How to Get and Renew Your Arizona Driver's License

What you need to know about Arizona driver's licenses

An Arizona driver's license is a state-issued photo ID that proves you can legally drive in Arizona and other states. You get it from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), which runs the Motor Vehicle Division. The license shows your name, address, date of birth, and driving record restrictions — things like whether you need corrective lenses or have any suspensions.

Arizona offers different types of licenses depending on what you drive and whether you want to carry a concealed weapon. A standard Class D license covers regular cars and light trucks. A Class M license is for motorcycles. You can also get a Nonoperational ID card if you don't drive but need a state photo ID for other purposes, like banking or air travel.

Key Takeaways

You must visit an ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office in person to get or renew your Arizona driver's license — you cannot do it entirely by mail or online.
First-time applicants need proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate), proof of Arizona residency (like a utility bill or lease), and a Social Security number or ITIN.
Renewals by mail are available only if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no address changes or medical restrictions.
Arizona driver's licenses are valid for 12 years, longer than most states, so you renew less often.
You can check your driving record and see any suspensions or holds on your license through the ADOT website before you visit an office.

Getting your first Arizona driver's license

If you are new to Arizona or have never had a driver's license, you will need to visit an ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office. You cannot start the process online. Bring your proof of identity (a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad), proof of Arizona residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address), and your Social Security number or ITIN if you have one.

You will take a written knowledge test about Arizona traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. The knowledge test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Arizona Driver License Manual, which ADOT publishes free online. The driving test happens at the same office and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You drive an examiner around a set route in your own vehicle or a vehicle you borrow.

If you pass both tests, you pay the fee and have your photo taken. Arizona charges different amounts depending on the license type and how long you want it to last. A standard 12-year Class D license costs less than a 12-year license with a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) endorsement. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot and the plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Renewing your Arizona driver's license

Arizona driver's licenses last 12 years, so most people renew them less often than in other states. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no address changes, and you have no medical restrictions or suspensions on your record. ADOT mails renewal notices about 120 days before your license expires. The notice includes a mail-in form and instructions.

If you renew by mail, you send in the form, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a copy of your current license. The new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If your license is expired by more than five years, your address has changed, or you have medical restrictions, you must visit an ADOT office in person. You will need to retake the vision test and may need to retake the written test depending on how long your license has been expired.

If you want to renew early — before your license expires — you can do that in person at any ADOT office. Early renewal is useful if you are about to travel and want a fresh license, or if you are changing your address and want the new one on your ID right away.

ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office locations and wait times

Arizona has Motor Vehicle Division offices in most cities and towns. The largest offices are in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, and Scottsdale, but smaller towns have them too. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the ADOT website. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in large cities during lunch hours or late afternoon often have longer waits. Early morning visits, especially on weekdays, tend to be faster. ADOT does not take appointments at most offices, so you arrive and take a number. Some offices use an online check-in system where you can reserve your spot in line before you arrive, which can save 30 minutes or more. Check the ADOT website to see if your local office offers this.

Documents you need to bring

For a first-time license, bring one document from each of these groups. For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, tribal ID, or military ID. For proof of residency, bring a current utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your name and address. You also need your Social Security number or ITIN.

For a renewal in person, bring your current Arizona driver's license and proof of your new address if you have moved. If your license is expired by more than five years, bring the same identity and residency documents as a first-time applicant. Bring a check or money order for the fee, or be prepared to pay with a debit or credit card — ADOT accepts both at offices, though some smaller offices may be cash-only. Call ahead if you are unsure.

Fees and payment methods

Arizona driver's license fees depend on the license type and how long you want it to last. A standard 12-year Class D license costs one amount; a 12-year Class M motorcycle license costs another. A Nonoperational ID card costs less than a driver's license. A CCW endorsement adds to the cost. ADOT publishes the current fee schedule on its website, and fees change occasionally, so check before you visit.

You can pay with cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card at ADOT offices. Some offices accept all payment methods; others accept only cash and check. Call the office you plan to visit to confirm what they take. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — you cannot pay by card through the mail.

Checking your driving record and license status

Before you visit an ADOT office, you can check your Arizona driving record online through the ADOT website. Your record shows any suspensions, revocations, or holds on your license. It also shows any traffic violations or accidents on file. If you see a suspension or hold, you need to resolve it before you can renew or get a new license. Common reasons for holds include unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or medical reviews.

You can also check whether your license is currently valid and what restrictions are on it. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, ADOT may require you to pass a medical review or provide a doctor's statement before you renew. Checking your record ahead of time means you can gather any documents you need and avoid a wasted trip to the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona driver's license online?

No. Arizona requires you to renew in person at an ADOT office if your license is expired by more than five years, you have moved, or you have medical restrictions. You can renew by mail only if your license is current or expired by five years or less and nothing else has changed.

What happens if my license expires while I am out of state?

You can still drive on an expired Arizona license for a short time in most states, but you should renew as soon as you return. If you are stationed out of state for military service or work, you may be able to renew by mail even if your license is expired by more than five years. Contact ADOT to ask about your situation.

Do I need to take the driving test again if I renew?

No. Renewals do not require a new driving test. You only retake the written test if your license has been expired by more than five years. You always retake the vision test in person at an ADOT office.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you pass the test. The plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving until the plastic card arrives.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test. ADOT does not publish how long you must wait between attempts, so call your local office to ask. You pay the test fee each time you take it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.

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.