What an Arizona driver's license looks like and what each number means
An Arizona driver's license is a wallet-sized card with your photo, name, and a series of numbers and codes that identify you and describe what you're allowed to drive. The format is standardized across all Arizona licenses, whether you have a standard license, a commercial license, or a learner's permit. Understanding what each element means helps you verify the information is correct and know what restrictions explore to your driving.
The front of the card displays your photo in the upper right, your full name, date of birth, address, and eye color. The back contains additional information including your license number, issue and expiration dates, and endorsements or restrictions. All of this information follows a specific layout that Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division uses for every license issued.
Key Takeaways
- Your Arizona license number is a unique 12-digit code printed on both the front and back of your card.
- The expiration date on your license determines when you must renew; standard licenses expire on your birthday five years after issue.
- Endorsements (marked with letters like "A" or "B") show you are permitted to drive motorcycles or commercial vehicles; restrictions (marked with numbers like "1" or "2") limit how you can drive.
- The format is the same for all Arizona licenses, but commercial licenses and learner's permits have different validity periods and restrictions.
The 12-digit license number and how it's structured
Your Arizona license number appears as a 12-digit code on the front of your card and again on the back. This number is unique to you and serves as your identifier within the Motor Vehicle Division system. The number does not encode your personal information the way some states' license numbers do; it is straightforward a sequential identifier assigned when your license is issued.
The 12 digits are printed in a single line and are used by law enforcement, employers, and government agencies to look up your driving record. When you renew your license, you keep the same number. If your license is suspended or revoked and later reinstated, the number remains the same unless you explore for a completely new license after a significant gap.
Issue and expiration dates on your Arizona license
The issue date is when your current license was printed and mailed to you. The expiration date is when that license stops being valid for driving. On a standard Arizona driver's license, the expiration date is five years from the issue date, and it always falls on your birthday. For example, if you turn 35 on March 15 and receive your license on March 1, your license expires on March 15 five years later.
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) expire every four years instead of five. Learner's permits expire after six months and cannot be renewed; you must take the driving test and obtain a full license. If your license expires while you are out of state or unable to renew, you can still drive legally for a short grace period in some situations, but it is safer to renew before the expiration date printed on your card.
Endorsements: what the letters on your license mean
Endorsements are special permissions printed on your license that allow you to operate certain types of vehicles. They appear as single letters on the back of your card. The most common endorsement is M, which means you are permitted to ride motorcycles. To get an M endorsement, you must pass a motorcycle knowledge test and a riding skills test, or show proof of completion from an approved motorcycle safety course.
Other endorsements include H (hazardous materials), P (passenger vehicles), and T (double or triple trailers). These endorsements explore mainly to commercial drivers. If you do not have an endorsement, you are not permitted to drive that type of vehicle, even if you believe you are capable. Driving without the required endorsement can result in a citation and points on your driving record.
Restrictions: what the numbers on your license mean
Restrictions are limitations on how or when you can drive, printed as numbers on the back of your license. A restriction 1 means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) while driving. A restriction 2 means you must wear a hearing aid. These restrictions are placed based on your medical history and vision or hearing test results when you explore for or renew your license.
Other restrictions include restriction 3 (automatic transmission only), restriction 4 (daylight driving only), and restriction 8 (outside mirror required). If you have a restriction and violate it—for example, driving at night when your license says daylight only—you can be cited. Some restrictions can be removed by passing a new test or providing updated medical documentation to the Motor Vehicle Division.
How Arizona licenses differ by type
A standard driver's license allows you to operate regular passenger vehicles and is valid for five years. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive a vehicle over a certain weight or carry passengers or hazardous materials for compensation. CDLs are valid for four years and require passing a written test and a skills test specific to the type of commercial vehicle you will drive.
A learner's permit is a temporary license that allows you to practice driving under supervision. It is valid for six months and requires that a licensed driver age 21 or older sit in the front passenger seat while you drive. Learner's permits have a restriction that limits you to daylight driving and certain roads. Once you pass your driving test, you exchange your learner's permit for a full driver's license.
Where to find specific information on your card
The front of your Arizona license displays your name, photo, date of birth, address, and eye color in a standard layout. Your license number appears in the lower right corner of the front. The back of the card contains your license number again (for scanning purposes), your issue and expiration dates, your signature, and any endorsements or restrictions.
If you need to verify information on your license, the Motor Vehicle Division website allows you to check your driving record online using your license number and date of birth. If you find an error—a wrong address, incorrect birth date, or missing endorsement—you can request a correction by visiting a Motor Vehicle Division office or submitting a correction form by mail. Corrections are usually processed within two to four weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the letters and numbers on the back of my Arizona license mean?
Letters are endorsements that permit you to drive specific vehicle types, such as M for motorcycles. Numbers are restrictions that limit how you can drive, such as 1 for corrective lenses required. Both appear on the back of your card and are checked by law enforcement during traffic stops.
How long is an Arizona driver's license valid?
A standard driver's license is valid for five years from the issue date and expires on your birthday. A commercial driver's license is valid for four years. A learner's permit is valid for six months and cannot be renewed; you must take the driving test to obtain a full license.
Can I drive if my license has expired but I have applied to renew it?
Arizona law allows a short grace period for expired licenses in limited situations, but it is not safe to rely on this. You should renew your license before the expiration date on your card. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.
What if my Arizona license has a restriction I disagree with?
You can request a hearing or provide updated medical documentation to the Motor Vehicle Division to challenge a restriction. For example, if you have a vision restriction but have had corrective surgery, you can submit an eye exam showing your vision now meets the standard. Contact your local Motor Vehicle Division office for the process in your area.
Does my Arizona license number contain my Social Security number or other personal information?
No. Your Arizona license number is a 12-digit sequential identifier assigned by the Motor Vehicle Division. It does not encode your Social Security number, date of birth, or other personal data. It is used only to look up your driving record and vehicle registration information.