You can get an Arizona driver's license at any MVD office, by mail, or online for renewals

Arizona issues driver's licenses through the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), which operates offices in every county. You can visit an MVD office in person to get a new license, renew an existing one, or replace a lost or damaged license. For renewals only, you can also mail your process or complete it online through the MVD website if you meet certain conditions — primarily that your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical restrictions that need updating.

The fastest route is usually an in-person visit, which takes 15 to 30 minutes once you arrive. Online and mail renewals take longer — typically two to three weeks — because the MVD processes them in batches. If your license is expired by more than five years, or if you are getting your first Arizona license, you must go to an office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • MVD offices are located in all 15 Arizona counties, with multiple locations in Maricopa and Pima counties; you can visit any office regardless of where you live.
  • For a new license or replacement, you must visit an office in person and bring proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Renewals can be done online or by mail if your license expired less than five years ago and has no medical restrictions, but in-person renewal is always an option.
  • MVD offices accept appointments through their website, which reduces wait times significantly compared to walk-in service.
  • You will need to pass a vision test and written knowledge test for a new license, but not for a standard renewal.

MVD office locations and hours

The MVD operates a main office in Phoenix and branch offices in Flagstaff, Tucson, Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Tempe, Surprise, Peoria, Prescott, Yuma, Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, and Sierra Vista. Each office handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and other transactions. You do not have to visit the office in your home county — any MVD office can issue your license.

Hours vary by location but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering limited Saturday hours. The Phoenix office and a few high-traffic branches stay open later on certain weekdays. You can find the exact hours and address for any office on the MVD website, where you can also book an appointment online. Appointments typically reduce your wait time to 15 minutes or less, while walk-in service can mean waits of 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times.

Documents you need for a new license

For a new Arizona driver's license, you must bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, you can use a combination of documents — for example, a school ID plus a hospital record with your name and date of birth.

Proof of residency must show your current Arizona address and be dated within 60 days of your visit. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you cannot produce a residency document, you can bring an affidavit of residency signed by another Arizona resident who has known you for at least one year, though this is slower and less common.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, you can request a number from the Social Security Administration before visiting the MVD, or you can bring a letter from SSA stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.

Tests and requirements for a new license

When you explore for a new Arizona driver's license, you must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The written test covers Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can retake the test the same day if you fail.

The MVD provides a study guide online that covers all the material on the test. You can read it for free and study at home before your visit. Many people pass on their first attempt if they review the guide beforehand. If you are over 70 years old, you may have additional testing requirements or restrictions on your license, so ask the MVD staff about your specific situation when you arrive.

Renewing your license online or by mail

If your Arizona driver's license expired less than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew online through the MVD website. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as an in-person renewal. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a payment method. You do not take a new photo or retake the knowledge test for a standard online renewal.

Mail renewal works the same way: you fill out the renewal form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the MVD website. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVD receives your envelope. If you renew by mail, your new license will arrive by mail as well. Both online and mail renewals are only for people whose licenses are still valid or expired by less than five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit an office in person and retake the knowledge test.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any MVD office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license. You do not need to retake the knowledge test or vision test for a replacement — the MVD will issue a new license with the same information and expiration date as your original. The fee for a replacement is lower than the fee for a new license.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police or the MVD directly, though this is not required to get a replacement. Reporting it can help prevent identity theft. You can report a stolen license by phone or in person at any MVD office. Once you have a replacement, your old license is no longer valid.

Fees and payment methods

The cost of an Arizona driver's license depends on the type and how long it is valid. A standard five-year license costs one amount, and a ten-year license (available to people 65 and older, or to anyone who chooses it) costs more. Replacement licenses cost less than new licenses. The MVD website lists current fees for each type. Fees change occasionally, so check the website before you visit to know the exact amount.

MVD offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you renew by mail, you can send a check or money order. Online renewals require a debit or credit card. Some offices may have temporary payment restrictions, so call ahead if you have questions about payment methods at your specific location.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. If you have neither, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. The MVD will issue a license with a special notation.

What if I moved to Arizona recently and still have a license from another state?

You must get an Arizona license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of identity. You will not retake the knowledge test if your out-of-state license is still valid, but you will take a vision test.

How long does it take to get a license if I book an appointment?

With an appointment, you typically wait 15 minutes or less once you arrive. The entire process — paperwork, tests, photo, and payment — usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Without an appointment, wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and time of day.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for five or ten years from the renewal date.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake it the same day at no additional cost. The MVD will give you another test booklet and you can try again. Most people pass on the second attempt if they review the study guide between tests.