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 that prove 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 by mail.
You cannot do this entirely online or by mail — Arizona requires you to show up for the written and driving tests. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. The driving test is conducted by an ADOT examiner in your own vehicle or a vehicle you arrange.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ADOT office in person to take the written and driving tests; neither can be done remotely.
- Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax return, and proof of Arizona residency such as a utility bill or lease.
- The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official ADOT manual online before you go.
- After you pass both tests, ADOT mails your permanent license within two to three weeks, and you receive a temporary paper permit to drive when ready.
- The total cost is $39 for a five-year license or $75 for a ten-year license, plus a $7 transaction fee.
Documents you must bring to the ADOT office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy is not accepted. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card itself, or a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form from the past two years that shows your number. A letter from the Social Security Administration works too.
Finally, bring two documents that prove you live in Arizona. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and insurance documents all count. They must show your name and current Arizona address. A bill dated within the last 60 days is best. If you have lived in Arizona for less than 60 days, bring a lease or rental agreement even if it is older.
How to schedule your appointment and take the written test
Go to the ADOT website and use their online scheduling system to book an appointment at an ADOT office near you. You can also call 602-255-0072 to schedule by phone. Appointments typically fill up two to four weeks in advance, especially in busy areas, so schedule as soon as you know you need a license.
At your appointment, bring all your documents and arrive 15 minutes early. An ADOT staff member will check your paperwork, take your photo, and collect your fee. Then you sit at a computer and take the written test. The test has 40 questions about Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.
Study the official ADOT Driver License Manual before you go — it is free on the ADOT website and covers everything the test asks. Many people read through it once and pass on their first try.
Scheduling and passing the driving test
After you pass the written test, ADOT schedules your driving test for a later date, usually within two to four weeks. You receive a temporary paper permit that day, which lets you drive legally while you wait. That permit is valid for 180 days.
For the driving test, bring your own vehicle or arrange to use someone else's. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner checks the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you start. Bring your temporary permit and a valid ID.
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and directs you through a route that includes city streets, turns, parking, and highway driving if applicable. You must follow traffic laws, use your turn signals, check your mirrors, and demonstrate safe driving habits. Common reasons people fail are speeding, not coming to a complete stop, and improper lane changes. If you fail, you can retake it, though you may have to wait a few days for another appointment slot.
What happens after you pass both tests
Once you pass the driving test, ADOT prints your permanent license and mails it to your Arizona address. This takes two to three weeks. Your temporary paper permit remains valid during this time, so you can drive legally the whole time you are waiting.
When your permanent license arrives, destroy your temporary permit. Your new license is valid for five years if you chose the five-year option, or ten years if you chose the ten-year option. The ten-year license costs $36 more but is cheaper per year.
Costs and payment methods
A five-year Arizona driver's license costs $39, plus a $7 transaction fee, for a total of $46. A ten-year license costs $75, plus the $7 transaction fee, for a total of $82. ADOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at the office.
If you are a military member stationed in Arizona, you may be able to renew your license by mail instead of in person — ask at your appointment whether you may have access to. If you are over 65, you may be able to renew by mail as well, though you still need to pass the written test in person the first time you get a license.
If you fail the driving test or need to reschedule
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it as soon as the next available appointment slot opens, which is usually within a few days. Your temporary permit stays valid, so you can keep driving while you prepare to try again. There is no extra fee to retake the test.
If you need to reschedule your appointment for any reason, log back into the ADOT scheduling system or call 602-255-0072. Cancelling and rebooking usually takes only a few minutes. If you miss an appointment without cancelling, you may have to wait longer to get the next available slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online from home?
No. Arizona requires you to take both the written and driving tests in person at an ADOT office. You cannot do either test remotely or by mail.
What if I don't have a birth certificate?
You can order a certified copy from the state or county where you were born. If you were born outside the United States, a passport or immigration document works instead. Contact the ADOT office if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted.
Can someone else take the driving test for me?
No. The driving test must be taken by you, in person, with an ADOT examiner in the vehicle. You must also be the one taking the written test.
How long is my temporary permit valid?
Your temporary paper permit is valid for 180 days from the date you receive it. Your permanent license should arrive within two to three weeks, so the permit covers the waiting period. If your permanent license is delayed, contact ADOT to extend the temporary permit.
What if I move to a different Arizona address before my license arrives?
Contact ADOT right away with your new address. They can update your mailing address so your license goes to the correct location. Call 602-255-0072 or visit an ADOT office in person.