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, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes about two to four 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.

Arizona issues two types of licenses: a standard driver's license and an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). A standard license lets you drive in all 50 states and is what most people get. An EDL costs more but works for crossing into Canada and Mexico by land without a passport. This guide covers the standard license, which is the most common choice.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of your Social Security number before you can test.
  • The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official manual free on the ADOT website before you go.
  • You must pass both the written test and the driving test at ADOT to receive your license; you cannot use a private driving school test.
  • After you pass both tests, ADOT mails your permanent license to your Arizona address within two to four weeks, and you receive a temporary paper permit to drive when ready.
  • The total cost is around $25 to $35 depending on how long you want your license to last, plus any fees for retesting if you do not pass on your first attempt.

Gather your documents before you visit an ADOT office

ADOT requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need all of these to be separate documents — some documents count toward more than one category.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a valid passport card, a valid military ID, a tribal ID, a consular ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you bring a birth certificate, you must also bring a second form of ID such as a school ID, employee ID, or library card.

For proof of Arizona residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Arizona address. ADOT accepts a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, a bank statement, or a government check. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and do not have a document in your name, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the document, plus a copy of that document.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a pay stub. If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you can still get a license — tell the ADOT staff member when you arrive, and they will walk you through the process.

Pass the written test at an ADOT office

The written test has 40 questions about Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is available in English and Spanish, and ADOT can arrange other languages or formats if you request them in advance.

You can study for free using the official Arizona Driver License Manual, which ADOT publishes online. The manual covers everything the test asks about: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, stopping for school buses, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. Most people spend two to four hours studying before they take the test.

When you arrive at an ADOT office, tell the staff member you want to take the written test. They will check your documents, take your photo, and give you the test on a computer. You get your score when ready. If you pass, you move on to schedule your driving test. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

Schedule and pass your driving test

After you pass the written test, ADOT staff will help you book a driving test appointment. Tests are usually available within one to three weeks, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a confirmation with your appointment date, time, and location.

For the driving test, bring your temporary permit (which ADOT gave you after you passed the written test), proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered in Arizona, have working brakes and lights, and be in safe condition. You can use someone else's car as long as you have permission and proof of insurance.

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. An ADOT examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfect driving. Common reasons people do not pass are running a stop sign or red light, hitting the curb while parking, or speeding. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day.

Receive your temporary permit and permanent license

When you pass the driving test, ADOT gives you a temporary paper permit on the spot. This permit lets you drive legally in Arizona while you wait for your permanent license. Write your name and address on the back of the permit and carry it with you whenever you drive.

Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to four weeks. ADOT mails it to the Arizona address you provided when you took the written test. If you move before it arrives, contact ADOT to update your address — you can do this online through the ADOT website or by calling the office where you took your test.

Your Arizona driver's license is valid for five years if you are under 65, or eight years if you are 65 or older. When it expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at an ADOT office.

What to do if you need to retake a test

If you do not pass the written test, you can take it again the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each attempt costs the same as your original test fee.

If you do not pass the driving test, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. You will need to pay a retesting fee, which is usually $10 to $15. You do not need to retake the written test — your passing score stays on record for 12 months.

If you do not pass the driving test within 12 months of passing the written test, you will need to retake the written test as well. This is rare if you keep practicing between attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Tell the ADOT staff member when you arrive that you do not have a Social Security number. They will issue you a license with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to bring proof of your ITIN, such as a tax return or a letter from the IRS.

What if I fail the driving test multiple times?

You can retake it as many times as you need. Each retake costs a fee and requires you to wait at least one day between attempts. If you have not passed within 12 months of passing the written test, you will need to retake the written test too. Consider taking a few driving lessons with a professional instructor between attempts.

Do I need to take a driving test if I already have a license 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 the driving test. You still need to pass the written test and bring your documents to an ADOT office. This process is called a license transfer.

Can someone else pick up my license when it arrives in the mail?

No. Your license is mailed directly to your Arizona address. Only you can open it. If you move before it arrives, contact ADOT to update your mailing address before the license ships.

What happens if I lose my temporary permit before my permanent license arrives?

Contact the ADOT office where you took your test and ask for a replacement. Bring your ID and proof of residency. ADOT can issue a new temporary permit on the spot, usually at no cost.