Arizona driver's licenses are valid for 12 years if you are between 19 and 65 years old
An Arizona driver's license issued to someone between 19 and 65 years old does not expire for 12 years from the date it was issued. You can find your expiration date printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner — it appears as a date in MM/DD/YYYY format next to "EXP" or "EXPIRES".
If you are younger than 19 or older than 65, the validity period is different. Drivers under 19 receive a license valid for only 5 years, and drivers 65 and older receive a license valid for 5 years as well. The shorter validity period for older drivers is set by Arizona law and does not reflect any judgment about driving ability — it is straightforward how the state structures renewal timing for that age group.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona driver's licenses for people aged 19 to 65 are valid for 12 years from the issue date.
- Drivers under 19 and drivers 65 and older receive licenses valid for only 5 years.
- Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, either in person at an Arizona Department of Transportation office or online through their website.
- Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona and can result in a traffic citation.
When you need to renew before the expiration date
You do not have to wait until your license expires to renew it. Arizona allows you to renew your license up to one year before the expiration date printed on it. Many people choose to renew early to avoid the rush closer to their expiration date or to update their address or other information.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face additional requirements depending on how long it has been expired. A license expired for fewer than five years can usually be renewed by mail or online. A license expired for more than five years typically requires you to visit an Arizona Department of Transportation office in person and may require you to retake the written test and vision test.
Renewing your license online or by mail
Arizona offers online renewal through the Arizona Department of Transportation website for many drivers. To renew online, you must have a valid email address, a current Arizona address, and a Social Security number on file with the state. You also cannot have any medical restrictions on your current license, and your license cannot have been expired for more than five years.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person. Your new license will be mailed to your Arizona address within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can print a temporary license from the website to use while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you can renew by mail by requesting a renewal form from the Arizona Department of Transportation. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — and you will need to include a new photo, which you can have taken at any Arizona Department of Transportation office or at certain retail locations.
Renewing in person at an Arizona Department of Transportation office
You can renew your license in person at any Arizona Department of Transportation office. Bring your current license, proof of your Arizona address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring two documents showing your new address.
In-person renewal usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photo taken at the office, and your new license will be issued on the spot. You can use this temporary license when ready while the permanent card is mailed to you, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days.
Wait times at Arizona Department of Transportation offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings and more crowded on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. You can check wait times on the Arizona Department of Transportation website before you go.
What happens if your license expires
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona. If you are stopped by law enforcement while your license is expired, you can receive a traffic citation. The citation is usually a minor offense if your license expired recently, but the penalty increases if your license has been expired for a long time.
An expired license also cannot be used as proof of identity for other purposes, such as opening a bank account or boarding a domestic flight. If you need to use your license for identification while it is expired, you should renew it as soon as possible.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to retake the written knowledge test and the vision test when you renew. You will also need to visit an Arizona Department of Transportation office in person — you cannot renew by mail or online. Plan for this renewal to take longer than a standard renewal.
Special cases: Commercial licenses and restricted licenses
A commercial driver's license (CDL) in Arizona is valid for 5 years, not 12 years. If you hold a CDL, your license will expire sooner than a standard driver's license. Commercial drivers must also pass a medical examination every two years to keep their license valid, even if the license itself has not expired.
If your license has medical restrictions — such as a requirement to wear glasses or to use a hearing aid — your license may have a shorter validity period. The Arizona Department of Transportation will note any restrictions on your license, and you may need to renew more frequently if your medical condition changes or if your doctor's restriction expires.
Drivers with suspended or revoked licenses cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. If your license is suspended, you will receive a notice from the Arizona Department of Transportation explaining the reason and how long the suspension will last. You must wait until the suspension period ends before you can renew or reinstate your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license expired yesterday?
No. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona, even if it expired just one day ago. You should renew your license before the expiration date to avoid this situation. If your license has already expired, renew it online, by mail, or in person as soon as possible.
What if I lost my license and need a replacement before it expires?
You can get a replacement license at any Arizona Department of Transportation office. Bring your Social Security number, proof of your address, and a form of identification. A replacement license costs less than a renewal and will have the same expiration date as your original license.
Do I need to retake the written test when I renew?
No, you do not need to retake the written test if you renew before your license expires or within five years after it expires. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to retake both the written test and the vision test.
Can I renew my Arizona license if I no longer live in Arizona?
No. To renew an Arizona driver's license, you must have a current Arizona address. If you have moved out of state, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. You should return your Arizona license to the Arizona Department of Transportation or destroy it.
How much does it cost to renew an Arizona driver's license?
The cost varies depending on how you renew. Online renewal and in-person renewal cost the same amount. Mail renewal may cost slightly more because you need to pay for a new photo. Exact fees change periodically, so check the Arizona Department of Transportation website for current pricing.