What you need to know before you go to the DMV
Arizona issues driver licenses through the Department of Transportation (ADOT), not a separate DMV office. You will visit an ADOT office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes multiple visits — you cannot get your license in one day. First you get a permit, then after practice and a second visit, you get the license itself.
Arizona has different rules depending on your age. If you are under 18, the process is longer and includes restrictions on when and who you can drive with. If you are 18 or older, the path is faster. Either way, you start by getting a permit, which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ADOT office twice: once to get a permit and pass the written test, and again after practicing to pass the driving test and get your license.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of Arizona residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate) to your first visit.
- The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official ADOT driver manual available free online.
- If you are under 18, you must hold a permit for at least six months and practice with a licensed adult before you can take the driving test.
- The total cost is around $25 for the permit and $25 for the license, though prices vary slightly by office location.
Documents to bring to your first ADOT visit
You will need to prove three things: who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually do not work.
For identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your passport or travel document. If you do not have a passport yet, a birth certificate works.
For Arizona residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from the state or federal government also works. You cannot use a PO box as your address.
For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it, like a tax return or W-2 form. If you do not have your card, you can explore for a replacement through the Social Security Administration before your ADOT visit, but you do not have to — you can also provide the number from memory if you know it.
The written test and what to study
At your first ADOT visit, you will take a written test on Arizona traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you schedule another appointment and try again.
Study using the official ADOT Driver License Manual, which is free and available on the ADOT website. The manual covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, what different road signs mean, and what to do in emergencies. Read through it once, then focus on the sections you find confusing. Many people find the right-of-way rules and sign meanings the hardest parts.
You can also take practice tests online through ADOT's website. These are not official, but they show you the style of questions and help you find weak spots. The real test is in English, but ADOT offers it in other languages too — ask at your local office.
Getting your permit and practicing to drive
Once you pass the written test, ADOT issues you a permit on the spot. Your permit lets you drive only with a licensed adult in the front passenger seat. The adult must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver license.
If you are under 18, you must hold your permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can take the driving test as soon as you want — there is no waiting period. However, ADOT recommends practicing for at least 50 hours before the test, with at least 10 of those hours at night.
Use your permit time to practice in different conditions: residential streets, highways, parking, and night driving. Ask your supervising adult to point out what you are doing well and what needs work. The driving test checks the same skills, so practice the things that make you nervous.
Scheduling and passing the driving test
When you are ready, schedule your driving test appointment through ADOT's website or by calling your local office. Tests are usually available within two to four weeks, though wait times vary by location and season. Bring your permit, your Social Security card or number, and proof of residency again.
The driving test lasts about 30 minutes. An ADOT examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive on local roads. They check whether you can start the car safely, follow traffic signs, turn smoothly, park, and handle unexpected situations like pedestrians or other cars. You do not need to drive on the highway.
If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another attempt. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you do pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third try if they have practiced enough.
Getting your license after you pass the test
Once you pass the driving test, ADOT issues your license on the same day or within a few days. Your license is valid for five years if you are under 65, and eight years if you are 65 or older. You will receive it by mail at the address you provided.
If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions printed on it. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months after you get your license, and you cannot drive with passengers under 20 years old during that time either (with some exceptions for family members). These restrictions lift automatically after six months.
Keep your license with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by police, you must show it. If you lose your license, you can get a replacement at any ADOT office for a small fee.
Cost and where to find your local ADOT office
The permit costs around $25 and the license costs around $25, for a total of about $50. The driving test fee is included in the license fee. Prices are the same statewide, though ADOT occasionally adjusts them. Bring cash or a debit card — not all offices take credit cards.
Find your nearest ADOT office on the ADOT website by entering your zip code. Most cities have at least one office. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours and some are open Saturday mornings. Call ahead or check online before you go, because some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No, you must take the written test in person at an ADOT office. You cannot do it online or by mail. However, you can study at home using the free ADOT Driver License Manual and practice tests on the ADOT website before your visit.
What if I fail the written test?
You can schedule another appointment and try again. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you do pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second try if they study the manual more carefully the first time.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver license?
Yes, Arizona requires a Social Security number to issue a driver license. If you do not have one, you can explore through the Social Security Administration before your ADOT visit. The process takes a few weeks, so plan ahead.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No, you must pick up your license in person at the ADOT office where you took your test. Bring your permit and proof of identity. If you cannot pick it up right away, it will be held for you, but do not wait too long — ADOT may eventually return it to storage.
What happens if I move to a different county before I get my license?
You can take your driving test at any ADOT office in Arizona, not just the one where you got your permit. Your permit is valid statewide. If you move, just schedule your driving test at the office closest to your new address.