Have you received your Arizona driver’s license? Now, it’s time to have relaxed drives, and don’t 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 turning 65 years. After that, you have to renew it 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!
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, the drivers were only able to renew the license 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 ensuing driving while ineligible for a license might result in high fines and possibly jail time.
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 get your new license in the mail in around 15 days. Even though you can apply for a Travel ID using this website, you’ll need to go in person to an office to get you photographed and present identity proof documents.
How to renew the driving license in-person
Follow these steps to do Arizona driver’s license renewal in person.
Check your driving record
Login 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 ID’s 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. For the vision test, you can take the 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 attribute 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 gets 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 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.
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.
What happens if my Arizona driver’s license expires?
Be always mindful that the state doesn’t give you a grace period for renewing your driver’s license. The fine for driving with an expired 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 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.
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 ID’s can be your Social Security Card or a valid US passport.
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.
Getting auto insurance in Arizona
Whether you’re a new driver or just renewed your Arizona driver’s license, ensure that you have valid Arizona auto insurance. Driving without insurance will earn you hefty penalties and even end up in jail. So, you should take the pain to find an affordable auto insurance policy.
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