How to Renew Your Arizona Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

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. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes; online renewal takes a few minutes but requires you to pass an eye exam at a third-party provider first if your license has been expired for more than one year.

Before you go, gather your current driver's license, proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 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 a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person and will need to pass a written knowledge test and a skills test.

ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours on certain days. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the ADOT website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait.

Key Takeaways

Arizona driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed; otherwise, you must renew in person.
Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to any ADOT office.
In-person renewal costs $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license; online renewal costs $20.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must pass an eye exam before renewing online or in person.

Online renewal: when you can use it

Online renewal through the ADOT website is the fastest option if your circumstances haven't changed. You can renew online if your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions or corrective lens requirements, your address is still correct, and you have not changed your name. The process takes about five minutes: log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the $20 fee with a credit or debit card, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use online renewal. You will need to visit an ADOT office in person and pass an eye exam. Some ADOT offices have an eye exam station on-site; others will direct you to a third-party provider such as an optometrist or vision center.

In-person renewal at an ADOT office

Walk into any ADOT office with your documents and take a number. You will be called to a window where a staff member will verify your identity, check your residency proof, take a new photo, and conduct a vision screening. The vision screening is a quick test using a machine; you do not need an appointment with an eye doctor for this. If you fail the vision screening, staff will refer you to an eye care provider before your license can be issued.

The fee is $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license, paid by cash, check, or card at the window. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited mail for an additional fee.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

CDL renewal must be done in person at an ADOT office. You will need to pass a written knowledge test specific to the class of CDL you hold (Class A, B, or C) and the endorsements you carry (such as hazmat or passenger). You must also pass a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control skills test, and a road test. The entire process typically takes two to four hours.

Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and your medical certificate (Form MCSA-5875) if your license includes air brake restrictions or if you drive a commercial vehicle. The fee for CDL renewal is $50. If you fail the knowledge or skills test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew it online or in person using the standard process described above. If your license expired more than one year ago, Arizona treats this as a new license rather than a renewal. You must visit an ADOT office in person, pass a vision exam, and pay the standard renewal fee. You do not need to retake the written knowledge test unless you are renewing a CDL.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Arizona. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. If your license has been expired for more than three years, ADOT may require you to pass a written knowledge test before issuing a new one, even for a standard driver's license.

Name changes and address updates

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that caused the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. ADOT will issue a new license with your updated name. If you are renewing online and your name has changed, you must renew in person instead.

If you have moved within Arizona, you can update your address during renewal. If you are renewing online, you can change your address in the online form. If you are renewing in person, tell the staff member at the window and they will update it. If you have moved out of Arizona, you cannot renew an Arizona license; you must obtain a license from your new state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your Arizona driver's license up to one year before your birthday (the expiration date). Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire on your birthday, just four or five years later depending on which term you choose.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license online. Visit an ADOT office in person with proof of residency and your Social Security number. Staff will issue a replacement license for $25 (five-year) or $45 (ten-year). If you believe your license was used fraudulently, report it to ADOT and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after you renew. ADOT also offers expedited mail for an additional fee if you need your license sooner. You can use your temporary paper license for 30 days while you wait for the plastic card.

Do I need an eye exam before renewing?

If your license is current and you have no medical restrictions, you do not need a separate eye exam — ADOT will conduct a vision screening at the office. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must pass an eye exam at an optometrist or vision center before or during the renewal process.

What if I moved out of state?

You cannot renew an Arizona driver's license if you no longer live in Arizona. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency for their renewal or new license process.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.