Where to go for your driver's license in Tucson
In Tucson, you get your driver's license from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division. The main office that serves Tucson residents is located at 2035 North Silverbell Road, Tucson, AZ 85745. This is where you'll go to explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or replace a lost or damaged license.
ADOT also has a second Tucson location at 7280 East Speedway Boulevard, though the Silverbell Road office handles most transactions. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings on weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons or Saturdays.
Before you go, check the ADOT website or call ahead to confirm current hours, since they occasionally change. The phone number for the Silverbell Road office is (520) 629-9808.
Key Takeaways
- Visit ADOT Motor Vehicle Division at 2035 North Silverbell Road in Tucson to explore for, renew, or replace your driver's license.
- You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- A new driver's license costs around $25 for a five-year license or $50 for a ten-year license, though prices may vary.
- If you are renewing by mail or online, you must have a valid license that is not expired by more than five years.
- You will take a written test, vision test, and photo at the office unless you are renewing without changes.
What documents you need to bring
ADOT requires specific documents before they will issue a license. You need one form of proof of identity — a valid passport, birth certificate, tribal ID, or military ID all work. You also need proof of Arizona residency, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the residency document must match your identity document.
You must also provide your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you don't have a Social Security number. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted. If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
If you are renewing a license you already have, bring that license with you. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need to bring the old one, but you may be asked to sign a statement saying it is lost or stolen.
The cost and how long it takes
A new five-year driver's license costs approximately $25, and a ten-year license costs approximately $50. These prices are set by Arizona state law and do not vary between Tucson locations. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card at the office.
The entire process at the office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though this depends on how busy the location is. You will receive your temporary license on the spot, valid for 30 days while ADOT mails your permanent license. The permanent license typically arrives within two to three weeks.
If you need your license sooner, ADOT offers a rush service for an additional fee, though this is not always necessary since the standard timeline is fairly quick.
Renewing your license by mail or online
If your current Arizona driver's license is not expired or expired less than five years ago, you may renew without visiting an office. ADOT allows renewal by mail or through their online system at azdot.gov.
To renew online, you will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address, if you want to change your name, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. In those cases, you must visit an ADOT office in person.
What happens during your in-person visit
When you arrive at the ADOT office, you will check in and receive a number. An employee will review your documents to make sure everything is complete. If anything is missing, they will tell you what you need to bring back.
Once your documents are approved, you will take a written test covering Arizona traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.
Next, you will have your vision test, where an employee will check that you can see well enough to drive safely. You will also have your photo taken for the license. After that, you pay the fee, and you receive your temporary license before you leave.
Getting a commercial driver's license in Tucson
A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck, bus, or vehicle carrying hazardous materials for work. The process is more involved than a regular license and requires additional testing and medical certification.
You must first pass a written test specific to the type of vehicle you will drive, then pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, a basic control test, and a road test. You also need a medical certificate from a certified examiner, which costs money and must be renewed periodically.
The ADOT office in Tucson can provide information about CDL requirements and testing, but you should call ahead at (520) 629-9808 to ask about scheduling a skills test, as these are not always available on the same day as written tests.
If your license is suspended or revoked
If your Arizona driver's license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it or get a new one. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation with the court or ADOT.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or driving under the influence convictions. You will need to contact the court that issued the suspension or call ADOT to find out what steps are required to lift it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can then renew or replace your license at the office.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call ADOT at (520) 629-9808 and provide your license number. They can tell you the status and what you need to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Real ID driver's license in Tucson?
Yes. A Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver's license for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. It costs the same as a regular license and requires the same documents, plus one additional document showing your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form. Ask for a Real ID when you visit the ADOT office.
What if I moved to Tucson from another state?
You must get an Arizona driver's license within 10 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of identity. You will take the written and vision tests, but you do not need to take a skills test. Your out-of-state license will be surrendered.
How do I change my name on my driver's license?
You must visit an ADOT office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and your other required documents. You will take a new photo and pay the renewal fee. You cannot change your name by mail or online.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. You have three attempts per visit. If you fail all three times, you must return on another day to try again. Many people study the Arizona Driver License Manual before their visit, which is available free on the ADOT website.
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license rather than renew. This means you must visit an ADOT office, take the written and vision tests, and have a new photo taken. Bring all required documents as if you were explore for the first time.