What you need to bring to the Arizona MVD

Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) requires specific documents before you can receive a new driver's license. The exact documents depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or damaged card.

For any new license, bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consular ID), proof of Arizona residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You will also need to pass a vision test at the MVD office. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present with their own ID.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need to retake the written or driving test — only the vision test. If your license was suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve that status before the MVD will issue a new one; contact the MVD directly to find out what steps are required in your case.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any MVD office.
  • You will take a vision test at the office; if you are getting your first license, you will also take a written test and a driving test.
  • If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you skip the written and driving tests but still need to pass the vision test.
  • Minors must have a parent or guardian present with their own ID; the adult cannot straightforward drop off the paperwork.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days for a standard license mailed to your address; you can pay extra for expedited service at some locations.

Where to go and how to schedule

Arizona has MVD offices in most cities and towns. You can find the location nearest you and check current wait times on the official Arizona MVD website (servicearizona.com). Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary widely — some offices have waits of 30 minutes, others several hours during peak times.

You can also schedule an appointment online through the same website. Appointments typically reduce your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes. If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents ready. If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online so someone else can use that slot.

Some MVD services are also available through third-party vendors in certain areas, though these usually charge a service fee on top of the state fee. Check the MVD website to see whether a vendor location is near you.

Fees and payment methods

A standard Arizona driver's license costs $25 and is valid for five years. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, the fee is the same. If you want your new license mailed faster than the standard 10 business days, expedited service costs an additional $10 to $15 depending on how fast you need it.

The MVD accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all office locations. Some third-party vendors may have different payment options, so check before you go. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid when ready while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail.

What happens if you fail the vision test

If you do not pass the vision test at the MVD, you will not receive a license that day. The MVD will give you a form showing what you need to correct — usually a visit to an eye doctor for glasses or contacts. You can return to the MVD once you have corrected the problem and bring documentation from your eye care provider showing your corrected vision meets Arizona standards.

You do not have to pay the license fee again if you return within 30 days. After 30 days, you will need to restart the process and pay the full fee. If you wear corrective lenses, bring your glasses or contacts to the MVD office so you can pass the vision test on your first visit.

Getting a REAL ID-compliant license

Arizona offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not meet these requirements as of May 2025.

To get a REAL ID license, bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus one additional document proving your legal presence in the United States — usually a birth certificate, passport, or visa. The REAL ID license costs the same as a standard license ($25) and is valid for five years. If you already have a standard Arizona license and want to upgrade to REAL ID, you can do so at any MVD office without retaking tests.

Renewing versus replacing

If your license is still valid but you want a new one (for example, because you moved and want your address updated), that is considered a replacement, not a renewal. You will pay the full $25 fee and go through the same process as getting a new license, including the vision test. You do not need to retake the written or driving test.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it by mail or online if it expired fewer than five years ago and you have no suspensions or revocations. However, if it expired more than five years ago, you must go to an MVD office in person and may need to retake the written and driving tests. Check the MVD website or call your local office to confirm what is required for your situation.

What to do if your new license arrives with errors

Check your temporary paper license at the MVD office before you leave. If you notice an error — a misspelled name, wrong address, or incorrect date of birth — tell the MVD staff when ready. They can usually correct it on the spot or issue a corrected temporary license while your plastic card is being printed.

If you do not notice the error until after your plastic license arrives by mail, contact the MVD right away with a photo of the card showing the error. You will need to return to an MVD office to request a corrected license. The MVD will not charge you a second fee if the error was their mistake; if the error was due to information you provided incorrectly, you may be charged the full $25 fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a new license if my old one is suspended?

No. You must resolve the suspension first by paying any outstanding fines, completing required traffic school, or meeting other conditions set by the court or MVD. Contact the MVD to find out what you need to do. Once the suspension is lifted, you can get a new license.

How long does it take to get my license in the mail?

Standard processing takes about 10 business days from the date you explore at the MVD office. Expedited service (available at most locations) takes 3 to 5 business days for an additional fee. You can use your temporary paper license when ready while you wait.

What if I moved and my address changed?

You can update your address at any MVD office, by mail, or online through the Arizona MVD website. If you update online or by mail, you do not need to visit an office. If you go in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and your current license.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Both are options. Walk-ins are accepted at all MVD offices, but wait times vary. Scheduling an appointment online usually reduces your wait to 15 to 30 minutes. You can check current wait times on the MVD website before you decide.

What if I am a non-citizen or do not have a Social Security number?

You can get a driver's license with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Bring your ITIN documentation along with proof of identity and residency. Non-citizens must also bring proof of legal presence in the United States, such as a visa or work permit.