What You Need to Do to Change Your Address in Arizona
To change your address on an Arizona driver's license, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office in person with proof of your new address and your current license. Arizona does not allow address changes by mail, phone, or online. You will fill out a form, provide the required documents, and pay a fee. The process takes about 15 minutes if you have all documents ready.
Your new license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives. If you need the license sooner, you can request a temporary paper license at the MVD office, though this is not standard practice and depends on the specific office.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVD office in person; Arizona does not process address changes remotely.
- Bring your current Arizona driver's license and one document proving your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days.
- The fee for an address change is $7 if you are only changing your address; no new photo is required.
- Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your old license until then.
- If you have moved out of state or your license has expired, different rules explore and you may need to renew instead of straightforward changing your address.
Documents You Must Bring to the MVD Office
You need two things: your current Arizona driver's license and one document that proves your new address. The address proof must be dated within 60 days of your visit and show your full name and new street address.
Acceptable address documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document such as a tax return or voter registration card. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residence.
If your name on your address document does not match your license exactly, bring a second document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without matching names, the MVD will not process your request.
Where to Go and How to Find Your Nearest MVD Office
Arizona has 16 Motor Vehicle Division offices across the state. You can visit any office, not just the one in your county. The main office is located in Phoenix, but most people use their local branch for convenience.
To find the office nearest you, go to the Arizona Department of Transportation website and use the office locator tool, or call 602-255-0072. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. Check the specific office's hours before you go, as wait times can be long during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon).
You do not need an appointment at most Arizona MVD offices, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling. If your office offers appointments, booking one can reduce your wait time significantly.
The Fee and What Happens at the Office
The fee for changing your address only is $7. You pay this at the MVD office when you submit your documents. If you are also renewing your license or changing other information, the fee may be higher. Arizona accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are changing your address. Hand over your current license and your address proof document. The clerk will verify the information, ask you to sign a form (Form DL 44 or a similar address-change form), and collect your fee. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes if there are no issues.
The clerk will give you a receipt showing your new address. Keep this receipt until your new license arrives. If there is a problem with your documents, the clerk will tell you what is missing and you will need to return with the correct paperwork.
When Your New License Will Arrive and What to Do If It Does Not
Arizona mails new licenses from a central processing facility. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit your change at the MVD office. If you live in a rural area or if the mail is delayed, it may take up to two weeks.
If your new license does not arrive within 14 days, contact the Arizona MVD at 602-255-0072 or visit the website to check the status. Have your receipt from the MVD office ready. The MVD can reissue your license if it was lost in the mail, though you may have to pay the $7 fee again.
Until your new license arrives, your old license is still valid for driving and identification. You do not need to do anything else. If you need to prove your new address before the license arrives, bring your MVD receipt and a copy of your address proof document.
Special Situations: Expired Licenses, Out-of-State Moves, and Name Changes
If your Arizona license has expired, you cannot straightforward change your address. You must renew your license instead, which costs more and requires a new photo. Renewal fees range from $12 to $39 depending on how long your license has been expired and what type of license you hold. You will still need to bring proof of your new address.
If you have moved out of Arizona, you cannot change your address on your Arizona license. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state. Arizona will not mail a license to an out-of-state address. If you moved temporarily and plan to return, you can keep your Arizona license and update the address when you move back.
If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your address proof. The MVD will update both your name and address at the same time for the $7 fee.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Address Change
The most common mistake is bringing an address document dated more than 60 days before your visit. Utility bills, bank statements, and lease agreements must be recent. If your document is older, the MVD will reject it and you will have to return with a newer one.
Another frequent problem is a name mismatch. If your address document shows a different name than your license (for example, your license shows your maiden name but your utility bill is in your married name), the MVD will not process the change without a name-change document. Bring a marriage certificate or other proof of the name change.
Some people bring documents that do not count as address proof, such as a post office change-of-address form, a cell phone bill, or a letter from an employer. The MVD has a specific list of acceptable documents, and anything not on that list will be rejected. Confirm your document type before you go.
Finally, do not assume you can change your address at a third-party vendor location. Arizona MVD does not partner with tag agencies or other private vendors for address changes. You must go to an official MVD office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online or by mail?
No. Arizona requires you to visit an MVD office in person. You cannot change your address by mail, phone, email, or through the Arizona MVD website. This is a state requirement, not a temporary policy.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my address?
You can use a mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, credit card statement, insurance policy, or government-issued document such as a voter registration card or tax return. All must be dated within 60 days and show your full name and new address. If you have none of these, contact the MVD office before you visit to ask about alternatives.
Do I need a new photo when I change my address?
No. An address change does not require a new photo. Your new license will use the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you can request one, but it is not required and will cost extra.
How long can I use my old license after I change my address?
Your old license remains valid for driving and identification until your new license arrives. You do not need to stop using it. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it as a record.
What if I move again before my new license arrives?
You will need to return to the MVD and change your address again. The new license from your first change will be mailed to the address you provided at that visit. If you move before it arrives, you can pick it up at the MVD office or request that it be held for you. Contact the MVD to arrange this.