What you need to do to get an Arizona driver's license

Getting an Arizona driver's license involves visiting an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, passing a written test and a driving test, and providing documents that prove your identity and Arizona residency. You cannot complete the entire process online — you must show up with physical documents and take both tests at a location. The whole process usually takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.

Arizona issues two types of licenses: a standard driver's license and an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). The standard license works for driving within the United States. The EDL costs more but allows you to enter Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries by land or sea without a passport. Most people get the standard license unless they cross borders regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Arizona residency to get a driver's license.
  • Arizona requires you to pass a written knowledge test and a driving test before you receive your license.
  • You can study for the written test using the official Arizona Driver License Manual, available free on the ADOT website.
  • After you pass both tests, ADOT mails your physical license card within one to two weeks, and you receive a temporary paper permit to drive when ready.
  • The total cost for a standard five-year license is $25, plus any fees for retakes if you do not pass a test on your first attempt.

Documents you need to bring to the ADOT office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Arizona. For identity, ADOT accepts a valid passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a foreign national ID. If you use a birth certificate, you must also bring a second document with your photo, such as a school ID or work ID.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government document with your current Arizona address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill or lease is the easiest option because both are common and clearly show your address.

You also need your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be prepared to state the number at the office. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you will need to bring additional documents — ask ADOT which ones when you call to schedule your appointment.

How to schedule your appointment at ADOT

Call the ADOT office in your county or visit the ADOT website to schedule an appointment. Scheduling ahead is faster than walking in, though some offices accept walk-ins. When you call, tell them you want to take your written test and driving test. They will give you a date and time and tell you which office location to visit.

Bring all your documents to your appointment. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The office will check your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. Then you will take the written test on a computer at the office.

Passing the written knowledge test

The written test has 40 questions about Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages.

Study using the official Arizona Driver License Manual, which is free on the ADOT website. The manual covers everything the test asks about. Many people study it for a few days or a week before their appointment. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. Each retake costs $5.

The test is multiple choice and taken on a computer. You have no time limit, though most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes. The office will tell you when ready whether you passed.

Taking your driving test

If you pass the written test, you move on to the driving test the same day or at a later appointment, depending on how busy the office is. For the driving test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. A family member or friend can lend you their car if you do not own one.

An ADOT examiner will ride with you and watch you drive for about 10 to 15 minutes. They will ask you to perform basic tasks like parking, turning, stopping, and merging. They are testing whether you can follow traffic laws and handle the vehicle safely. If you do not pass, you can retake the test at a later appointment. Each retake costs $5.

If you pass the driving test, you are done. ADOT will give you a temporary paper permit to drive when ready. Your permanent license card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Getting your temporary permit and permanent license

After you pass both tests, ADOT issues a temporary paper permit on the spot. This permit lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent card. Write down the permit number and keep it with you when you drive — it is your proof of licensure until the card arrives.

Your permanent license card is mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard mail delivery takes one to two weeks. If you need your license sooner, you can ask ADOT about expedited mail options, though this costs extra.

Once your card arrives, the temporary permit is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it as a record. Your license is now active and valid for five years from the date you passed your tests.

Cost and renewal information

A standard five-year Arizona driver's license costs $25. If you retake the written test, each attempt costs $5. If you retake the driving test, each attempt also costs $5. An Enhanced Driver's License costs $51 for five years.

When your license expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at an ADOT office. Renewal by mail or online is simpler if you have not moved and do not need a new photo. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

Yes. If you pass the written test in the morning, many ADOT offices will let you take the driving test the same day. However, some offices schedule driving tests on different days depending on how busy they are. Ask when you schedule your appointment.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it at a later appointment for $5. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. You keep your temporary permit while you wait for your next driving test.

Do I need to take a test if I already have a license from another state?

No. If you move to Arizona and already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can transfer it to an Arizona license without taking the tests. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of residency to an ADOT office. The transfer costs $25.

Can someone else pick up my license card for me?

No. Your license is mailed directly to you at the address you provided. You cannot have someone else pick it up from ADOT or the mail. If you move before your card arrives, contact ADOT to update your mailing address.

What if I lose my temporary permit before my permanent card arrives?

Contact the ADOT office where you took your test and ask for a replacement. Bring your ID and proof of residency. There may be a small fee for a replacement permit.