What You Need to Know Before You Start

Arizona lets you renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Which route you take depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photograph. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.

Your Arizona driver license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. The state does not charge a late fee if your license has been expired for fewer than five years, but you cannot legally drive with an expired license.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona offers online renewal through the Motor Vehicle Division website for most standard licenses that have not been expired for more than five years.
  • Mail renewal requires a completed Form DL 44 or DL 43, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks for processing.
  • In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photograph, or if you are renewing a commercial license.
  • The renewal fee for a five-year standard driver license is $25 if you renew online or by mail, or $30 if you renew in person.
  • You must provide proof of Arizona residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Online Renewal Through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division

Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no mailing or office visit. Go to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.

Online renewal is available only if your license has not been expired for more than five years, you do not need a new photograph, and you are renewing a standard Class D license. If you are renewing a commercial license (Class A, B, or C), a motorcycle endorsement, or a CDL, you must renew in person or by mail. The online system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access. If you are, you can complete the renewal and pay the $25 fee with a debit or credit card in one session. You should receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks.

Mail Renewal and Required Documents

To renew by mail, read or request Form DL 43 (process for Renewal of Driver License) from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website. Complete the form and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $25. Do not send cash.

You do not need to include copies of your documents when you mail your process, but you must have them available if the Motor Vehicle Division contacts you to verify information. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your process. If your address has changed, write the new address clearly on the form. If you need a new photograph because your current one is damaged or you want to update it, you must renew in person instead.

In-Person Renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division Office

Visit a Motor Vehicle Division office if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photograph, if you are renewing a commercial license, or if you prefer to renew in person. Bring your current driver license, proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $30 in cash, check, or card.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The Motor Vehicle Division website shows current wait times at each office. The renewal process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photograph taken and receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Address Changes and Name Changes

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must provide proof of your new Arizona address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the proof of residency must match the name on your driver license process.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must provide a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can renew by mail or online only if your name has not changed. If your name has changed, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.

Commercial License and Endorsement Renewals

Commercial driver licenses (Class A, B, or C) and endorsements such as motorcycle or hazmat must be renewed in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. You cannot renew these online or by mail. Bring your current commercial license, proof of Arizona residency, and payment of $30. You will be required to pass a vision test and may be required to pass a written test depending on the type of license or endorsement.

If your commercial license has been expired for more than five years, you must retake the written and driving tests to restore it. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division office in advance to schedule a test appointment, as these appointments fill up quickly.

What Happens If Your License Expires

You cannot legally drive in Arizona with an expired license. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may receive a citation. Arizona does not charge a late fee for renewal if your license has been expired for fewer than five years, but you must renew before you drive again.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and may be required to retake the written and driving tests. The Motor Vehicle Division treats licenses expired for more than five years as if they were never issued, so you will need to meet all the requirements for a new license, including proof of identity and residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. If you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you can mail Form DL 43 with payment to the Motor Vehicle Division address listed on the form.

What if I lost my driver license and need to renew it?

You cannot renew a lost license. You must explore for a replacement license in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring proof of identity and Arizona residency, and pay the $30 fee. You will receive a temporary license and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?

Online renewal is processed when ready, but your physical license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive legally with your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive out of state before your new license arrives, contact the Motor Vehicle Division for a temporary license.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my Arizona driver license?

Not unless you want to. If you renew online or by mail, your current photograph will be used on your new license. If you renew in person, you will have a new photograph taken automatically. If you renew online or by mail and want a new photo, you must renew in person instead.

What if my address changed but I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove it?

Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, contact the Motor Vehicle Division office to ask what other documents they will accept. Some offices accept alternative documents on a case-by-case basis.