What You Need to Get an Arizona Driver's License

Documents You Must Bring to the MVD

Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) requires you to bring specific documents in person. You cannot complete this by mail or online — you must visit an MVD office with originals or certified copies of everything listed below.

Start by gathering proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The MVD will not accept photocopies of most documents, so bring the originals. If you do not have an original, you will need a certified copy from the issuing agency — your county clerk's office, vital records department, or the government body that issued the document.

Key Takeaways

You must visit an MVD office in person with original documents; you cannot mail in your process or complete it online.
Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or consular card), proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate and proof of legal presence, such as a green card or visa.
The MVD charges a fee that varies by license type and duration; standard licenses cost less than enhanced or Real ID licenses.
You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a photo, then receive your license by mail within two to three weeks.

Proof of Identity Documents That Work

The MVD accepts a limited list of identity documents. A U.S. passport is the easiest option if you have one — bring the original. If you do not have a passport, bring your original birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A certified copy works if you cannot locate the original.

If you were born outside the United States, you can also bring a consular identification card (matrícula consular) issued by your country's consulate, or a Tribal ID card if you are a member of a federally recognized tribe. Military dependents can bring a military dependent ID card. The document must show your full name and date of birth.

Proof of Arizona Residency

You must show that you live in Arizona. The MVD accepts documents dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name works well. If you rent, bring a signed lease agreement or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your address and move-in date.

Other acceptable documents include a bank or credit union statement, a mortgage statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a vehicle registration. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name appears on the document, stating that you live there. The letter must include their signature and the date.

Proof of Legal Presence if You Were Born Outside the U.S.

If you were not born in the United States, the MVD requires proof that you are legally present. A green card (Permanent Resident Card) or a valid visa in your passport satisfies this requirement. Bring the original green card or the passport with the visa page visible.

If you have a work permit (Employment Authorization Document, or EAD), bring the original. If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your I-94 arrival/departure record or your approval notice. Tribal members can bring their Tribal ID card as proof of legal presence. The document must be current or, in some cases, show that you have a pending renewal process.

Your Social Security Number or ITIN

You will need to provide your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) at the MVD office. You do not need to bring a card — you can straightforward state the number. The MVD uses this to verify your identity and check for duplicate licenses.

If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, you can still get a license, but the process is different. Tell the MVD staff when you arrive that you do not have a number. They will issue you a license without one, though some states' systems may flag it as unusual. If you are in the process of obtaining an SSN or ITIN, bring documentation of your process.

Fees and License Types

Arizona charges different fees depending on the type of license and how long you want it to last. A standard driver's license valid for five years costs less than a ten-year license. An enhanced driver's license, which allows you to cross the U.S.-Mexico border by land without a passport, costs more. A Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025) falls in the middle.

Bring a debit card or cash to pay the fee at the MVD office. The exact amount depends on your age, the license type, and the duration. Check the Arizona MVD website or call your local office before you go to confirm the current fee for the license you want.

What Happens at the MVD Office

When you arrive, you will check in and submit your documents. An MVD staff member will review them and ask you to sign an process form. You will then take a written test on Arizona traffic laws — typically 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The test covers speed limits, right-of-way, parking, and other rules of the road.

After the written test, you will take a vision test. You will look through a machine that checks your eyesight at different distances. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. You will also have your photo taken for the license. The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Your physical license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks; you will receive a temporary paper license to use in the meantime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a license if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. If the original is lost or destroyed, that office can issue a certified copy for a small fee. This usually takes one to two weeks by mail. If you need a license urgently, ask the MVD whether they accept an alternative identity document while you wait for the birth certificate.

What if my proof of residency is older than 60 days?

The MVD will not accept it. You will need a newer document — a recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease. If you just moved and do not have a 60-day-old document yet, bring a notarized letter from someone who lives with you, or ask your landlord or utility company for a statement dated within the last 60 days.

Do I need to pass the written test before I can get a license?

Yes. You must pass the written test on Arizona traffic laws to receive a license. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you may have to pay a retest fee. Study the Arizona Driver License Manual, available free on the MVD website, before you go.

Can someone else pick up my license from the MVD?

No. You must pick it up yourself or wait for it to arrive by mail. The MVD will not release a license to anyone else. If you cannot visit an office, your license will be mailed to the address you provide on your process within two to three weeks.

What if I wear glasses or contacts — do I need to bring them to the test?

Yes. Wear them during the vision test if you normally wear them while driving. The MVD will note on your license whether you are required to wear corrective lenses. If you do not wear them during the test but normally do while driving, you are breaking the law.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.