What you need to do to get an Arizona driver's license

To get an Arizona driver's license, you visit your local Motor Vehicle Division office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, Arizona residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish — you cannot get a license in one visit. You will need to schedule your written test appointment ahead of time, pass it, then schedule a separate driving test appointment after that.

Arizona does not mail licenses to your home. You pick up your physical license at the same office where you took your driving test, usually within one to two weeks after you pass. Until then, you get a temporary paper license you can use to drive legally.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person with proof of identity, Arizona residency, and your Social Security number before you can take either test.
  • The written test comes first and covers Arizona traffic laws; you schedule this appointment online or by phone before you go.
  • The driving test happens at a separate appointment after you pass the written test, and an examiner rides with you in your own vehicle.
  • Your physical license arrives at the office within one to two weeks after you pass the driving test, and you pick it up in person.
  • A temporary paper license lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent card.

Documents you need to bring to the Motor Vehicle Division

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Arizona. For identity, the Motor Vehicle Division accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a tribal ID card, a military ID, or a birth certificate. For Arizona residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or an insurance document — anything dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Arizona address.

You also need to provide your Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card, but you do not have to — you can also provide it verbally and the office will verify it. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID as well.

Taking the written knowledge test

The written test covers Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Arizona Driver License Manual, which is free on the Motor Vehicle Division website. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass.

Schedule your written test appointment online at azdot.gov or by calling your local Motor Vehicle Division office. Appointments usually fill up a few weeks ahead, so book early. When you arrive for your appointment, bring your documents and be ready to take the test on a computer at the office. You get your results the same day.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

After you pass the written test, you can schedule your driving test at the same office. The driving test appointment is usually available within two to four weeks. You take the test in your own vehicle with a Motor Vehicle Division examiner in the passenger seat. The examiner watches you perform basic driving tasks — parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws — on local roads near the office.

Bring your vehicle's registration and proof of insurance to the driving test. The vehicle must be in safe working condition: all lights must work, brakes must be functional, and tires must have tread. If the examiner finds a safety problem, you will not be allowed to take the test that day. You get your results when ready after the test ends.

Getting your physical license after you pass

Once you pass the driving test, the Motor Vehicle Division prints your license at the office. You receive a temporary paper license that day, which is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent card. Your physical license arrives at the office within one to two weeks.

Return to the same Motor Vehicle Division office to pick up your card in person. Bring your temporary license and a form of ID. If someone else picks it up for you, they need a signed note from you and their own ID. You cannot have your license mailed to you.

Fees and payment

The Motor Vehicle Division charges a fee for your license. The amount depends on how long your license is valid — a four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Fees also vary slightly by office location. Call your local Motor Vehicle Division office or check azdot.gov for the exact fee before you go. The office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

You will also pay a separate fee each time you retake the written or driving test if you do not pass on your first attempt. Ask the office staff about the retake fee when you schedule your initial appointment so you know what to expect.

Finding your local Motor Vehicle Division office

Arizona has Motor Vehicle Division offices in most cities and towns. Use the office locator on azdot.gov to find the one nearest you, see their hours, and get their phone number. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer wait times for appointments. If your local office is booked out several weeks, try an office in a nearby town.

Many offices now require you to schedule appointments online rather than walk in. Check your office's website before you go to see whether walk-ins are accepted or whether you must have an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test before I have all my documents?

No. You must bring proof of identity, Arizona residency, and your Social Security number before you can take either test. The Motor Vehicle Division verifies these documents before letting you schedule or sit for the written test.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it. Most offices let you schedule another appointment within a few days. There is usually an additional fee each time you retake the test. You can take the test as many times as you need to pass.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another driving test appointment. There is typically a fee for each attempt. Most people who fail can retake the test within a week or two, depending on how booked the office is.

Do I need a learner's permit before I take the driving test?

No. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to the written test and then the driving test. Learner's permits are only required for drivers under 18 in Arizona.

How long is an Arizona driver's license valid?

Arizona licenses are valid for either four or eight years, depending on which type you choose when you explore. You can renew your license online or by mail before it expires, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.