What you need to do to get an Arizona driver's license
To transfer your driver's license to Arizona, you visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring your current out-of-state license and proof of residency, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. You do not need to retake the written driving test or the road test unless Arizona has reason to believe your out-of-state license was obtained fraudulently. The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes at the office.
Arizona recognizes valid driver's licenses from other U.S. states and territories, so you are not starting from scratch. However, you cannot mail in your transfer or do it online — you must appear in person at an ADOT office. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license from a country outside the U.S., the process is different and requires additional steps.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ADOT office in person with your current out-of-state license and proof that you live in Arizona.
- Bring documents that show your name, date of birth, and Arizona address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works.
- You will take a vision test at the office, but you will not retake the written or road test for a standard license transfer.
- The fee varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid, but typically ranges from $25 to $45.
- Your new Arizona license is issued the same day if everything is in order, though you may receive it by mail within a few days.
Documents you need to bring to the ADOT office
Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, a document proving you live in Arizona, and proof of your legal name and date of birth. The residency document must show your name and current Arizona address — a utility bill (electric, gas, water), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.
If your name has changed since your out-of-state license was issued, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have your out-of-state license with you, bring a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport instead. ADOT will not accept a photocopy of your license; you need the original card.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the ADOT office staff when you arrive — they will direct you to the correct process.
Where to go and how to schedule your visit
ADOT has driver license offices in every Arizona county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the ADOT website at azdot.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. A few offices offer Saturday hours — check your local office's schedule before you go.
You do not need an appointment at most ADOT offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system to manage wait times. Before you visit, check whether your local office requires you to reserve a time slot. If it does, you can book one on the ADOT website. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but arriving early in the day typically means a shorter wait.
The vision test and what happens at the office
When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. The ADOT staff member will review your documents, verify that your out-of-state license is valid, and check your information against the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division database. You will then take a vision test — the staff member will ask you to read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. You do not need to study for this; it straightforward confirms you can see well enough to drive safely.
If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, wear them during the vision test. If you fail the vision test, you will be told on the spot and given information about what to do next — usually, you will need to see an eye doctor and return with a corrected vision form. If you pass, the staff member will take your photograph and process your new license.
You will be asked to sign your new license in front of the staff member. Your Arizona license is then issued — you may receive it when ready as a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, or it may be mailed to your address within a few business days. Check with the staff member about which applies at your office.
Fees and license validity periods
The fee for a standard Arizona driver's license transfer depends on how long you want the license to be valid. A four-year license costs around $25 to $30, and an eight-year license costs around $40 to $45. These amounts can vary slightly, so confirm the exact fee when you arrive at the office or check the ADOT website beforehand. Payment is accepted in cash, debit card, or credit card at most offices.
Arizona offers both four-year and eight-year licenses. The eight-year license costs more upfront but works out cheaper per year. If you are not sure how long you plan to stay in Arizona, the four-year option gives you flexibility.
What to do if your out-of-state license is suspended or expired
If your out-of-state license is currently suspended or revoked, Arizona will not transfer it. You will need to resolve the suspension in the state that issued the license before you can transfer to Arizona. Contact the motor vehicle department in your previous state to find out why the license was suspended and what steps you need to take to clear it.
If your out-of-state license has expired, you can still transfer it as long as it expired within the last few years. Arizona's rules on expired licenses vary, so bring your expired license to the ADOT office and ask the staff member whether it can be transferred. If it cannot, you may need to take the written and road tests as if you were a new driver.
Commercial driver's licenses and international licenses
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) from another state, the transfer process is more involved. You will need to pass the Arizona CDL written test and a road test in a commercial vehicle. You cannot straightforward transfer a CDL without testing. Contact ADOT or visit an ADOT office to learn the specific requirements for your type of CDL.
If your current license is from a country outside the United States, you cannot transfer it directly. You will need to obtain an Arizona license by taking the written test, the road test, and the vision test as a new driver. You may be able to use an International Driving Permit (IDP) while you prepare for the Arizona tests, but an IDP is not a substitute for an Arizona license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to retake the written driving test when I transfer my license?
No, you do not retake the written test for a standard driver's license transfer. Arizona trusts your out-of-state license and only requires a vision test. However, if ADOT suspects your out-of-state license was obtained fraudulently or if your license is from outside the U.S., you may be asked to take the written and road tests.
How long does it take to get my Arizona license after I visit the office?
You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you visit the office. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to your Arizona address and usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with the temporary license while you wait for the permanent one.
What if I do not have a proof of residency document?
If you cannot bring a utility bill or lease, bring two documents that together show your name and Arizona address — for example, a bank statement and a piece of mail from your insurance company. ADOT staff can tell you which combinations of documents they will accept. Call your local office ahead of time if you are unsure.
Can I transfer my license if I have an out-of-state traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
An unpaid traffic fine from another state may prevent you from transferring your license, depending on whether the state has reported it to Arizona. ADOT will check this when you explore. If there is a hold on your record, you will be told at the office and given information about how to resolve it before you can complete the transfer.
What if my name on my out-of-state license does not match my residency documents?
Bring a document that explains the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The ADOT staff member will review it and update your information. Make sure the name on your residency document matches the name you want on your Arizona license.