Documents and proof you must bring to the MVD

To get an Arizona driver's license, you need to show the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) three things: proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot complete the process without all three, so gather them before you go to an MVD office.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, a Tribal ID card, or a military ID. If you are under 19, a school ID with your photo also works. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.

For proof of Arizona residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Arizona address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. A piece of mail from your bank or credit card company counts. If you live with someone else, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the utility bill, plus a copy of that bill.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, valid passport, or military ID to prove your identity.
  • You need one piece of mail or a utility bill dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Arizona address.
  • Bring your Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099, or a tax return to prove your Social Security number.
  • The MVD charges a fee that varies by license type and length; a standard five-year license costs less than a ten-year license.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test and a vision test at the MVD office on the day you explore.

The written test and vision screening

On the day you go to the MVD, you will take a written knowledge test about Arizona traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can study using the official Arizona Driver License Manual, which the MVD provides free online and in print at every office.

The MVD will also check your vision during your visit. You must be able to read a line of letters and numbers on a chart from a specific distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license that day and will need to see an eye doctor, then return with proof of correction.

You can retake the written test the same day if you fail, but you will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the first try if they study the manual beforehand.

Fees and how long the license lasts

Arizona driver's licenses are not free. A standard five-year license costs one amount, and a ten-year license costs more. The exact fee depends on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged license. The MVD website lists current fees, which change occasionally.

You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the MVD office. Some offices accept online payment before you arrive, which can speed up your visit. Bring your payment method with you.

Once you receive your license, it is valid for the number of years you chose. You will need to renew it before it expires if you want to keep driving legally in Arizona.

Where to go and how to schedule your visit

The MVD operates dozens of offices across Arizona. You can find the office nearest you on the official MVD website by entering your city or ZIP code. Some offices are busier than others, so the wait time varies.

You can walk into most MVD offices without an appointment, but you will wait in line. To save time, you can schedule an appointment online through the MVD website. Appointments fill up quickly during busy seasons, so book as far ahead as you can if you want a specific date and time.

Bring all your documents and your payment method. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour once you reach the counter, but the wait before that depends on how busy the office is that day.

If you are under 18 or have a suspended license

If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or guardian to the MVD office. They will need to sign your process in person. You will also start with a graduated driver's license, which has restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot have passengers under 20 unless a parent or guardian is in the car. These restrictions lift after six months of safe driving.

If your Arizona license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward get a new one. You must contact the MVD to find out why it was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. This might involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. The MVD will tell you what applies to your situation.

What to do if you were licensed in another state

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to take the written test again. You still need to bring proof of identity, Arizona residency, and your Social Security number. You will still take the vision test. Bring your out-of-state license with you.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take the written test. The MVD treats an expired license the same as no license at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone or a printed photo instead of going in person?

No. The MVD takes your photo at the office on the day you explore. You cannot submit a photo in advance or use one you took yourself. You must be present at an MVD office to get a driver's license.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a valid U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, or a military ID instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the Arizona Department of Health Services to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. This takes time, so plan ahead.

Do I need to bring the original documents or can I bring copies?

For identity documents like your birth certificate, you need an original or certified copy. For residency proof like utility bills, an original is fine. For Social Security proof, originals or copies both work. When in doubt, bring the original.

What happens if I fail the vision test?

You cannot get a license that day. You must see an eye doctor, get a prescription or a statement that you need corrective lenses, and return to the MVD with that proof. Then you can retake the vision test. Your license will note that you must wear glasses or contacts while driving.

Can someone else go to the MVD for me?

No. You must be present in person to take the vision test and the written test, and to have your photo taken. There is no way to get a driver's license by mail or through a representative.