What You Need to Do to Get an Arizona Driver's License
To get an Arizona driver's license, you must visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process takes about two to four weeks from process to receiving your card in the mail, though you can drive when ready after passing your tests if you request a temporary permit. Arizona does not allow online applications or mail-in renewals for first-time licenses.
The state issues a standard five-year license to most adults, or a ten-year license if you are over 65. If you are under 18, Arizona issues a graduated license with restrictions that change as you age. The cost is $25 for a five-year license or $40 for a ten-year license, plus any test fees if you fail and retake them.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ADOT office in person with original documents proving your identity, Arizona residency, and Social Security number before you can test.
- Arizona requires both a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test; you can take the written test on your first visit, but the driving test is scheduled separately.
- Your physical license card arrives by mail within two to four weeks, but you receive a temporary paper permit when ready after passing both tests.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test.
- Test fees are included in the license fee, but if you fail either test, you pay a retest fee of $10 to $15 each time you retake it.
Documents You Must Bring to the ADOT Office
Arizona requires original documents — not copies — to prove three things: who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card or a document that displays your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your ADOT visit, though this adds time to your timeline.
For proof of identity, bring one of these original documents: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a foreign national ID. A school ID or work ID does not count. For proof of Arizona residency, bring one original document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the original document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. ADOT will not process your process without it.
The Written Knowledge Test and What It Covers
The Arizona written test has 50 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask the ADOT office which languages are available at your location.
You can take the written test on your first visit to the ADOT office, the same day you submit your documents. If you pass, you move forward to scheduling your driving test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day; each retest costs $10. Most people pass on their first attempt if they study the Arizona Driver License Manual, which ADOT provides free online and in print at every office.
The manual covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, turn signals, following distance, and how to respond to police stops. It also explains what different road signs mean and when you must yield to pedestrians or cyclists. Spending 30 minutes with the manual before your test significantly improves your chances of passing.
Scheduling and Passing Your Driving Test
After you pass the written test, ADOT schedules your driving test at the same office or a nearby one. The wait is usually one to three weeks, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a notice by mail with your test date and time. If you cannot make that appointment, you can reschedule online through the ADOT website or by calling the office.
The driving test lasts about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and responding to road situations. You must bring the vehicle you will use for the test, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors before you start. Bring your temporary permit and a valid ID to the test.
Common reasons people fail the driving test include rolling through stop signs, failing to signal turns, speeding, improper lane changes, and hitting cones during the parking portion. If you fail, you can retake the test after paying a $15 retest fee. Most offices allow you to schedule your next attempt within a few days.
What Happens After You Pass Both Tests
Once you pass the driving test, ADOT issues you a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days. This permit allows you to drive legally while your physical license card is being printed and mailed. You must carry this temporary permit with you whenever you drive.
Your physical license card is mailed to the address you provided at the ADOT office within two to four weeks. During this time, the temporary permit is your only proof of licensure. If your card does not arrive within four weeks, contact the ADOT office where you applied; they can check the status or issue a replacement.
Once your card arrives, keep it with you whenever you drive. Arizona law requires you to present your license to a police officer if you are stopped. Your license is valid for five years from the date it was issued, or ten years if you are over 65.
Special Rules for Drivers Under 18
If you are under 18, Arizona requires you to complete a driver education course before you can get a learner's permit. This course is offered by high schools, private driving schools, and online providers. The course covers traffic laws, vehicle operation, and hazard recognition. After you finish, the course provider gives you a certificate of completion, which you must bring to the ADOT office.
With your certificate, you can obtain a learner's permit at an ADOT office. A learner's permit allows you to drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. You must hold the learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license. During this time, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.
Once you have held the learner's permit for six months and passed the written and driving tests, you receive a restricted license valid until you turn 18. A restricted license has the same nighttime and cell phone restrictions as a learner's permit. At 18, your license becomes unrestricted.
Finding an ADOT Office and Checking Wait Times
Arizona has ADOT offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the ADOT website. Some offices are busier than others; if your local office has a long wait, you may be able to visit a less busy office in a nearby town.
ADOT does not take appointments for first-time license applications — you must walk in during office hours. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Arrive early in the day if possible; wait times are usually shorter in the morning. Bring all your documents in a folder so you do not lose anything while waiting.
If you cannot visit an office during regular hours, some locations offer extended hours on certain days. Check the ADOT website for your specific office's schedule before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Arizona license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Arizona requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get an Arizona ID card instead, which serves as proof of identity but does not allow you to drive. Contact your local ADOT office to learn about this option.
What if I fail the driving test twice?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. Each retest costs $15. After you fail twice, some ADOT offices recommend taking a professional driving lesson before your next attempt. There is no limit on how many times you can test.
Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?
Yes. Arizona requires all new residents to take the written knowledge test, even if you have a valid license from another state. You do not need to take the driving test if your out-of-state license is valid, but you must pass the written test to get an Arizona license.
How much does an Arizona driver's license cost?
A five-year license costs $25, and a ten-year license costs $40. These fees include the written test and driving test. If you fail either test and retake it, you pay an additional $10 for the written retest or $15 for the driving retest each time.
Can I renew my license by mail or online?
No. First-time Arizona licenses must be obtained in person at an ADOT office. However, if you already have an Arizona license and it is not expired, you can renew it by mail or online. Only new applicants must visit an office.