What you can and cannot search for online
Arizona does not have a public online search tool where you can look up another person's driver's license information. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) keeps driver's license records private, and you cannot access them through a government website or database.
If you need to verify someone's license status — for example, you are hiring them for a job that requires a valid license, or you are checking a driver after an accident — you have limited legal routes. The person themselves can request their own record, or you can ask them directly for their license number and expiration date to verify it matches what they tell you.
Some private background check companies claim to have access to driver's license data, but these services are not official ADOT records and may not be current or accurate. Using someone's license information without their permission can violate privacy laws.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona does not offer a public online search for driver's license records; ADOT keeps this information private.
- Only the license holder can request their own record directly from ADOT.
- If you need to verify someone's license for employment or insurance, ask them for their license number and expiration date.
- Private background check services may claim to have license data, but they are not official government records and may be outdated.
- Using someone's license information without permission can violate Arizona privacy law.
How to request your own Arizona driver's license record
If you need a copy of your own driver's license information or driving record, you can request it from ADOT. You will need to go to an ADOT office in person or mail a written request. ADOT does not currently offer an online portal to read your own license record.
To request your record by mail, send a letter to ADOT's Records Bureau with your full name, date of birth, and driver's license number. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. You can find the mailing address on the ADOT website. Processing time is usually two to three weeks.
If you need the record faster, visit an ADOT office in person with a photo ID. Staff can print a copy of your record on the spot, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Why Arizona keeps driver's license records private
Arizona, like most states, treats driver's license information as personal data. Allowing anyone to search for anyone else's license would create privacy and safety risks — for example, it could enable stalking, identity theft, or harassment.
There are narrow exceptions. Law enforcement can access license records as part of an investigation. Insurance companies can request records with the driver's permission. Employers can ask a job candidate for their license information directly. But the general public cannot search the database.
What to do if you need to verify a driver's license
If you are hiring someone and need to confirm they hold a valid Arizona license, ask them to show you the physical card. Check that the expiration date has not passed and that the photo matches the person in front of you. You can also ask them for their license number and call ADOT's customer service line to confirm the number is valid, though ADOT staff may not provide detailed information over the phone.
If you were in a car accident and need the other driver's information, get their name, license number, and insurance details at the scene. You can report the accident to your insurance company and to the Arizona Department of Public Safety if it involved injury or significant damage. Police will have access to the driver's license information through their own systems.
If you are concerned about someone's driving record — for example, you are considering hiring them as a driver — you can ask them to provide a copy of their own driving record, which they can request from ADOT. Some employers require this as a condition of hire.
Background check services and what they actually provide
Several private companies offer "driver's license searches" or "driving record reports." These services do not pull directly from ADOT's official database. Instead, they compile information from public records, court documents, and other sources that may or may not include current license status.
If you use a background check service, understand that the results may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. A report might show an old address, a license that has since been renewed, or information from another state. For employment decisions, it is safer to ask the candidate directly for their license information and verify it with ADOT yourself, or to ask them to provide their own official record from ADOT.
How to contact ADOT about driver's license questions
You can reach ADOT's customer service by phone at 602-255-0072 (Phoenix area) or through their regional offices. ADOT also has a website where you can find office locations, hours, and mailing addresses for records requests.
When you call, have your driver's license number ready. ADOT staff can confirm whether a license number is valid and sometimes provide the expiration date, but they will not share detailed personal information about the license holder over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I look up someone else's driver's license number online?
No. Arizona does not have a public online database where you can search for another person's license information. Only the license holder can request their own record from ADOT.
What if I need to verify a driver's license for a job I am hiring for?
Ask the candidate to show you their physical license and check the expiration date. You can also ask them to provide a copy of their official driving record from ADOT, which they can request themselves. Some employers require this as part of the hiring process.
Can I use a background check website to find someone's driver's license?
Background check services do not access ADOT's official records. They compile information from public sources, which may be outdated or incomplete. For accurate, current information, contact ADOT directly or ask the person for their license information themselves.
What should I do if I was in a car accident and need the other driver's information?
Get their name, license number, address, and insurance details at the scene. Report the accident to your insurance company and to the Arizona Department of Public Safety if there was injury or significant damage. Police will have access to the driver's license information through their own systems.
How long does it take to get a copy of my own driver's license record?
By mail, it usually takes two to three weeks. If you visit an ADOT office in person with a photo ID, you can get a copy the same day, though wait times vary by location.