What you need to get an Arizona driver's license

To get an Arizona driver's license, you will need to visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process usually takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.

Arizona issues two main types of driver's licenses: a standard license (valid for 12 years) and a commercial driver's license (CDL) for people who drive trucks or buses professionally. The steps and documents differ slightly between them, but both require proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax document, and proof of Arizona address to an ADOT office.
  • You will take a written knowledge test covering road signs and traffic laws, then a driving test with an examiner in your own vehicle.
  • A standard Arizona driver's license costs $25 and is valid for 12 years; you can renew it by mail or online if you have no medical conditions.
  • If you pass both tests, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
  • You must be at least 16 years old for a standard license, or 18 for a commercial license.

Documents to bring to the ADOT office

Bring an original or certified birth certificate as your primary identity document. A photocopy will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization instead.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. This can be your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A paystub with your full Social Security number also works.

For proof of Arizona residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or an insurance policy. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. You cannot use a post office box as your address.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They will need to sign your process in person.

The written knowledge test and what it covers

The written test has 50 multiple-choice questions about Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles.

ADOT provides a free study guide called the Arizona Driver License Manual, available on the ADOT website and in print at any ADOT office. Many people study this manual for a few days before taking the test. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake it.

The driving test and what the examiner watches for

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You drive your own vehicle with an ADOT examiner in the passenger seat. The examiner watches how you handle basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and merging into traffic. They also check that you follow traffic laws, use your signals, and stay aware of other vehicles and pedestrians.

You must bring your vehicle to the test with current registration and proof of insurance. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check that your lights, wipers, horn, and brakes all work. If the vehicle fails this safety check, you cannot take the driving test that day.

If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another one. There is no extra fee, but you may have to wait a few days or weeks depending on how busy the office is.

Cost and how long it takes to get your license

A standard Arizona driver's license costs $25 and is valid for 12 years. If you are 65 or older, the license costs $10 and is valid for five years. A commercial driver's license costs more and has different renewal periods depending on whether you need a hazmat endorsement.

On the day you pass both tests, you receive a temporary paper license that you can use to drive when ready. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to your address and usually arrives within two to three weeks. During that time, the temporary paper license is your legal proof of licensure.

If you need your license sooner, some ADOT offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though this varies by location. Call your local ADOT office to ask whether they offer this option.

Renewing your Arizona driver's license

When your license is about to expire, ADOT mails you a renewal notice. You can renew online through the ADOT website if you have no medical conditions that need to be reviewed and your license is not suspended. Online renewal costs $25 and takes about two weeks.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending in the renewal form and fee, or you can visit an ADOT office in person. Renewing in person takes a few minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day.

You do not have to retake the written or driving test to renew your license unless ADOT asks you to, which is rare.

Getting a commercial driver's license (CDL)

If you drive a truck or bus for work, you need a commercial driver's license instead of a standard license. The process is longer and more involved. You must pass the same written test as a standard license holder, plus additional written tests for the type of vehicle you drive (Class A, B, or C). You also take a longer driving test in a commercial vehicle.

You must be at least 18 years old for a CDL, and 21 if you want to drive across state lines. The fee is higher than a standard license, and the license is valid for four years instead of 12.

Many people take a commercial driving course before explore for a CDL. These courses are offered by private schools and community colleges throughout Arizona and teach the skills and knowledge the test covers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license if I don't have a birth certificate?

If you don't have a birth certificate, you can bring a passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or other official identity document issued by a government agency. Contact your local ADOT office to ask which documents they will accept in your specific situation.

What if I fail the driving test twice?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts, and each retake is free. You may need to wait a few days between attempts depending on how busy your local ADOT office is.

Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?

Yes. Even if you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you must pass the Arizona written test and driving test to get an Arizona license. Arizona does not waive these tests for out-of-state license holders.

How do I change my name on my driver's license?

Bring your current Arizona driver's license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of your current address to an ADOT office. The fee is $25. You will receive a new license in the mail within two to three weeks.

What happens if my license is suspended or revoked?

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive. Contact ADOT or the court that issued the suspension to find out why and what steps you need to take to restore it. The process and timeline depend on the reason for the suspension.