Arizona driver's licenses are valid for 12 years for most adults

An Arizona driver's license issued to someone age 18 or older is good for 12 years from the date it is issued. If you were born before 1989, your license expires on your birthday in the year it turns 12 years old. If you were born in 1989 or later, your license expires on your birthday in the 12th year after issue, regardless of which month you were born.

The 12-year term applies whether you have a standard license, a commercial driver's license (CDL), or a motorcycle endorsement. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Arizona driver's licenses for adults expire 12 years after they are issued.
  • Your expiration date appears on the front of your license card in the bottom right corner.
  • Licenses issued to people under 18 expire on their 18th birthday, not 12 years later.
  • You can renew your license up to 180 days before it expires, either in person or by mail.
  • Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if you are only one day past the expiration date.

Licenses issued to minors expire sooner

If you received your first Arizona driver's license before age 18, that license expires on your 18th birthday, not 12 years after issue. Once you turn 18, you must renew your license to continue driving legally.

When you renew at age 18, you will receive a standard adult license that is then valid for 12 years. This means your second license will last much longer than your first one.

When and how to renew your Arizona license

You can renew your license starting 180 days before the expiration date. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) allows you to renew by mail, in person at an ADOT office, or through an authorized third-party office such as a local MVD (Motor Vehicle Division) location.

If you renew by mail, send your current license, a completed renewal form, and the renewal fee to the address listed on the ADOT website. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at an ADOT office is usually faster and can be completed the same day, though wait times vary by location.

You do not need to take a new written test or vision test to renew a standard license, unless ADOT requests one based on your driving record or age. If you hold a CDL, renewal requirements are stricter and may include a medical examination.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired Arizona license is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, which is a traffic violation. The penalty includes a fine and potentially points on your driving record.

If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, ADOT may require you to retake the written test and vision test when you renew, rather than straightforward renewing by mail. Check the ADOT website or call your local MVD office to find out the current rules if your license has been expired for a long time.

Renewing a CDL or license with endorsements

Commercial driver's licenses and licenses with motorcycle or other endorsements follow the same 12-year expiration schedule as standard licenses. However, CDL holders must pass a medical examination every two years, even if the license itself is not expiring. The medical certificate must be current for the CDL to remain valid.

If you hold a CDL, you cannot renew by mail. You must renew in person at an ADOT office and bring proof of your current medical examination. Motorcycle endorsements renew with your standard license and do not require additional testing unless ADOT requests it.

Replacing a lost or damaged license before expiration

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can request a replacement at any ADOT office or authorized third-party location. A replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license — it does not extend your license term.

You will pay a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a full renewal. Bring a form of identification and proof of your Social Security number to get a replacement.

License expiration and vehicle registration

Your driver's license expiration date is separate from your vehicle registration expiration date. A vehicle registration in Arizona is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be renewed annually. You can have a valid driver's license but an expired registration, or vice versa. Both must be current to drive legally.

When you renew your vehicle registration, you will receive a new registration card and sticker. This renewal is handled through ADOT or an authorized third-party office and is separate from your driver's license renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expired yesterday?

No. An expired license is not valid for driving in Arizona, even by one day. If you are stopped, you can be cited for driving with an expired license. You should renew your license before the expiration date to avoid this violation.

What if I let my license expire more than a year ago?

You can still renew it, but ADOT may require you to retake the written test and vision test instead of renewing by mail. Contact your local MVD office to find out what is required in your situation before you go in to renew.

Do I need to renew my license in person, or can I always renew by mail?

Standard driver's licenses can be renewed by mail if you renew within 180 days before expiration and meet other requirements. CDLs must be renewed in person. Check the ADOT website or call your local office to confirm whether you are may be able to access for mail renewal.

If I renew early, does my new license expire sooner?

No. If you renew 180 days before expiration, your new license will still be valid for 12 years from the date it is issued. Renewing early does not shorten the term of your new license.

What is the difference between a license expiration date and a registration expiration date?

Your driver's license is valid for 12 years and is renewed at an ADOT office. Your vehicle registration is valid for one year and is renewed separately. Both must be current to drive legally, but they are renewed on different schedules.