What you need to know about Arizona driver licenses
An Arizona driver license is issued by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division. You need one to drive legally in Arizona, and the process differs depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or moving to Arizona from another state. The main steps are the same for most people: bring required documents to an ADOT office, pass a written test and vision screening, have your photo taken, and pay a fee.
Processing times vary. If you explore in person at an ADOT office, you typically receive your license the same day or within a few days. If you renew by mail, it takes longer — usually two to three weeks. The fee for a standard five-year license is currently $25 for a first-time license and $12 for a renewal, though these amounts can change.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to any ADOT office.
- First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test before receiving a license.
- You can renew your license by mail if it is not suspended or revoked and you have not had certain violations, but you will need to visit an office in person every other renewal.
- ADOT offices are located throughout Arizona, and you can find the one nearest you and check wait times on the ADOT website.
- If you are moving to Arizona from another state, you have 10 days to get an Arizona license, though you can drive legally on your out-of-state license during that time.
Documents you need to bring
ADOT requires specific documents before you can get or renew a license. You must bring one form of proof of identity — a valid passport, a birth certificate, a tribal ID, a military ID, or a previous Arizona driver license or ID card. You also need proof of Arizona residency, such as a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number or an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number. If you are a non-citizen, you may need additional documents depending on your immigration status. ADOT has a full list of acceptable documents on its website, organized by document type, so you can check exactly what you have before you go.
If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or a legal name change — bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or a court order.
Getting your first Arizona driver license
If you have never had an Arizona license, you must visit an ADOT office in person. You cannot complete this process by mail. Bring your documents, and be prepared to take three tests: a written knowledge test about Arizona traffic laws, a vision screening, and a driving test.
The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Arizona Driver License Manual, which ADOT publishes free online. Most people study for a few days or a week before taking the test. You must score at least 80 percent to pass.
The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The driving test happens on the road with an ADOT examiner in your vehicle. You will be tested on basic skills like starting the car, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
Renewing your Arizona driver license
If your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. You will need to fill out an process form (DL 44), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to ADOT. The renewal takes two to three weeks.
However, you must visit an ADOT office in person every other renewal cycle to have your photo updated. If your last renewal was by mail, your next renewal must be in person. You also cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have had certain traffic violations, or if you are over 65 years old (those renewals must be done in person).
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to explore as if you were getting a first-time license, which means taking the written test and driving test again.
Moving to Arizona from another state
If you already have a valid driver license from another state, you can drive legally in Arizona on that license. However, Arizona law requires you to get an Arizona license within 10 days of becoming an Arizona resident. You are considered a resident once you establish a home in Arizona, even if you have not yet registered a vehicle there.
To convert your out-of-state license to an Arizona license, bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to an ADOT office. You will not need to take the written or driving test — ADOT will transfer your driving record from your previous state. You will have your photo taken and pay the license fee.
ADOT office locations and wait times
ADOT has offices in every Arizona county. You can find the office nearest you on the ADOT website, which also shows current wait times at each location. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times change throughout the day and by season. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday typically means shorter waits than visiting in the afternoon or on a weekend.
You do not need an appointment at most ADOT offices — you can walk in and take a number. However, some offices in larger cities now offer online appointment scheduling. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available in your area.
License fees and payment
A standard five-year Arizona driver license costs $25 for a first-time license and $12 for a renewal. If you want a license that is valid for eight years instead of five, the cost is higher — $35 for a first-time license and $17 for a renewal. You can pay with cash, check, money order, or debit card at an ADOT office. If you are renewing by mail, you must pay by check or money order.
If you are 65 or older, your license is free. You will still need to visit an ADOT office in person to renew, but you will not pay a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Real ID compliant Arizona driver license?
Yes. A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards for identification. It costs the same as a regular license and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. When you explore or renew, tell ADOT you want a Real ID license and bring the documents they require — usually a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
What happens if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no fee to retake a test. Most ADOT offices let you schedule another test appointment right away if you fail, though you may have to wait a few hours or come back another day depending on how busy the office is.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first. Contact ADOT or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license normally.
Do I need to take a new photo every time I renew?
No. You only need a new photo every other renewal cycle. If you renew by mail, your next renewal must be in person so ADOT can take a new photo. After that, you can renew by mail again if you are still may be able to access.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
Visit an ADOT office and ask for a replacement. Bring your documents just as you would for a renewal. ADOT will issue you a new license with the same number and expiration date as your old one. There is a small fee for a replacement, usually around $5 to $10.