What you need to do when you move to Arizona

Arizona law requires you to get an Arizona driver's license within 10 days of establishing residency in the state. You cannot legally drive on an out-of-state license once that 10-day window closes, even if your old license is still valid. The process itself takes about 30 minutes at a Motor Vehicle Division office, but you will need to bring specific documents and pass a vision test.

You do not need to take a written driving test or a road test if you already hold a valid driver's license from another state. Arizona recognizes out-of-state licenses during that initial 10-day period, which gives you time to gather your documents and schedule an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain an Arizona driver's license within 10 days of moving to the state, or you cannot legally drive.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your current out-of-state driver's license to the Motor Vehicle Division office.
  • You will pass a vision test but skip the written and road tests if you hold a valid license from another state.
  • The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division accepts appointments online, and walk-ins are available but may have longer wait times.
  • Your new Arizona license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your visit.

Documents you must bring to the Motor Vehicle Division

Bring one document that proves your identity. The Motor Vehicle Division accepts a valid passport, a birth certificate paired with a Social Security card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a consular ID. Your out-of-state driver's license also counts as proof of identity.

You will also need to prove you live in Arizona. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, a bank statement, or a government check. The document must show your name and current Arizona address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to take the written test and the road test, which extends the process significantly.

How to schedule your Motor Vehicle Division appointment

Visit azmvd.gov and click the "Schedule an Appointment" button on the homepage. You will select your county, the type of transaction (choose "Driver License" and then "New Resident"), and your preferred date and time. Appointments typically open 30 days in advance.

If no appointments are available in your county, try a neighboring county. You can complete the transaction at any Motor Vehicle Division office in Arizona, not just the one nearest you. Some offices fill up faster than others, especially in Phoenix and Tucson.

Walk-ins are accepted at all Motor Vehicle Division offices, but you may wait 1 to 3 hours depending on the time of day and the office location. If you cannot schedule an appointment online, arriving early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter wait.

What happens during your visit

Bring all your documents and your out-of-state license. A Motor Vehicle Division employee will review your documents, verify your identity, and confirm your Arizona residency. You will answer questions about your address and sign a form confirming you understand Arizona traffic laws.

You will take a vision test. You must be able to read the eye chart at the required distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.

You will have your photo taken for your new license. Dress as you would for any official photo. You will also pay the license fee, which is $25 for a standard five-year license or $50 for a ten-year license. The Motor Vehicle Division accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

When your new license arrives and what to do in the meantime

Your Arizona driver's license will be mailed to the address you provided during your visit. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the Motor Vehicle Division office that you can use to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card.

Keep that temporary license with you whenever you drive. It is valid for 30 days and serves as proof that you have obtained your Arizona license. If you are pulled over during this period, show the officer your temporary license and explain that your permanent card is in the mail.

If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072. Have your temporary license number ready.

Special situations: licenses from other countries and military personnel

If you hold a valid driver's license from another country, you may drive on that license for up to one year from the date you establish Arizona residency. After one year, you must obtain an Arizona license. You will need to take the written test and the road test because Arizona does not recognize foreign licenses as equivalent to U.S. licenses.

Active-duty military personnel stationed in Arizona do not have to establish residency for licensing purposes. You can keep your home state's license as long as you remain on active duty. When you leave active duty or transfer to a different state, you will then need to obtain an Arizona license.

If you are a military spouse or dependent, you follow the standard new resident rules and must obtain an Arizona license within 10 days of moving to the state.

What to do if you cannot find your documents

If you cannot locate your birth certificate, you can request a copy from the state where you were born. Most states process requests within 2 to 4 weeks. You can also use a passport or military ID instead of a birth certificate for identity proof.

If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. The Motor Vehicle Division will accept this as proof of residency. A bank statement or credit card statement with your new address also works if it is dated within 60 days.

If you have lost your out-of-state license, you will need to take both the written test and the road test in Arizona. Contact your previous state's motor vehicle agency to request a replacement, or proceed with the full testing process in Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I drive after the 10-day window without an Arizona license?

You can be cited for driving with an expired or out-of-state license. The fine varies but typically ranges from $100 to $300. You will also be required to obtain your Arizona license before you can legally drive again. It is better to schedule your appointment before the important date.

Can I renew my out-of-state license instead of getting an Arizona one?

No. Once you establish residency in Arizona, you must obtain an Arizona license. You cannot renew an out-of-state license while living in Arizona. The Motor Vehicle Division defines residency as living in the state with the intent to remain, which includes renting an apartment or house.

Do I need to take a written test if my out-of-state license is expired?

Yes. If your license has expired, Arizona treats you as a new driver and requires the written test and road test. You will need to renew your out-of-state license first, or bring proof that you held a valid license within the past year. Contact your previous state's motor vehicle agency for options.

How much does an Arizona driver's license cost?

A standard five-year license costs $25. A ten-year license costs $50. These are one-time fees paid at the Motor Vehicle Division office during your visit. You do not pay any additional fees for the mailing or the temporary license.

Can I change my name on my license at the same time I get my Arizona license?

Yes. Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your legal name change. The Motor Vehicle Division will update your name on your new Arizona license at no additional cost. You will still pay the standard license fee.