How to Get Your Arizona Driver's License at the DMV

What you need to bring to the Arizona DMV for a driver's license

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number before you can get a driver's license. You do not need to bring all of these as separate documents — one document can sometimes cover two requirements.

For proof of identity, bring a passport, a birth certificate, a tribal ID, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement with your name and Arizona address on it. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to come with you and sign a consent form. Bring their ID as well.

Key Takeaways

Bring one form of identity (passport, birth certificate, tribal ID, military ID, or out-of-state ID), one proof of Arizona residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test before you receive your license.
You can schedule your appointment online through the ADOT website or call your local office to book a time slot.
Standard processing takes about two weeks after you pass all tests; you receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass.
If you already have a valid license from another state, you may be able to transfer it without retaking the driving test.

The three tests you must pass

Arizona requires you to pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a practical driving test. The knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Arizona. You can study using the official Arizona Driver License Manual, which ADOT publishes free online. Most people study for a few days to a week before taking the test.

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The driving test is conducted by an ADOT examiner who sits in the car with you and watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, and highway driving. The test usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes.

You can take the knowledge test and vision test on the same day. If you pass both, you schedule the driving test for another appointment, usually within a few weeks.

How to schedule your appointment at an Arizona DMV office

You can book an appointment online through the ADOT website at azdot.gov. Click on "Motor Vehicle Services" and then "Schedule an Appointment." You will see available time slots at offices near you. You can also call your local ADOT office directly to book over the phone. Phone numbers for each office are listed on the ADOT website.

Walk-in appointments are not may provide, and wait times can be several hours. Scheduling ahead saves time. When you book, you will choose whether you want to take the knowledge test, the driving test, or both.

Bring your appointment confirmation email or letter with you on the day you go. If you need to reschedule, you can cancel online or call at least 24 hours before your appointment.

What happens after you pass all the tests

On the day you pass your driving test, ADOT gives you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent card to arrive in the mail. Your permanent Arizona driver's license usually arrives within two weeks, though it can take up to four weeks in busy periods.

The permanent license is valid for five years if you are under 65, and eight years if you are 65 or older. You will need to renew it before it expires if you want to keep driving legally.

If you already have a driver's license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Arizona, you can transfer it without retaking the driving test. You still need to bring proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to an ADOT office. You will take the knowledge test and vision test, but not the driving test.

Some states have reciprocal agreements with Arizona, which means your out-of-state license may be accepted as proof of driving ability. Even so, you must get an Arizona license within 10 days of establishing residency in the state. Driving on an out-of-state license after that period can result in a fine.

Fees and payment methods

The fee for a five-year Arizona driver's license is $25 if you are under 65. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $10. You pay this fee when you pass your driving test. ADOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at the office.

If you need to retake the knowledge test or driving test because you did not pass the first time, you pay the full fee again each time you test. There is no separate fee for the vision test — it is included in the license fee.

What to do if you fail a test

If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. Most people study the manual more and try again within a week. If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. You can schedule your next driving test appointment online or by phone.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, but you pay the full license fee each time. Some people take the driving test three or four times before passing, especially if they are nervous or have not driven much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the knowledge test online from home?

No. You must take the knowledge test at an ADOT office in person. However, you can study the Arizona Driver License Manual online for free before you go. The manual covers everything that will be on the test.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring the same documents you would normally bring, plus your ITIN documentation. ADOT will process your process the same way.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

If you pass all tests on your first try and schedule appointments back-to-back, you can complete the knowledge and vision tests in one visit and the driving test within a few weeks. Your permanent license arrives in the mail within two to four weeks after you pass. Total time is usually one to two months.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card itself, or just the number?

You do not need to bring the physical card. You can write your Social Security number on the process form at the office. However, if you have the card, bringing it can speed up the process because ADOT can verify the number when ready.

What if I move to a different Arizona county after I get my license?

You do not need to get a new license. Your Arizona driver's license is valid statewide no matter which county you live in. You only need to update your address with ADOT if your address changes, which you can do online or at any ADOT office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.