License Renewal in Arizona

Renew Your Driver's License in Arizona

Before your driver's license expires in Arizona, you need to renew it with the Department of Transportation (DOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) in order to continue to drive legally.

On this page you'll find information on how to renew your Arizona driver license and update your photo.

REAL IDs in Arizona

The Arizona DOT now issues both federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses, called Travel IDs, as well as non-compliant licenses. A REAL ID license allows you to use your license as approved identification for activities such as boarding an airplane or entry into federal and military buildings. After October 1, 2021, ONLY the federally-approved license will be accepted for such activities.

You can choose to apply for a REAL ID or a non-compliant ID when you renew—details are outlined below.

When to Renew Your AZ Driver's License

A non-Travel ID Arizona driver's license is valid until you are 50 years old. During this time you will not need to renew your license; however, you will need to visit an AZ DMV office every 12 years to update your photo and take a vision exam. See the Update Your AZ Driver's License Photo section below for more information.

When you renew your regular driver's license when you are 50 years old or older, the ADOT will issue you a driver's license valid for 5 years.

On the other hand, a Voluntary Travel ID/REAL ID is valid for a maximum of 8 years in most cases.

You will not receive a renewal notice before your Arizona driver's license expires.

You can only renew your AZ drivers license in person. You cannot renew online or by mail. Once you complete the renewal process the AZ MVD will issue you a temporary license. Your newly renewed driver's license will be mailed to you.

Suspended Driver License

If your Arizona driver's license is suspended, you'll need to reinstate your license before you can renew.

For more information, please see our Suspended License in Arizona page.

Check Your Driving Record
Is your driver's license valid or suspended? Check your driving record to find out.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License

If your Arizona driver license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can still renew with the Arizona MVD as long as you can provide proof of your identity (see the “Renew Your AZ Driver's License" section below).

If you'd like to request a replacement AZ drivers license, please see our Replacing a Lost License in Arizona page.

How to Renew an Arizona Driver License

To renew your Arizona driver license in person, visit your local Arizona DMV office. You'll need to:

Arizona MVD offices accept cash, checks, and money orders. Some office locations accept credit/debit card. Contact your local AZ MVD office to confirm accepted payment methods.

All proof of identity documents must be originals or certified copies. For a complete list of accepted documents for a Travel ID or a Non-Travel ID, visit the ADOT website. 

If you haven't received your renewed driver's license, you can check its status by contacting the AZ MVD.

Update Your AZ Driver's License Photo

Every 12 years you must:

  • Update your photo with the AZ DOT MVD.
  • Pass a vision exam.

To update your photo on your driver's license, visit your local Arizona DMV office and:

  • Bring required documents for your Travel ID or Non-Travel ID.
  • Pay the fee:
    • Non-Travel ID: Varies by age.
    • Travel ID: $25

AZ MVD offices accept cash, checks, and money orders. Some office locations accept credit/debit card. Contact your local AZ MVD office to confirm its accepted payment methods.

NOTE: The steps above also apply if you are converting:

  • A graduated AZ driver's license to an “Under 21" license.
  • An “Under 21" license to a regular AZ driver's license.

Arizona Military Member License Renewals

Military Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.

If you are an active-duty military member stationed outside of Arizona, you can renew by mail .

You will need to notify the Arizona DOT of your military status. You will need:

  • Copies of the front and back of your military ID.
  • Your most recent military earnings/leave documents.

Send the above to:

Motor Vehicle Division
4005 N. 51st Avenue
MD 510
Phoenix, AZ 85031

If the Arizona MVD has your active-duty military status on file, you are not required to update your AZ driver license photo every 12 years.

NOTE: If you don't have a digital photo on file with the Arizona DMV, you can still renew your driver's license by mail if you are a military member, or a spouse or dependent of one. You will receive a “valid without photo" drivers license until you can visit an Arizona DMV office in person.

Forms

40-5122
Driver License/Identification Card Application
Apply for an Arizona driver's license, learner's permit, OR identification card with the MVD.
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