Arizona driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person
Arizona lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change. By mail takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at an MVD office is necessary only if your license has been expired for more than five years, you need to update your photo, or you are renewing a commercial license.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 45 days before your license expires. It contains a barcode and instructions for online renewal. If you do not receive one, you can still renew online by entering your driver's license number and date of birth on the Arizona MVD website. The fee is $25 for a standard five-year license, or $45 for a ten-year license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes minutes and works if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name.
- Mail renewal requires your renewal notice and takes about two weeks from the time MVD receives your envelope.
- In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a new photo, or you hold a commercial license.
- Arizona charges $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license, payable by debit or credit card online or by check by mail.
- Your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks after approval.
Online renewal through the Arizona MVD website
Go to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website and select "Renew Your License." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask whether you want a five-year or ten-year license and confirm your address. If your address has changed, you can update it during renewal.
Online renewal works only if your current license is not expired, you have not changed your name since your last renewal, and your vision and medical status have not changed. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person. Payment is by debit or credit card only — no cash or check.
After you submit your renewal online, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal with your renewal notice
If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Sign the back of the notice, include a check or money order for $25 or $45 (made payable to Arizona Department of Transportation), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.
Include a copy of one document that shows your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your address on your license is current and matches your mailing address, you do not need to include a proof-of-address document.
Mail your renewal notice and payment to the address on the back of the notice. MVD typically processes mail renewals within two weeks of receiving them, though processing time can be longer during busy periods. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided.
In-person renewal at an MVD office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, you want to update your photo, you are renewing a commercial driver's license, or you have changed your name. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank 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. If your current address differs from the one on your license, bring proof of the new address.
Visit any Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You can check wait times and book an appointment online through the MVD website. Appointments are not required but can reduce your time in the office. The fee is $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as a current license. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license in person at an MVD office. Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or certified copy of a court order), proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show a confirmation number from an online renewal or a postmarked envelope from a mail renewal as proof that you have applied, but this does not may provide you will not be cited.
Renewing a commercial driver's license in Arizona
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at an MVD office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and your medical certificate (CDLIS medical certificate). Your medical certificate must be valid on the date you renew — if it has expired, you will need to obtain a new one from a certified medical examiner before you visit the office.
The fee for a CDL renewal is $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license. Processing time at the office is typically 30 minutes to one hour. Your new CDL will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest if your license is not expired. If you have moved out of state, update your address during renewal so your new license is mailed to your current address.
What if I want to change my address during renewal?
Online renewal lets you update your address before you submit. By mail, include a proof-of-address document (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) with your renewal notice. In person, bring the same proof-of-address document to the MVD office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take one to two weeks after MVD processes your request. In-person renewal is when ready — you receive a temporary paper license at the office and your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Can I renew my license early?
Yes. Arizona allows renewal up to one year before your license expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at any time during that window.
What if my renewal notice was lost or damaged?
You do not need your renewal notice to renew online — you can use your driver's license number and date of birth instead. If you want to renew by mail without the notice, contact the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division to request a replacement notice or renew in person at an MVD office.