What you need to do to renew in Arizona
Arizona lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Which route you take depends on how much time you have, whether your license is still valid, and what type of license you hold. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your Arizona license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, so you have a wide window to get it done. The state does not mail you a reminder, so you need to track the expiration date yourself — it appears on the front of your card.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address or name.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment by check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, you need a Real ID, or you have changed your address or name since your last renewal.
- Arizona charges $12 for a standard five-year renewal, and you can pay by credit card online, by check or money order by mail, or in cash at an office.
- If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.
Online renewal through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website
The fastest way to renew is online at azmvd.gov. You will need your current Arizona license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The process takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home at any time of day.
Online renewal is available only if your license is still valid, you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, and you do not need a Real ID. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
After you complete the online form and pay the $12 fee, the Motor Vehicle Division will mail your new license to the address on file. It typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal if you prefer not to visit an office
You can renew by mail by sending in Form DL 44 (process for Arizona Driver License), your current license, and a check or money order for $12 to the Motor Vehicle Division. You can read Form DL 44 from azmvd.gov or pick one up at any Motor Vehicle Division office.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Motor Vehicle Division receives your envelope. Send your materials to the address listed on the form — there are different addresses depending on whether you are renewing a standard license or a commercial license. Use a tracking method like certified mail if you want to confirm delivery, since the Motor Vehicle Division does not send a receipt.
Like online renewal, mail renewal is available only if your license is still valid, you have not changed your name or address, and you do not need a Real ID. If you have moved, you must renew in person or update your address online before you mail in your renewal.
In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a Real ID, if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal, or if you want to change your address or name now. You will also need to renew in person if you are changing your gender marker or if you have a commercial driver's license.
Bring your current Arizona license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Motor Vehicle Division offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations are open on Saturday mornings. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on azmvd.gov. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait.
Real ID and what it means for your renewal
A Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued identification. It is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. If your current Arizona license does not have a gold star or "REAL ID" printed on it, it is not a Real ID.
If you want to upgrade to a Real ID when you renew, you must do so in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You will need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your identity and citizenship. Acceptable documents for citizenship include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card.
A Real ID costs the same as a standard renewal ($12 for five years), but the process takes longer because the Motor Vehicle Division must verify your documents. Plan for a longer wait time at the office if you are upgrading to Real ID.
What to do if your license has expired
If your Arizona license expired less than five years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. The process is the same as a standard renewal.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You will need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test, and you will need to provide proof of your identity, Social Security number, and current address. Bring the same documents you would bring for an in-person renewal, plus proof of your Arizona residency if you have moved since your license expired.
Fees and payment methods for Arizona renewal
Arizona charges $12 for a standard five-year driver's license renewal. There are no additional fees for online or mail renewal. If you renew in person at an office, the fee is the same.
Online, you can pay with a credit or debit card. By mail, you must pay with a check or money order — the Motor Vehicle Division does not accept credit cards by mail. In person at an office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
If you are upgrading to a Real ID, the cost is still $12 — there is no additional charge. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license before your renewal date, that replacement costs $12 as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I have moved out of state?
No. To renew an Arizona license, you must be an Arizona resident. If you have moved to another state, you need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. You can contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 if you have questions about your residency status.
What happens if I renew online but my address is wrong?
If you renew online and your address on file is incorrect, your new license will be mailed to the wrong address. Before you renew online, log into your account on azmvd.gov and update your address. If you have already renewed and realize your address is wrong, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to request that your new license be reissued to the correct address.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew in person?
If you renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, you will receive your new license on the spot — you do not have to wait for it to arrive by mail. You can use it when ready as your valid Arizona driver's license.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Most Motor Vehicle Division offices do not require appointments for renewals, but some locations accept them. Check azmvd.gov for your local office to see whether appointments are available. If your office is very busy, making an appointment can save you time.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you must renew in person. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Motor Vehicle Division will update your name on your new license.