What You Need to Do to Get an Arizona Driver's License

To get an Arizona driver's license, you visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents proving your identity and Arizona residency. The whole process takes about four to six weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.

Arizona issues two types of licenses: a standard driver's license (valid for 12 years) and an Enhanced Driver's License or EDL (valid for 10 years, required for air travel within the US starting in 2025). Most people get the standard license. You must be at least 16 years old, and if you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian to sign your process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number to start the process.
  • You will take a written knowledge test (the permit test) first, then a driving test with an ADOT examiner before your license is issued.
  • The entire process from first visit to receiving your license in the mail takes four to six weeks, but you can drive when ready after passing the driving test on a temporary permit.
  • An Arizona driver's license costs $25 for a 12-year standard license, or $32 for a 10-year Enhanced Driver's License.
  • If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for an Arizona license without retaking the tests.

Documents You Need to Bring to ADOT

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Arizona. For identity, ADOT accepts a US passport, a passport card, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current Arizona address on it. The residency document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You also need your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or a W-2 form. If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you — they must sign your process in person.

If you are not a US citizen, bring your valid visa, your I-94 arrival/departure record, or your employment authorization document (EAD). Arizona will issue you a license, but it will expire when your immigration status expires.

Taking the Written Knowledge Test

At your ADOT office visit, you will take a written test on Arizona traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the office, and you get your score when ready.

ADOT provides a free study guide called the Arizona Driver License Manual, available on the ADOT website. Most people study it for a few hours before their test. The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or come back another day.

Scheduling and Taking Your Driving Test

After you pass the written test, ADOT will schedule your driving test. The wait time varies by office and season — it can be two weeks to two months. You will receive a notice in the mail with your test date and time. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws on public roads.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle can belong to you or someone else. An ADOT examiner will sit in the passenger seat and watch you drive. If you pass, you will get a temporary permit on the spot that lets you drive for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting one business day. There is no extra fee for retakes. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

What Happens After You Pass the Driving Test

Once you pass the driving test, ADOT issues you a temporary permit valid for 30 days. You can drive anywhere in the US with this permit. Your permanent license will be mailed to your Arizona address within two to three weeks. The temporary permit has your photo and signature on it, so it counts as a valid ID.

Your permanent license will arrive in a standard envelope with no tracking number. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact ADOT to check the status. If your address changes before your license arrives, you can update it on the ADOT website or at an ADOT office.

If You Already Have a License From Another State

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to take the written or driving test. You can exchange it for an Arizona license at any ADOT office. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number. The fee is the same as a new license: $25 for a standard 12-year license.

Your new Arizona license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. You can continue driving on your out-of-state license until your Arizona license arrives, or you can request a temporary permit at the office.

Finding an ADOT Office and Checking Wait Times

Arizona has ADOT offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the ADOT website by entering your city or ZIP code. Some offices are busier than others — offices in Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa often have longer waits than smaller towns.

ADOT does not take appointments for the written test, but you can walk in during business hours. Arrive early in the morning if possible, as offices get crowded in the afternoon. You can schedule your driving test online through the ADOT website after you pass the written test. The website shows available dates and times at each office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Arizona requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you are not a US citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get an Arizona license. You may be able to get an ID card instead, which does not require a Social Security number.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting one business day. There is no extra fee. You keep your temporary permit while you wait to retake the test. Most people pass within two or three attempts.

Do I need to take the written test again if I move to Arizona from another state?

No. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for an Arizona license without taking any tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number to any ADOT office.

How long is my temporary permit valid?

Your temporary permit is valid for 30 days after you pass the driving test. Your permanent license should arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive by day 30, contact ADOT when ready.

What is the difference between a standard driver's license and an Enhanced Driver's License?

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) costs $7 more and requires additional identity verification, but it can be used for air travel within the US and entry to Canada and Mexico by land or sea. A standard license cannot be used for air travel starting in 2025. Most people get the standard license unless they travel frequently by air.