What you need to bring and where to go

To get an Arizona driver's license, you visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can walk out the same day with a temporary permit if you pass both tests.

ADOT has about 20 office locations across the state. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now use an online reservation system — check the ADOT website for your nearest office and whether it requires one. Hours vary by location, but most are open weekday mornings and some afternoons.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring an original birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card, and two documents showing your current Arizona address — a utility bill or lease works for the address proof.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test covering Arizona traffic laws, then a driving test with an ADOT examiner in your own vehicle or a rental.
  • The written test can be taken in English, Spanish, or several other languages; ask the office staff which languages they offer.
  • If you pass both tests on your first visit, you receive a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed, which takes one to two weeks.
  • The fee for a five-year license is $25; a ten-year license costs $40 (ten-year licenses are available only to people 65 and older or those with certain medical conditions).

Documents you must bring

Arizona requires one document proving your identity and citizenship, one document proving your Social Security number, and two documents proving you live in Arizona. An original birth certificate counts as both identity and citizenship proof. A U.S. passport counts as identity and citizenship. A Social Security card is the standard proof of your Social Security number, though a W-2 form or tax return also works.

For Arizona residency, bring two documents with your current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check all count. A driver's license from another state does not count as residency proof, even if it shows an Arizona address. If you have lived in Arizona fewer than 30 days, bring a notarized statement from someone who lives there and can vouch for you, plus one of the documents above.

Bring the originals, not copies. ADOT staff will look at them, verify the information, and return them to you. If any document is in a language other than English, bring an official English translation as well.

The written knowledge test

The written test covers Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You have up to one hour to finish. The test is offered in English, Spanish, and several other languages — call your local ADOT office ahead of time to confirm which languages they have available.

ADOT publishes a free study guide on its website that covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few days before their appointment. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra charge.

The driving test

The driving test is conducted by an ADOT examiner who sits in your vehicle while you drive a set route in your local area. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes and covers basic skills: starting and stopping smoothly, turning, parking, merging, and following traffic laws. You must use your own vehicle or a rental — the vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, horn, and wipers before you start.

You can take the driving test only after you pass the written test. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no extra fee for retakes.

What happens after you pass

If you pass both tests on the same day, the ADOT office issues you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license lets you drive legally while your permanent plastic card is being printed and mailed. The permanent card arrives in one to two weeks. If your address changes before the card arrives, contact ADOT to update it so the card goes to the right place.

Your Arizona driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you are 65 or older, or if you have certain medical conditions that require more frequent renewal, you can request a ten-year license instead, though the fee is higher. You can renew by mail or online before your license expires, or in person at an ADOT office.

If you are under 18

Arizona has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. You must first get an instruction permit by passing the written test and paying a fee. With an instruction permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat. You must hold the permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license.

If you are under 18 and want a full license, you also need a signed consent form from a parent or guardian. Bring that form to your appointment along with your other documents.

Renewing or replacing your license

If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it online through the ADOT website if you have a valid email address and your license is not suspended or revoked. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and takes about one to two weeks. You can also renew in person at any ADOT office or by mail — the ADOT website has instructions for mail renewal.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person at an ADOT office. Bring your identity and residency documents again. A replacement license costs the same as a new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. ADOT offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. Call your local ADOT office before you go to confirm which languages they have available, because not all offices offer all languages.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no extra fee. You do not have to retake the written test — your passing score stays on file for 12 months.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver's license?

Arizona law requires a Social Security number for a driver's license. If you do not have one, you may be able to get an Arizona identification card instead, which is issued by ADOT and works for identification but not for driving. Ask an ADOT office about your specific situation.

How long does the whole process take?

If you pass both tests on your first visit, you get a temporary license the same day and your permanent card arrives in one to two weeks. If you need to retake either test, add a few days or weeks depending on when you schedule the retake.

What if I move to a different Arizona address?

You must update your address with ADOT within 10 days of moving. You can do this online through the ADOT website, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office. There is no fee to update your address.