What you need to bring to the Arizona MVD
Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) requires you to show proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number before they issue a driver's license. You do not need to bring originals of everything — some documents can be copies — but the MVD is strict about which documents count for each category.
For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a tribal ID card, or a military ID. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with the raised seal, not a photocopy. A school ID or work ID does not count on its own, though you can use one as a second form of ID if your primary document is weak.
For proof of Arizona residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance bill, or government letter also works. You cannot use a PO box address — the MVD needs a physical street address.
Bring your Social Security card, a document showing your number (like a tax return or W-2), or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you will need to fill out a form at the MVD explaining why.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a certified birth certificate or passport for identity, a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days for residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
- You must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Arizona traffic laws; the MVD provides study materials online.
- You can schedule an appointment online at azdot.gov, which usually gets you in faster than walk-in service.
- The fee is $25 for a five-year license or $50 for a ten-year license, paid by cash, check, or card at the MVD office.
- If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or guardian and complete a supervised driving period before you can drive alone.
Scheduling your appointment at an MVD office
You can walk into any Arizona MVD office without an appointment, but scheduling ahead online at azdot.gov saves time. The website shows you which offices have openings and lets you pick a date and time. If you schedule online, you will get a confirmation number — bring it with you or have it ready on your phone.
MVD offices are busiest on Mondays and Fridays. If you have flexibility, going on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon usually means a shorter wait. Some offices are busier than others; if your nearest office shows no appointments for weeks, try searching offices in nearby cities.
You do not need an appointment to renew a license you already have, but new licenses and replacements for lost or damaged licenses require you to visit in person. Bring all your documents to the office — the staff will not tell you what is missing until you are at the counter.
Passing the vision and knowledge tests
At your appointment, the MVD will give you a vision test first. You must be able to read the eye chart at a certain distance; if you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot take the knowledge test that day and will need to return after you have seen an eye doctor.
The knowledge test covers Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The MVD provides a free study guide online at azdot.gov — read it and read through it before your appointment. Many people study the guide for a few hours the night before and pass on their first try.
You take the test on a computer at the MVD office. The test is offered in English and several other languages. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day; there is no waiting period between attempts.
Getting your photo taken and paying the fee
After you pass the knowledge test, an MVD staff member will take your photo. Wear something you are comfortable in — the photo will be on your license for five or ten years. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face, and the background is always plain white.
The fee for a five-year license is $25. A ten-year license costs $50. You can pay with cash, a check, or a debit or credit card. The MVD does not accept payment plans — you must pay the full amount before you leave.
You will receive your temporary paper license on the spot. Your actual plastic license card will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the card.
What happens if you are under 18
If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian to your MVD appointment. The guardian must show their own ID and sign paperwork giving permission for your license. You cannot get a license without this in-person approval.
Arizona law requires drivers under 18 to complete a supervised driving period. You must hold a learner's permit for at least six months and practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old. After six months, you can return to the MVD to take a road test and get your full license. If you are under 16, you must be 16 before the MVD will issue a learner's permit.
If you have an out-of-state license or no license
If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for an Arizona license without retaking the knowledge test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will still take the vision test and have your photo taken. The fee is the same as for a new license.
If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to retake the knowledge test. The MVD treats an expired license the same as no license.
If you have never had a driver's license, follow the steps above for a new license. You must pass both the vision and knowledge tests.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any MVD office. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — the same documents as for a new license. You do not need to retake the vision or knowledge tests. The fee is $25 for a five-year replacement or $50 for a ten-year replacement.
If your license was stolen, you can report it to the MVD at the same time you request a replacement. The MVD will flag your old license number so it cannot be used fraudulently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. You will need to fill out a form at the MVD explaining why you do not have a number. Bring whatever identity and residency documents you have. The MVD will issue a license with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number if you have one.
What if I fail the knowledge test?
You can retake it the same day or come back another day with no waiting period. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Study the MVD's free guide again before your next attempt, and focus on the areas where you struggled.
How long does it take to get my plastic license card in the mail?
The MVD says two to three weeks, but it can take longer during busy periods. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving the whole time you are waiting. If your card does not arrive after four weeks, contact the MVD to check the status.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
You can walk in, but scheduling an appointment online at azdot.gov usually gets you in faster. Walk-in wait times vary by office and time of day; some offices have waits of an hour or more during peak times.
What if I move to a different address after I get my license?
You can update your address online at azdot.gov without visiting an MVD office. If you prefer to do it in person, bring your license and proof of your new address to any MVD office. There is no fee to change your address.