Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Arizona driver's license in person at any Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, or online through the ADOT website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.

Before you go to an ADOT office or start an online renewal, gather these documents: your current Arizona driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing in person and your address has changed, bring proof of the new address.

ADOT offices are located in most Arizona cities. You can find the one nearest you and check current wait times on the ADOT website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online, which usually cuts your wait time significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less, but only works if your license expired fewer than five years ago and has no medical restrictions.
  • In-person renewal at an ADOT office takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait time and works for anyone, including those with expired licenses or address changes.
  • You need your current license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number for either method.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew; you can drive on your old license until it arrives.
  • The renewal fee is $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license, paid at the time of renewal.

Renewing online through the ADOT website

Go to the ADOT website and select the online renewal option. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm or update your address and emergency contact details.

Review the vision and medical questions on the form. If you answer "yes" to any medical question — such as whether you have a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — you will be directed to renew in person instead. The same happens if your address has changed; online renewal does not process address changes.

Once you confirm all information, you will choose your license term (five or ten years) and pay the renewal fee by debit card or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at an ADOT office

Bring your current license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring the certified document that shows the change. Arrive during office hours — most ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. Check the office's specific hours on the ADOT website before you go.

When you arrive, take a number or check in at the kiosk if the office uses one. You will be called to a window, where a staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to confirm your address and answer medical and vision questions. The entire process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Pay the renewal fee at the window — $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license. You will receive a receipt and a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license or your old license until the new one arrives.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your Arizona license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it online. You must renew in person at an ADOT office. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number.

The in-person process is the same as a standard renewal. You will answer medical and vision questions, have a new photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Note that you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives; an expired license is not valid for driving, even if you have submitted a renewal.

Renewing a license with medical restrictions or vision corrections

If your current license has medical restrictions — such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or restrictions on the type of vehicle you can drive — you must renew in person. The same applies if you wear glasses or contacts for driving and need to update your vision correction status.

At the ADOT office, you will be asked about any medical conditions that affect your driving ability. If you have a new condition or a change in an existing condition, tell the staff member. You may be asked to take a vision test or provide a medical report from your doctor. The office staff will tell you what is needed. Once everything is verified, your new license will be issued with the appropriate restrictions or notations.

If your name has changed since your last renewal

Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. The document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. You can obtain a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the document was issued.

You can renew online or in person. If you renew online, upload an image of the certified document during the process. If you renew in person, bring the certified document with you to the ADOT office. Either way, your new license will show your current legal name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on my old license while I wait for my new one?

Yes. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. If you renewed online, you can drive on your current license. Either way, you can drive legally until your new license arrives by mail, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

What if I don't have proof of my current address?

You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If you don't have one, contact your utility company or bank to request one. Some ADOT offices may accept other documents; call ahead to ask.

How much does it cost to renew in Arizona?

A five-year license costs $25. A ten-year license costs $45. You pay at the time of renewal, either online by card or in person at the ADOT office. There are no additional fees.

What if I moved to Arizona from another state?

You cannot renew an out-of-state license in Arizona. You must get a new Arizona license. Visit an ADOT office with your out-of-state license, proof of your Arizona address, your Social Security number, and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2). The process is similar to renewal but is technically a new license process.

Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first. Contact the ADOT Driver Services Division or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps are required. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license.