What you'll see on an Arizona driver license
Your Arizona driver license is a card that fits in your wallet. The front side holds your photo, name, and the key restrictions or endorsements that explore to you. The back side shows your address, signature, and emergency contact information. Understanding what each piece of information means helps you know what you're carrying and what it tells a police officer or ID checker about your driving privileges.
Arizona uses a standard card format that all U.S. states recognize. The layout is designed so that the most important information — your photo, name, and license number — is when ready visible. This matters because law enforcement and businesses use these details to verify who you are and whether you're legally allowed to drive.
Key Takeaways
- Your Arizona license front displays your photo, full name, date of birth, license number, and any restrictions or endorsements that limit or expand what you can drive.
- The back of your license shows your address, signature, emergency contact, and organ donor status if you chose that option.
- Restrictions appear as letters (like "B" for corrective lenses) and tell officers what conditions must be met while you drive.
- Endorsements appear as codes (like "M" for motorcycle) and show you have passed additional tests to operate certain vehicle types.
- Your license number is unique to you and stays the same throughout your driving life in Arizona, even if you renew.
The front of your Arizona driver license
The front of your card displays your photograph in the upper left corner. This photo must be a clear, recent image taken during your license appointment. Below the photo is your full legal name, date of birth, and sex or gender marker. On the right side you'll find your Arizona driver license number, which is a unique identifier that stays with you for life.
Below your personal information is your license class — this tells you what types of vehicles you're legally allowed to drive. Class D is the standard passenger vehicle license. Class M is for motorcycles. Class A or B licenses are for commercial trucks and buses and require additional testing and medical certification.
At the bottom of the front are two important fields: restrictions and endorsements. Restrictions are conditions that must be met while you drive — for example, "B" means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts), and "L" means you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. Endorsements are additional privileges you've earned by passing extra tests — "M" means you can legally ride a motorcycle, and "H" means you can drive a vehicle towing a trailer.
The back of your Arizona driver license
The back of your license begins with your full address in Arizona. This is the address on file with the Motor Vehicle Division. If you move, you must update your address within 10 days — the address on your license must match where you actually live.
Below your address is a space for your signature. This signature must match the one you provided when you applied for your license. Your signature is used to verify your identity when you use your license as ID at banks, airports, or other places that require it.
Near the bottom of the back is an emergency contact field. You can list a person's name and phone number here — this information is used only if you're in an accident or medical emergency and cannot communicate. You also have the option to register as an organ donor on the back of your license. If you choose this, "DONOR" will appear on both the front and back of your card.
Understanding restrictions and what they mean
Restrictions are printed as single letters on the front of your license. They describe conditions you must follow while driving. The most common restrictions are:
- B — Corrective lenses required (you must wear glasses or contacts)
- C — Mechanical devices required (hand controls or other adaptive equipment)
- D — Daylight driving only
- E — No freeway driving
- L — No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
- M — Outside mirror required
If you have a restriction on your license, you must follow it every time you drive. A police officer can cite you for violating a restriction — for example, driving without your glasses if you have a "B" restriction, or driving on the freeway if you have an "E" restriction. Restrictions are typically added when you first get your license based on your vision test, medical history, or age, and they can be removed later if circumstances change.
Understanding endorsements and what they mean
Endorsements are printed as single letters on the front of your license and show that you have passed additional tests or training. They expand what you're legally allowed to drive. The most common endorsements are:
- M — Motorcycle endorsement (you passed the motorcycle written and skills test)
- H — Hazmat endorsement (you passed a background check and written test to transport hazardous materials)
- T — Tractor-trailer endorsement (you passed tests to drive large commercial trucks)
Unlike restrictions, endorsements are optional. You only have them if you took the extra steps to earn them. If you want to add an endorsement to your license, you must pass the written test and, for motorcycles, the skills test. You can add endorsements at any time during your license validity period.
When your license information changes
Your Arizona driver license is valid for a set number of years — typically five years for a standard license, though this varies based on your age and license type. During that time, your information may change. If you move to a new address, you must update it within 10 days. If your name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must get a new license with your updated name.
You can update your address online through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website without getting a new card — your old card remains valid, but your address on file is updated in the system. However, if you want your new address printed on your physical card, you must request a replacement license, which costs a fee.
When you renew your license, you'll receive a new card with an updated expiration date. Your license number stays the same. You'll have the chance to update your photo, address, emergency contact, and organ donor status at renewal time.
How to read your license number
Your Arizona driver license number is unique to you and appears on the front of your card. It is a nine-digit number that the Motor Vehicle Division assigns when you first receive your license. This number stays with you for life, even if you renew your license multiple times or move out of state and return.
Your license number is used to look up your driving record, check your status in the system, and verify your identity. You may need to provide it when you're pulled over, when you explore for insurance, or when you register a vehicle. Keep your license number private, as you would any personal identifier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I wear glasses but don't have a "B" restriction on my license?
You should contact the Motor Vehicle Division to request a vision retest. If you failed the vision test when you applied, a "B" restriction would have been added. If you didn't have one added and you need corrective lenses to drive safely, you should get one added to your license for your own safety and legal protection.
Can I change my signature on the back of my license?
Your signature is set when you explore for your license. If your signature has changed significantly or you need to update it, you can request a replacement license from the Motor Vehicle Division. You'll need to provide a new signature at that time.
What does it mean if my license says "UNDER 21" on it?
Arizona issues licenses with an "UNDER 21" designation to drivers under age 21. These licenses have the same format as adult licenses but may have different restrictions or rules depending on your age and license type. The designation is removed automatically when you turn 21.
Do I need to memorize my license number?
You don't need to memorize it, but it's helpful to know where to find it on your card. Your license number appears on the front of your license and is also printed on any documents the Motor Vehicle Division sends you. Keep your physical license in a safe place and you'll always have access to the number.
What happens if my license is damaged or the information is hard to read?
You can request a replacement license from the Motor Vehicle Division. Bring your current license and proof of residency. The Motor Vehicle Division will issue you a new card with the same license number and expiration date.