Documents required for an Arizona driver's license

Arizona requires you to bring three categories of documents to the Department of Transportation office: proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You cannot complete the process without all three, so gathering them before you go saves a trip.

For proof of identity, Arizona accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe. If you were born outside the U.S., you will also need a valid visa or proof of lawful presence. A school ID, work badge, or expired driver's license from another state does not count as proof of identity on its own.

Proof of residency must show your current Arizona address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail addressed to you at your Arizona address works if it comes from a bank, insurance company, or government office. A postcard or advertisement does not count.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or tribal ID), proof of Arizona residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN to the Department of Transportation office.
  • Arizona accepts documents dated within the last 60 days for residency proof, so a recent utility bill or lease is your fastest option.
  • If you were born outside the U.S., you need a valid visa or proof of lawful presence in addition to your identity document.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before the license is issued.
  • The fee for a standard five-year license is set by Arizona and does not vary by location, but you should bring a payment method the office accepts.

What to bring if you were born outside the United States

If you were not born in the U.S., Arizona requires proof of lawful presence along with your identity document. This means a valid visa, employment authorization document (EAD), green card, or a document showing you have been granted asylum or refugee status. A visa stamp in your passport counts, or you can bring the I-797 notice of action that came with your work permit.

If you are a citizen of a country that participates in the trusted traveler program, you may also use a valid passport card or NEXUS card. Bring the original document, not a photocopy. If your visa or work permit has expired but you have an extension notice, bring both documents together.

The written test, vision test, and driving test

After you submit your documents, you will take a written test on Arizona traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. Arizona provides a study guide online at the Department of Transportation website, and you can take practice tests there as well. The test is offered in English and several other languages.

You will also take a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed that day, but you can return after you have seen an eye doctor.

The driving test happens after you pass the written and vision tests. An examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you bring) and watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and lane changes. You must have a valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance in the car. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you will need to pay the fee again.

Fees and payment methods

Arizona charges a flat fee for a five-year driver's license. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the Department of Transportation website before you go. Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, but a few locations may accept only certain payment methods, so call ahead if you want to be sure.

If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, the fee is the same as a new license. If you are renewing a license that has not yet expired, the fee is lower. If you need a license before the standard processing time, Arizona offers expedited service for an additional charge.

Where to go and how to schedule

Arizona has Department of Transportation offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Department of Transportation website. Some offices operate by appointment only, while others take walk-ins during certain hours. Scheduling an appointment online usually gets you in faster than walking in, especially in larger cities.

If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. If you walk in, expect to wait, and bring all your documents in a folder so you do not have to search for them at the counter. Bring the original documents, not photocopies, though the office will make copies for their file.

Renewing or replacing an existing Arizona license

If your Arizona license is still valid and you want to renew it before it expires, you can renew online through the Department of Transportation website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must not have changed your name, and you must not need a new photo. Online renewal is faster and cheaper than going to an office.

If your license has expired, you cannot renew online. You must go to an office and bring the same documents you would bring for a new license. If your license was suspended or revoked, you will need to clear the suspension or revocation before you can get a new one. Contact the Department of Transportation to find out what you need to do.

If your license was lost or stolen, report it to the Department of Transportation and bring a police report or incident number to the office when you explore for a replacement. If you straightforward cannot find it, the office may ask you to sign a statement saying you lost it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a school ID or work badge as proof of identity?

No. Arizona requires a passport, passport card, birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or tribal ID card. School IDs and work badges are not accepted as primary identity documents, though you can bring them as additional proof of who you are.

What if my residency document is older than 60 days?

Arizona will not accept it. You need a document dated within the last 60 days. If your utility bill or lease is older, contact your utility company or landlord and ask for a new statement, or bring a recent piece of mail from a bank or government office addressed to you at your current address.

Do I have to take the driving test if I already have a license from another state?

Yes. Arizona requires all new applicants to pass the written test, vision test, and driving test, even if you hold a valid license from another state. You cannot transfer a license from another state; you must get an Arizona license through the standard process.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it, but you will need to pay the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can schedule another test as soon as you are ready. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you know what to practice.

Can I renew my license online if it has expired?

No. Online renewal is only for licenses that are still valid. If your license has expired, you must go to a Department of Transportation office in person and bring proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN, just as you would for a new license.