Bring These Documents to the MVD Office

Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You do not need to gather every document listed below — you need one from each category. The MVD office staff will tell you when ready if what you brought works, so you will not waste a trip.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the MVD office, so plan for that when you schedule your appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one proof of identity document (such as a passport or birth certificate), one proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Original documents or certified copies are required — photocopies will not be accepted.
  • If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate plus a document showing lawful presence, such as a passport or visa.
  • The MVD office can tell you in minutes whether your documents are acceptable, so call ahead or check the MVD website if you are unsure.
  • You will take a vision test and written knowledge test at the MVD office, so budget time for the full appointment.

Proof of Identity Documents

Bring one of these documents showing your full legal name and date of birth. A U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state all work. If you do not have a passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born is acceptable.

A tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe also counts as proof of identity. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you will need your passport or visa plus a document showing lawful presence — the MVD website lists which documents may have access to. Military ID cards and school IDs do not count as proof of identity on their own.

Proof of Arizona Residency

Bring one document showing your current Arizona address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days works. So does a lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance policy. The document must show your name and current address.

If you have just moved to Arizona and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a signed lease agreement is usually the fastest option. A bank or credit card statement with your Arizona address also counts. Government mail like a tax return or voter registration card works if it is dated within the last 60 days.

Your Social Security Number or ITIN

You will need to provide your nine-digit Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You do not need to bring a card or document — you will write the number on the process form at the MVD office. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must have an ITIN issued by the Internal Revenue Service.

If you are explore for a Real ID compliant license (which allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings), the MVD will verify your Social Security number or ITIN with the Social Security Administration. This verification happens after you submit your process, so the process may take longer.

Documents If You Were Born Outside the United States

If you were born outside the U.S., bring your birth certificate plus a document proving lawful presence. A U.S. passport, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or permanent resident card all count. A refugee travel document or advance parole document also satisfies this requirement.

Your birth certificate must be an original or certified copy from the vital records office in the country where you were born. If the birth certificate is in another language, bring an official English translation along with the original. The MVD will keep a copy of your birth certificate and lawful presence document on file.

Real ID Compliant License vs. Standard License

Arizona offers two types of licenses: a standard driver's license and a Real ID compliant license. Both require the same documents at the MVD office. The difference is that a Real ID license can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings, while a standard license cannot.

If you want a Real ID license, you will pay a higher fee and the MVD will verify your Social Security number or ITIN with the federal government, which can add one to two weeks to processing time. You can choose which type you want when you fill out your process at the MVD office. Either way, bring the same documents listed above.

What Happens at the MVD Office

When you arrive, an MVD staff member will review your documents and tell you whether they are acceptable. If something is missing or incorrect, they will tell you what you need to bring back. If your documents are approved, you will fill out the process form, pay the fee, take a vision test, and take the written knowledge test on a computer.

The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the official Arizona Driver License Manual, which the MVD provides free online. Most people pass on their first try. After you pass both tests, the MVD will take your photo and issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks, depending on the type of license you chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone or a printed photo instead of having the MVD take one?

No. The MVD takes your photo at the office as part of the license issuance process. You cannot bring your own photo. The photo must be taken at the MVD office on the day you explore.

What if my birth certificate is worn out or hard to read?

Request a new certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A worn or faded birth certificate may not be accepted. The vital records office can issue a certified copy within one to two weeks for a small fee, and you can often request it online.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You only need to know your nine-digit Social Security number. You will write it on the process form at the MVD office. The MVD does not require you to show a card or any document proving the number.

Can I use a lease agreement if my name is not on it yet?

No. The lease must show your name and your current Arizona address. If you have just signed a lease but it has not been processed yet, bring a utility bill or other document with your name and address instead. The MVD staff can tell you in one call whether a document will work.

What if I lost my passport and do not have a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy of your birth certificate. This is the most common backup proof of identity. You can usually request it online and receive it by mail within one to three weeks. Until then, you cannot get a driver's license.