Arizona Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know
Arizona lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take 10 to 15 business days by mail; online renewal is when ready if you meet the requirements.
Your Arizona license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online or mail method — you must go to an office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona offers three renewal paths: online (when ready, if may be able to access), by mail (10–15 business days), or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office (same day).
- You are may be able to access for online renewal only if your license is still valid, you have not changed your address, and you do not need to update your photo or signature.
- Renewal by mail costs $25 for a five-year license and requires a completed form, payment, and a new photo if your current one is older than eight years.
- If your license has expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must appear in person with proof of identity and residency.
- Arizona does not require a vision test or written exam for standard renewals unless you are over 70 or have a medical condition flagged in your record.
Online Renewal: Fastest Option for Current Licenses
Online renewal through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website is the quickest method if you meet all the requirements. You must have a valid, unexpired license; you cannot have changed your address since your last renewal; and you cannot need a new photo or signature. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license is issued when ready.
To renew online, visit the Motor Vehicle Division website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will pay the renewal fee ($25 for a five-year license) by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not an option if your license has expired, if you have moved and need to update your address, if your photo is older than eight years, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). In any of those cases, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Renewal by Mail: Standard Route for Most Drivers
Mail renewal works for most Arizona drivers and takes 10 to 15 business days from the date the Motor Vehicle Division receives your process. You will need to complete form DL 44 (process for Arizona Driver License) or form DL 43 (Renewal process), include a new photo, and send payment.
The renewal fee is $25 for a five-year license. Your photo must be a color or black-and-white image, 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background. You can take the photo yourself or have it taken at a pharmacy or photo studio. Do not wear sunglasses, a hat, or anything that obscures your face.
Mail your completed form, photo, and payment to the address listed on the Motor Vehicle Division website. Include a check or money order made payable to "Arizona Department of Transportation." Do not send cash. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If you have moved, update your address on the form before you mail it.
In-Person Renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division Office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or other information, if you have a CDL, or if you prefer to do it the same day. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Arizona residency. The office will take a new photo and issue your license on the spot.
Proof of identity can be a passport, tribal ID, military ID, or birth certificate. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved, bring a document showing your new address.
Visit the Motor Vehicle Division office locator on the state website to find the nearest office and check hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Arrive early if you go without a reservation, as wait times can be long during peak hours.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
The cost of renewal is $25 for a standard five-year license. If you are renewing in person, you may pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. By mail, send a check or money order only.
If you are renewing by mail or online, you do not need to bring documents to an office. If you are renewing in person, bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. If your photo is older than eight years, the Motor Vehicle Division will require a new one regardless of the renewal method.
If you have a CDL or a license with special endorsements (such as motorcycle or hazmat), you may need to take a written test or skills test. The Motor Vehicle Division will notify you if a test is required when you begin the renewal process.
Special Cases: Age 70 and Over, Medical Conditions, and Expired Licenses
If you are 70 or older, Arizona requires you to renew in person and may require a vision test. The Motor Vehicle Division will notify you if a test is needed. You cannot renew online or by mail if you are in this age group.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if the Motor Vehicle Division has flagged your record for a medical review, you must renew in person. You may be asked to provide a medical report from your doctor or to take a vision or written test.
If your license has expired, you cannot use the online or mail method. You must go to a Motor Vehicle Division office in person with proof of identity and residency. The office will issue a new license the same day. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to take a written test and a driving test in addition to the vision test.
Timeline and What to Expect After You Renew
Online renewal is when ready — your license is issued the moment you complete the transaction, and the physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 10 to 15 business days from the date the Motor Vehicle Division receives your process, plus mail delivery time on both ends. In-person renewal is same-day.
Once your new license is issued, you can use your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before the new license arrives and you renewed by mail, you can print a temporary license from the Motor Vehicle Division website using your confirmation number.
If your new license does not arrive within 15 business days of mailing it, or if it arrives damaged, contact the Motor Vehicle Division. You can request a replacement by phone, online, or in person. Replacement licenses cost $5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona license if I have moved out of state?
No. You must be an Arizona resident to hold an Arizona driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state. If you are moving but still live in Arizona, you can update your address during renewal by mail or in person.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
Not necessarily. If your current photo is less than eight years old, you can renew by mail or online without a new photo. If your photo is eight years old or older, the Motor Vehicle Division will require a new one. In-person renewal always includes a new photo.
How much does it cost to renew an Arizona driver's license?
A standard five-year renewal costs $25. If you need a replacement license or a duplicate, the cost is $5. If you are renewing a CDL or a license with special endorsements, the cost may be higher.
What happens if I renew online but then move before my new license arrives?
Contact the Motor Vehicle Division when ready and provide your new address. They can reissue your license to the new address, though this may delay delivery. It is better to update your address before you renew if you know you are moving.