Bring proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number

Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division requires three categories of documents: one that proves who you are, one that proves where you live, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You do not need all documents in every category — you need one from identity, one from residency, and your number. The exact documents accepted depend on whether you are getting your first Arizona license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost card.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The MVD staff will examine documents in person at your local office. If a document is in a language other than English, bring an official translation along with the original.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one identity document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), one residency document (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Arizona accepts documents from other states and countries, but they must be original or certified copies — photocopies will not work.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
  • Bring documents that show your current legal name; if your name has changed, bring the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Identity documents Arizona accepts

A valid U.S. passport is the strongest identity document you can bring — it proves citizenship and identity in one. If you do not have a passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate works. The birth certificate must be a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, not a photocopy or a hospital record.

Other accepted identity documents include a valid state ID from another state, a valid tribal ID, a valid military ID, a valid foreign passport, or a valid permanent resident card (green card). If you are under 18, a school ID paired with a parent's or guardian's ID also works. The document must not be expired, except for military IDs, which can be expired.

Residency documents Arizona accepts

Arizona needs proof that you actually live in the state. A current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the easiest option. The bill must show your name and Arizona address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have a utility bill, other documents work: a current lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, a bank or credit union statement, a paycheck stub, a W-2 form, or a tax return. All must show your name and current Arizona address. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can use a letter from a shelter, transitional housing program, or social services agency on official letterhead.

Proof of Social Security number or ITIN

Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, bring your ITIN letter from the IRS or a tax return showing your ITIN.

The document must show your full number or the last four digits. If you cannot locate any of these documents, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration office in Arizona or explore for an ITIN letter from the IRS.

Name change documents

If your legal name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that proves the change. A marriage certificate works if you took your spouse's name. A divorce decree or court order works if you changed your name through a court. A certified copy of an adoption decree works if you were adopted.

These documents must be originals or certified copies. If the document is in a language other than English, bring an official English translation certified by a translator, along with the original document.

What to bring if you are renewing or replacing

If you are renewing an Arizona license that has not expired, you may be able to renew by mail or online without bringing documents in person. Check the MVD website to see if your renewal qualifies. If you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, you still need to bring identity and residency documents to prove you are the person named on the original license.

If you are upgrading from a regular license to a REAL ID-compliant license, you will need the same documents as a new applicant: identity, residency, and Social Security number or ITIN.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself — any document showing your number works. You do not need a notarized copy of anything; the MVD accepts certified copies from the issuing agency. You do not need to bring proof of Arizona residency beyond the 60 days — older documents are not accepted.

You do not need a letter from your employer unless you are using a paycheck stub as your residency document. You do not need to bring your current Arizona license if you are renewing by mail or online, though you should bring it if you are renewing in person at an MVD office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone or a digital copy of my documents?

No. You must bring original documents or certified copies printed on paper. The MVD staff will examine the physical documents in person. Digital copies on your phone will not work, even if they are notarized.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

Arizona accepts foreign birth certificates as long as they are certified copies from the vital records office in that country. If the document is not in English, bring an official English translation along with the original.

Can I use an expired passport as my identity document?

No. Your identity document must be valid (not expired). The one exception is a military ID, which can be expired. A passport that expired does not work.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS or a tax return showing your ITIN. If you do not have either, contact the IRS to request an ITIN letter.