The front and back of an Arizona driver license at a glance
Your Arizona driver license has information printed on both sides. The front shows your photo, name, date of birth, address, and a license number. The back displays your signature, restrictions or endorsements (like corrective lenses or commercial driving privileges), and organ donor status if you chose that option.
Understanding what appears on each side helps you know what to expect when you receive your license, what information you're sharing when you show it, and whether the details are correct before you leave the Motor Vehicle Division office.
Key Takeaways
- The front of your Arizona license shows your photo, full name, date of birth, current address, and a unique license number issued by the state.
- The back displays your signature, any driving restrictions (such as corrective lenses required), endorsements for commercial or motorcycle driving, and your organ donor choice.
- You should verify all information on both sides before leaving the Motor Vehicle Division, since corrections require a new process and fee.
- Your license number stays the same throughout your life in Arizona unless you request a replacement for damage or loss.
What appears on the front of your Arizona license
The front side contains the details you'll use most often. Your photograph appears in the upper left corner and must meet specific requirements — taken within the last 60 days, showing your full face, and meeting size and background standards. Below the photo is your full legal name as it appears on your birth certificate or legal name-change document.
Your date of birth is printed below your name, followed by your current mailing address. The state also prints your license number — a unique identifier that stays with you for life in Arizona. This number appears in the lower right corner and is what law enforcement and other agencies use to look up your driving record.
The front also shows your license class (D for regular passenger vehicle, M for motorcycle, or A/B for commercial), the issue date, and the expiration date. Arizona licenses are valid for 12 years for most adults, though the expiration date depends on your age when you received the license.
What appears on the back of your Arizona license
The back side holds information about how you're permitted to drive and your medical choices. Your signature appears at the top — this must match the signature you provided when you applied, and it's used to verify your identity when you use the license.
Below the signature, the back lists any restrictions that explore to your driving. Common restrictions include "corrective lenses required" (you must wear glasses or contacts), "automatic transmission only," or "daylight driving only." These restrictions are set based on your medical exam results or the type of license you hold.
The back also shows any endorsements you hold — these are permissions to drive certain vehicle types beyond a standard passenger car. A motorcycle endorsement (M) means you passed the motorcycle test. A commercial endorsement (A or B) means you passed the commercial driving test and can operate larger vehicles for business purposes.
Finally, the back displays your organ donor status. When you explore for or renew your license, Arizona asks whether you want to be an organ donor. Your choice is printed on the back — either "Organ Donor" or nothing if you declined.
How to check your information before you leave the Motor Vehicle Division
Before you leave the office, read both sides of your license carefully. Check that your name is spelled correctly, your date of birth matches your birth certificate, and your address is current. Verify that your photo looks like you and that any restrictions or endorsements listed are accurate.
If you spot an error, tell the Motor Vehicle Division staff when ready while you're still there. Corrections made on the spot are usually free. If you don't notice an error until after you leave, you'll need to return to the office, fill out a new process, and pay the replacement fee to get a corrected license.
What to do if information on your license is wrong
If your address changes after you receive your license, you can update it without getting a new card in some cases — Arizona allows address changes through their online system or by mail for certain situations. However, if your name is wrong, your photo doesn't look like you, or your restrictions are incorrect, you need a replacement license.
To get a replacement, visit a Motor Vehicle Division office with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your legal name (if the name is wrong). You'll pay the replacement fee, have a new photo taken, and receive a new license with the same number but corrected information.
Why your license number stays the same for life
Arizona assigns you a license number when you first receive a driver license, and that number follows you throughout your driving life in the state. Even if you renew your license every 12 years, replace it due to damage, or update your address, the number remains the same.
This number is how the Motor Vehicle Division, law enforcement, and courts track your driving record — all tickets, accidents, and violations are linked to this single number. If you move out of Arizona and later return, you'll receive a new number because you're explore as a new driver to the state.
Understanding restrictions and endorsements on your license
A restriction is a limitation on how you can drive. It appears on the back and is usually based on your medical exam or the type of license you hold. For example, if the eye exam shows you need corrective lenses, "corrective lenses required" will be printed on your license. You must follow all restrictions — driving without following them can result in a ticket.
An endorsement is a permission to drive a specific type of vehicle. The most common endorsements are M (motorcycle) and A or B (commercial). To get an endorsement, you must pass a written test and a driving test for that vehicle type. Endorsements are printed on the back of your license and allow you to legally operate those vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address on my Arizona license without getting a new card?
Arizona allows address changes through their online system or by mail in some cases, so you don't always need a replacement license. However, if you need a new photo or have other information that needs correction, you'll receive a new card. Check the Motor Vehicle Division website or call your local office to see which method works for your situation.
What if my photo on the license doesn't look like me anymore?
You can request a replacement license with a new photo at any time before your license expires. Visit a Motor Vehicle Division office with your current license and pay the replacement fee. You'll have a new photo taken and receive a license with the same number but an updated image.
Do I need to memorize my license number?
You don't need to memorize it, but it's helpful to know where to find it on your license — it's in the lower right corner of the front. You may need to provide it when you're asked for identification or when dealing with insurance or law enforcement.
What does it mean if my license has a restriction I don't remember requesting?
Restrictions are usually added based on your medical exam results during the process or renewal process. If you don't remember a restriction being discussed, review the paperwork you signed when you applied. If you believe the restriction is wrong, contact the Motor Vehicle Division office where you applied to discuss it.
Can I refuse to be an organ donor on my Arizona license?
Yes. When you explore for or renew your license, you're asked whether you want to be an organ donor. You can choose not to be, and nothing will be printed on the back of your license regarding donor status. Your choice is recorded in the system but won't appear on the card itself.