How to Get Your Arizona Driver's License

What you need to know before you go to the MVD

Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) issues driver's licenses, and you will need to visit an MVD office in person to get one. You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. The MVD requires you to pass a written test about traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before they issue a license. The whole process typically takes several visits — one for the written test, another for the driving test, and a third to pick up your license once it arrives by mail.

Arizona recognizes several types of identification documents as proof of legal presence, but not all documents work for all people. If you were born in the United States, a birth certificate works. If you were born outside the U.S., you will need a passport, a permanent resident card, or a visa paired with an I-94 arrival/departure record. The MVD will not issue a standard driver's license to someone who cannot prove legal presence, but Arizona does offer an Arizona-only license for people without proof of legal presence — this license cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a plane, but it works for driving and state identification.

Key Takeaways

You must visit an MVD office in person and pass a written test, vision test, and driving test before receiving a license.
Bring proof of legal presence (birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card), proof of Arizona residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or tax ID.
The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and you can study using the official MVD handbook, available free on the MVD website.
You can schedule your driving test appointment online through the MVD website, and test slots fill up weeks in advance in busy areas.
Your license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass the driving test; you receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass.

Documents to bring to the MVD office

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need proof of legal presence (birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card), proof of Arizona residency dated within the last 60 days (a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your name and current address), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get an Arizona-only license by providing your ITIN instead.

You will also need to bring a completed process for a Driver License or Identification Document, which is form DL 44. You can fill this out before you arrive or at the MVD office. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one — the MVD will take it when you explore. If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 questions about Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. You can study using the Arizona Driver License Manual, which the MVD publishes free on its website — every question on the test comes from this manual, so studying it directly prepares you for what you will see.

The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle intersections, parking rules, and what to do if you are pulled over. You take the test on a computer at the MVD office. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, though you will pay the test fee each time.

Scheduling and passing the driving test

After you pass the written test, you schedule an appointment for the driving test. You can book this online through the MVD website or by phone. The driving test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins.

The test route varies by location, but you will drive on local streets and may encounter traffic lights, stop signs, turns, and parking. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and scores you on things like mirror checks, smooth braking, proper signaling, and obeying traffic laws. If you do not pass, you can retake the test, though you will need to schedule another appointment — slots fill up quickly in busy areas, sometimes weeks in advance.

Fees and how long the process takes

The written test fee is separate from the driving test fee, and both are separate from the license fee. Exact amounts vary, but as of 2024 the written test costs around $10, the driving test costs around $20, and a standard five-year driver's license costs around $40. You pay each fee when you take each test or receive your license. If you need to retake a test, you pay the test fee again.

The entire process from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how long the mail takes. You receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass your driving test — this is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. Your permanent license comes by mail within two to three weeks after you pass the driving test.

Arizona-only license if you cannot prove legal presence

If you do not have proof of legal presence, Arizona allows you to get an Arizona-only license instead of a standard driver's license. This license works for driving and state identification, but federal agencies will not accept it for purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal building. You follow the same process — written test, driving test, vision test — but you do not need to provide proof of legal presence.

You do need to provide proof of Arizona residency and your ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or other tax identification. The fees and timeline are the same as for a standard license. The Arizona-only license is marked differently from a standard license so that officials can tell the difference, but it is a valid form of identification for state purposes.

Renewing or replacing your license

If your license is expiring, you can renew it online through the MVD website if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must not have any outstanding violations, and you must not need to update your address or name. If you can renew online, you pay the renewal fee and your new license arrives by mail.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at an MVD office or online. You will pay a replacement fee, which is lower than the original license fee. If you need to change your address or name on your license, you must visit an MVD office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must pass the written test first, then schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. Most people schedule the driving test for a different day, though some MVD offices may allow you to take it the same day if a slot is available. Call your local MVD office to ask.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Each attempt costs the driving test fee again. You keep your temporary paper license while you wait for your next appointment.

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

Yes. Arizona requires all new residents to pass the written and driving tests, even if you have a valid license from another state. You cannot straightforward transfer an out-of-state license. However, if you are moving to Arizona temporarily, you may be able to drive on your out-of-state license for a limited time — check the MVD website for current rules.

What if I need an interpreter for the written test?

The MVD offers the written test in multiple languages, and you can request an interpreter at the MVD office. Call ahead to confirm that an interpreter is available in your language at your local office.

How do I find the MVD office nearest me?

The MVD website has a location finder where you can enter your city or zip code and see all nearby offices, their hours, and which services each location offers. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead can help you understand wait times.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.