Arizona Driver’s License Renewal: A Complete Guide

Think it’s time to renew your license? Arizona has one of the longest initial renewal periods: You only renew your license at the age of 65 and then every five years after that! The only exception is Travel-ID’s, which expire every eight years.

In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the Arizona driver’s license renewal process for seniors.

When Do I Need to Renew My Arizona Driver’s License?

If you are under 65, you need to go in every 12 years to renew your picture on your card. If you do not renew your photo, your license will still be valid, but you will be barred from replacing a lost ID or other services until you do.

If you are over 65, you need to renew your license every five years.

If you get the Travel-ID, otherwise known as the REAL-ID, you will need to renew every eight years if you are under 65. Otherwise, the process stays the same.

What is the Grace Period for an Expired License?

There is no grace period for expired licenses in Arizona! If you are caught driving with an expired license, the penalties and fines range based on the situation. You could land anywhere from a $120 traffic ticket to a Class 2 misdemeanor charge. This carries a maximum of four months jail time, a $750 fine (plus surcharges), and two years of probation.

During Covid-19, licenses set to expire between March 1 and Dec 31 2020 were automatically extended for one year from their expiration date.

Do I Need the Travel-ID?

If you plan to use airport services or visit certain government facilities, you will need the Travel ID to reduce hassle. Otherwise, you will be required to carry other forms of federal id like a current passport.

Can I Renew an Arizona Driver’s License Online, Mail, or Phone?

No. You can only renew your license in person at a local MVD office. You can use the AZ MVD NOW Site to:

• Simplify the renewal process by making sure all outstanding fees and fines are paid, information is current, check your driving record, and more.
• Replace a lost or stolen ID
• Upgrade a provisional license to an Under 21 License

You can ONLY request an extension of your license by mail if:

• You are active military and stationed out of state
• Your license is set to expire while you are out of state.

Renewing Your Arizona Drivers License In Person

To renew your license in person, follow these steps.

1. Log into the AZ MVD NOW site to make sure your driving record is not carrying any suspensions, outstanding fees, or other issues that can delay your renewal process. You can even fill out and print your renewal application ahead of time.
2. Gather your documents. Your current license will be your primary id, and you will need a secondary id from this list.If you are renewing or upgrading to a Travel ID, make sure to bring documents from this list instead.
3. Visit your local MDV office or an authorized third-party driver service center. Be sure to check their hours of operation. You might also need to schedule an appointment ahead of time.
4. Pass a vision test. You can take the test on-site, or you can bring a report from a licensed optometrist. The third-party test and Vision Examination Report must be done within three months of your renewal.
5. Pass a Road Test. This is ONLY if the examiners have reason to believe you are unsafe on the road. Typically this will be because of:
   • Issues on your driving record, like suspensions and at-fault traffic violations
   • Mental or physical impairments that could make driving challenging or dangerous.
   • If someone filed an unsafe driver claim against you.Make sure you know the latest laws and safe driving practices in Arizona before you go! Try our summarized MVD handbook, practice tests, and learning program.
6. Have a new photo taken.
7. Pay the appropriate renewal fee. Payment may be made by credit card, cash, check, traveler’s check, or money order (payable to Motor Vehicle Division).
8. Receive a temporary paper license good for 30 days. Your new license will be delivered in the mail within 30 days.

That’s It!

That’s everything you need to know about renewing your driver’s license in Arizona. Make sure to start the process early on to avoid unnecessary complications at the MVD office.