What Arizona requires for a driver's license
Arizona issues a standard driver's license valid for five years, a commercial driver's license (CDL) for operating trucks or buses, and an instruction permit for learners. The state also offers an optional REAL ID-compliant license, which you'll need to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025. A standard Arizona license costs $25 for five years; a REAL ID license costs $35.
To get any license in Arizona, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. If you're under 18, you must also complete a driver's education course and hold an instruction permit for at least six months before taking the driving test.
Arizona recognizes licenses from other states for up to 30 days after you move there. After that, you must get an Arizona license. If you already hold a valid out-of-state license, you may not need to retake the written test, but you will still need to pass the driving skills test and provide Arizona residency documents.
Key Takeaways
- A standard Arizona driver's license costs $25 and lasts five years; a REAL ID license costs $35 and is required for federal building entry and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025.
- You must pass a written knowledge test, a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number at an Arizona MVD office.
- Applicants under 18 must complete a driver's education course and hold an instruction permit for at least six months before taking the driving test.
- If you hold a valid out-of-state license, you may skip the written test but must still pass the driving skills test and show Arizona residency proof.
- Arizona MVD offices accept appointments online, and processing times vary by location but typically take 30 to 45 minutes for a new license.
Documents you need to bring to the MVD office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth. This is your proof of identity and date of birth. If you don't have one of these, Arizona accepts a combination of secondary documents: a Social Security card plus a school record, medical record, or insurance document showing your name and date of birth.
For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Arizona address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. A government-issued ID from another state does not count as residency proof on its own.
You must also bring your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number. If you're renewing and your name has not changed, you may bring your expiring Arizona license instead of a birth certificate, but you still need residency proof.
If you're under 18, bring proof of completion of a driver's education course. This is usually a certificate from the course provider. You'll also need a signed parental consent form (Form DL 43) if you're under 18.
Steps to get a new Arizona driver's license
- Schedule an appointment online or walk in. Visit the Arizona MVD website to book a time slot at your nearest office, or arrive during walk-in hours. Appointments are faster but not required.
- Bring all required documents. Gather your identity proof, residency document, Social Security card or number, and (if under 18) your driver's education certificate and parental consent form.
- Pass the written knowledge test. You'll answer 30 multiple-choice questions about Arizona traffic laws and safe driving. You must answer at least 24 correctly. If you hold a valid out-of-state license, you may be waived from this test.
- Pass the driving skills test. An MVD examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle or a test vehicle and evaluate your ability to start, stop, turn, park, and respond to traffic. The test takes about 10 minutes on public roads.
- Pay the fee and take your photo. Pay $25 for a standard license or $35 for a REAL ID license. The MVD will take your photograph and fingerprints.
- Receive your temporary license. You'll get a paper temporary license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing your Arizona driver's license
You can renew your Arizona license up to one year before it expires. If your license has been expired for less than five years, you can renew by mail or online without taking another test. If it expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license in person and retake both tests.
To renew by mail, complete Form DL 44 (process for Arizona Driver License), include a check or money order for $25 (standard) or $35 (REAL ID), and mail it to the Arizona MVD address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current license. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the MVD receives your process.
To renew online, visit the Arizona MVD website and use the online renewal system. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. Online renewal is faster and costs the same as mail renewal. You cannot renew online if your address has changed, your name has changed, or you want to switch to a REAL ID license for the first time.
If your address or name has changed, or if you're switching to a REAL ID license, you must renew in person at an MVD office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (if applicable), and proof of your name change (if applicable, such as a marriage certificate). The fee is the same, and you will not need to retake the written or driving test.
REAL ID compliance and what it means
A REAL ID-compliant license meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID license, a passport, a military ID, or another federally approved document to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
Arizona's REAL ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. It costs $10 more ($35 instead of $25) and lasts five years, just like a standard license. You do not need a REAL ID license to drive in Arizona or any other state; it is only required for federal facilities and domestic air travel.
To get a REAL ID license, you must provide the same documents as a standard license, plus additional proof of your Social Security number and residency. If you're renewing a standard license and want to switch to REAL ID, you must do so in person at an MVD office. You cannot upgrade online.
Instruction permits for drivers under 18
An instruction permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult before taking your driving test. In Arizona, you must be at least 15.5 years old to get an instruction permit. You'll need to pass the written knowledge test, provide identity and residency proof, and complete a driver's education course.
An instruction permit costs $10 and is valid for one year. While you hold a permit, you must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat with you at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
You must hold your instruction permit for at least six months before you can take the driving skills test for your license. If you turn 18 before six months have passed, you can take the test when ready without waiting.
Commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements
A CDL is required to operate a commercial vehicle over 26,000 pounds, a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, or a vehicle carrying hazardous materials. Arizona issues Class A, Class B, and Class C CDLs depending on the vehicle type.
To get a CDL, you must hold a valid Arizona driver's license, pass a CDL-specific written test, and pass a skills test in the type of vehicle you'll operate. You must also pass a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate. The written test covers general knowledge, air brakes (if applicable), and endorsements such as hazmat or passenger transport.
A CDL costs $50 and is valid for five years. You must renew it in person at an MVD office. If you already hold a CDL from another state, Arizona may waive the written test but will still require the skills test and medical certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. Arizona requires you to take the written knowledge test in person at an MVD office. You cannot take it online or at a third-party testing center. The test is administered on a computer at the office, and you must bring a valid ID.
What happens if I fail the driving skills test?
You can retake the driving skills test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee for retakes. You have up to three attempts within a 12-month period before you must reapply and pay the full fee again.
Do I need to bring my own vehicle for the driving test?
You can bring your own vehicle if it is insured, registered, and in safe working condition. If you don't have a vehicle, some Arizona MVD offices have test vehicles available, but availability varies by location. Call ahead to confirm.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?
You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days when ready after you pass. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to your address and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the Arizona MVD to request a replacement.
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license in person and retake both the written and driving tests. You cannot renew by mail or online.