Have you received your driver’s license in Arizona? Now, it’s time to have relaxed drives and not think much about renewing your driver’s license in Arizona. Why so? Arizona’s driver’s license renewal policies differ from most states, as your first renewal term begins when you turn 65!
Yes, you heard that right. Fortunately, Arizona has one of the country’s longest initial renewal periods. Except for Travel IDs, which need to be updated every eight years, you don’t have to renew most ordinary licenses until you turn 65. After that, you have to renew them every five years.
But that doesn’t mean you can skip visiting the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) till the renewal period. So, are you about to turn 65? Then our blog can take you through how you can renew an Arizona driver’s license and how much it costs. Know everything in-depth!
Does Arizona Have a Grace Period for Renewing an Expired Driver’s License?
No, Arizona doesn’t offer you a grace period for renewing the license. So, your license becomes illegal on expiry, and you can’t drive with it.
How Early Can You Renew Your Driver’s License in Arizona?
You can renew the license up to six months before the expiration date. After that, you can apply for renewal at a nearby MVD office or a recognized third-party driver’s license provider.
How Often Should You Renew Your Driver’s License in Arizona?
Though you don’t have to do Arizona’s driver’s license renewal until you reach 65, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have to visit MVD often. It is because you have to update your license photo every 12 years. Your license will remain even if you don’t update the photo. But, you may not be able to use certain driver’s license services.
Once, drivers could only renew their licenses in person. However, Arizona currently provides many alternatives, including online, in-person, and an extension via mail. Also, remember that you can renew the license six months before the renewal date.
Keep an eye on that deadline to avoid forgetting to renew. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) normally won’t e-mail you a reminder before this expiration date approaches. However, failing to renew and driving while ineligible for a license might result in high fines and possibly jail time.
What Documents Do I Need to Renew My Driver’s License in Arizona?
You must produce a primary and secondary ID while renewing the license in person. Be aware that your current driver’s license is the primary ID. Secondary IDs can be your Social Security Card or a valid US passport.
How Do I Renew My Arizona Driver’s License?
Renewing an Arizona driver’s license is possible in two ways – online and in person. Also, under some special situations, you can request a driver’s license extension via mail.
How to Renew the Driving License Online
The majority of drivers in Arizona can now renew their licenses online. Arizona has made arrangements to renew a license online from 2021. Follow these steps for online renewal.
- Every Arizona driver’s license comes with an account by default. Visit the MVD website to activate it or sign in.
- Click the ‘Renew Now’ option under your account’s ‘My Credential’ section.
- To renew your license, follow the instructions. You must use a valid credit card to pay the required fee. Ideally, renewing a driver’s license and Travel ID costs you around $10.
You should receive your new license in the mail in about 15 days. Although you can apply for a Travel ID using this website, you’ll need to go to an office in person to have your photograph taken and present identity proof documents.
How to Renew the Driving License In-Person
Follow these steps to do an Arizona driver’s license renewal in person.
Check your driving record
Log in to the MVD website and check your driving record for suspensions, unpaid fees, or other issues. Having citations on your driving record can cause a delay in your renewal procedure. Also, you can fill out the renewal form and print it in advance.
Produce needed documents
You need to produce documents that prove your identity. The primary ID is your current driver’s license. Secondary IDs can be your Social Security Card or a valid US passport. In addition, produce residency documents if you plan to upgrade your Travel ID.
Schedule a visit to an MDV office
Visit your nearest MDV office or a driver service facility run by a recognized third party. Always ensure to confirm their operating hours. Additionally, you might need to plan an appointment.
Pass vision and road tests
You need to pass the vision and road tests for the renewal process. Take the vision test onsite or get a report from a qualified optometrist. You may need to attend a road test if the examiners feel you’re an unsafe driver. Some reasons could be attributed to it.
- Citations on your driving record, like suspensions and at-fault traffic offenses
- Physical or mental conditions that could make driving difficult or unsafe
- If someone has filed an unsafe driver claim against you
Take a photo and pay the renewal fee
The major part of your Arizona driver’s license renewal is over by completing the steps mentioned above. After passing the tests, you need to have your new photo taken. Then head to pay the renewal fee of $10 to MVD via cash, cheque, or money order.
On completion of the fee, you will receive a temporary paper license, which you can use for 30 days. So you should get your new license in the mail in around 30 days.
How to Request License Renewal Extension by Mail
Though renewing your license via mail isn’t possible, you can still request a renewal extension under below mentioned special circumstances.
- You are military personnel or a dependent who is currently overseas.
- You’ll be out of the country for at least 30 days before your license expires.
You should provide copies of the front and back of your military ID and your most recent military pay stubs, or leave the documentation at the following address.
Motor Vehicle Division
4005 N. 51st Avenue
MD 510
Phoenix, AZ 85301.
You won’t need to change your photo every 12 years after ADOT records your military status. Instead, complete an Out-of-State Driver’s License Extension Application and have it notarized if you will be out of the US when your license expires. Then pay the $5 application fee via check or money order. Then, ensure to send the application and payment to the listed address.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew an Arizona Driver’s License?
The renewal fee for an Arizona driver’s license may vary depending on your age. However, expect to pay between $10 and $25 for the renewal process.
What Happens If My Arizona Driver’s License Expires?
Always be mindful that the state doesn’t give you a grace period for renewing your driver’s license. The fine for driving with an expired driving license varies depending on the situation. You may get charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor or earn a traffic ticket costing around $120. The maximum punishment for this is four months in jail, a penalty of $750 (with additional fees), and two years of probation.
How Much Does It Cost to Reinstate Your Driver’s License in Arizona?
A driver must pay $20 to reinstate their Arizona driver’s license. They need to bring the documents and the notice to any MVD or authorized third-party office, complete an application, and pay a $20 reinstatement charge plus an application fee. Be mindful that they won’t accept personal cheques.
Can You Make an Appointment to Renew Your Driver’s License in Arizona?
Yes. You can make an appointment for all MVD services, such as Travel ID, road tests, and driver’s license renewal. Visit the MVD website to make an appointment.
All Your Questions Answered
In 1995, the state issued licenses that were valid until the age of 60. In 1999, legislation changed the expiry date to 65. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the revised age gave a far more realistic view of the capable driving age and saved money on Arizona driver’s license renewals.
Yes, drivers aged above 65 must take a vision test before their AZ driver’s license renewal. The Arizona Department of Transportation may even ask the drivers to attend a written knowledge test.
Currently, you can do an Arizona driver’s license renewal only in person at an MVD office.
Ideally, every state wants you to renew it every four years. So, even if you consider updating the license photo every 12 years, Arizona has the longest renewal tenure.
For an AZ driver’s license renewal in person, you must present a primary and secondary ID. The primary ID is your current driver’s license. Your SSN or passport can be your secondary ID.
If you’re caught driving without a license or an expired license, you’ll be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor. You may get a penalty of up to $750 and even a community service time.
You don’t need an appointment to visit any MVD facility. Since everyone can walk into the facilities, the average wait time is around 10 minutes. But if you’re visiting for your Arizona driver’s license renewal and want to save time, you must book an appointment in advance.
Gerard Stevens is an experienced writer specializing in travel and car ownership in the U.S. With over five years in this field, he strives to simplify travel and driving for his readers. Gerard offers valuable guidance on various topics, including car and travel guides, helping his audience feel more confident in navigating these challenges.
