for renewal
The cost of renewing an Arizona driver's license depends on how long your new license will last. A five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. As of the most recent update, a five-year renewal is approximately $25 to $30, and an eight-year renewal is approximately $40 to $50, though these amounts can change. Check the ADOT website for the current fee before you renew.
ADOT accepts payment by credit card, debit card, and check (by mail). If you renew online, you must pay by card. If you renew by mail, you can include a check. If you renew in person, you can pay by card or check.
Renewing when you have moved or changed your name
If you have moved to a new address in Arizona since your license was issued, you can update your address during renewal. If you have moved out of Arizona, you will need to get a new license in your new state — Arizona will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives there.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can update your name during renewal. You will need to bring proof of the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order) if you renew in person or by mail. Online renewal may not be available if you are changing your name; contact ADOT to confirm.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can request a replacement before your expiration date. A replacement is not the same as a renewal — it gives you a new license with the same expiration date as your current one. You can request a replacement online, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office.
If you request a replacement and your license is about to expire anyway (within six months), you may want to renew instead. A renewal gives you a new expiration date and usually costs about the same as a replacement. Ask ADOT which option makes sense for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive after my license expires if I have already submitted a renewal?
No. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if your renewal process is pending. Once your license expires, you must stop driving until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your new license is ready, you can request a temporary paper license at an ADOT office.
What if I renew online but do not receive my new license within 10 days?
Contact ADOT to check the status of your renewal. Delays can happen due to mail delays or processing errors. ADOT can reprint and resend your license if it was lost in the mail. Keep your old license until your new one arrives.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Arizona license?
If you renew online, your current photo will be used unless you request a new one. If you renew by mail or in person, you can choose to have a new photo taken. A new photo costs extra but is optional unless your current photo is damaged or you are over 65 and renewing for an eight-year license.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your own license. If you are unable to visit an ADOT office due to disability or age, you can renew online or by mail instead. Contact ADOT if you have questions about your specific situation.
What happens to my license if I move out of Arizona?
Your Arizona license remains valid until it expires, but you cannot renew it in Arizona once you move. You must get a new license in your new state. Some states allow you to transfer your Arizona license without retaking the written test, but this varies by state.