What You Need to Do to Get an Arizona Driver License

To get an Arizona driver license, you must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving skills test. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number. The entire process takes place at an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, and you cannot complete it online or by mail — you must appear in person.

Arizona issues licenses to people age 16 and older. 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. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license in any state, you can move directly to the knowledge test without a permit period.

The process typically takes four to six weeks from the time you submit your documents to the time you receive your license in the mail. You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass your driving test, valid for 30 days while ADOT produces your plastic card.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number to begin the process.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least six months before taking the driving test.
  • You will take a written knowledge test, pass a vision screening, and pass a driving skills test at the same ADOT office.
  • You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you pass your driving test, and your plastic license arrives by mail four to six weeks later.
  • The fee for a five-year license is $25; a ten-year license costs $50.

Documents You Must Bring to the ADOT Office

Bring one document that proves your identity. ADOT accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you use a birth certificate, you must also bring a second form of ID such as a school ID, a work ID, or a utility bill with your name on it.

Bring two documents that prove you live in Arizona. ADOT accepts a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a government-issued document with your current address. Both documents must show your name and current address. They cannot both be from the same month — at least one must be dated within the last 60 days.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or a tax return. You must also bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, or a statement signed by you saying you have never held a license in any state.

If you are under 18, bring proof that you completed a driver education course. This is usually a certificate or completion letter from the school or online program where you took the course. ADOT does not run the course itself — you must find and pay for one through a private provider.

The Knowledge Test and Vision Screening

The written knowledge test covers Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You take the test on a computer at the ADOT office, and you receive your score when ready after you finish.

The test is offered in English and in several other languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Arabic. If you need the test in a language other than English, tell the ADOT staff when you arrive, and they will set it up for you.

After you pass the knowledge test, an ADOT staff member will perform a vision screening. You must be able to read a chart from a distance of 20 feet. If you wear glasses or contacts, you may wear them during the screening. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot proceed to the driving test that day, and you must return to the office after you have seen an eye doctor.

Scheduling and Taking Your Driving Test

You can schedule your driving test on the same day you pass your knowledge test, or you can schedule it for a later date. If you schedule it for the same day, you will take it when ready after your vision screening, usually within one to two hours. If you schedule it for another day, ADOT will give you a confirmation letter with your appointment date and time.

Bring a vehicle that is registered in Arizona and insured. The vehicle must have a valid inspection sticker, working brakes, working lights, and a working horn. You cannot use a vehicle with a salvage title. The person who owns the vehicle does not have to be present, but you must have written permission from the owner if the vehicle is not registered to you.

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers such as starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. You will also drive on local streets. You must follow all traffic laws during the test. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but you must wait at least one day before you can retake it.

Fees and License Validity Periods

A five-year Arizona driver license costs $25. A ten-year license costs $50. You choose the validity period when you explore. Most people choose the five-year option because it is cheaper, but the ten-year option is available if you prefer a longer period between renewals.

If you are age 65 or older, you can get a five-year license for $25 or a three-year license for $15. The shorter validity period for older drivers is optional — you can choose the five-year or ten-year option if you prefer.

ADOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have limits on which payment methods they accept, so call ahead if you have questions about payment.

If You Already Have a License from Another State

If you hold a valid driver license from another state, you do not have to take the knowledge test or the driving test. You can exchange it for an Arizona license by visiting an ADOT office with your out-of-state license, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You still must pass the vision screening.

The fee for an exchange is the same as for a new license: $25 for five years or $50 for ten years. The exchange usually takes the same four to six weeks as a new license. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you complete the exchange.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you can still exchange it, but ADOT may require you to take the knowledge test and driving test instead. Call your local ADOT office to ask about their policy on expired licenses before you visit.

Finding an ADOT Office and Checking Wait Times

ADOT operates driver license offices in most Arizona cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the ADOT website by entering your city or zip code. The website also shows the hours each office is open, which vary by location.

Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can range from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the time of day and the day of the week. ADOT does not take appointments for the initial knowledge test and vision screening — you must arrive in person and wait your turn. You can check current wait times on the ADOT website before you go.

Arrive early in the morning or on a weekday if possible, as afternoons and weekends tend to be busier. Bring all your documents with you, because if you are missing even one required document, you will not be able to proceed and will have to return another day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Arizona law requires a Social Security number to issue a driver license. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get an Arizona license. This process can take several weeks.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test, but you must wait at least one day. You do not have to retake the knowledge test or vision screening if you passed them on your first visit. You will pay the license fee again when you retake the test.

Can I take the knowledge test in a language other than English?

Yes. ADOT offers the test in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, and several other languages. Tell the ADOT staff when you arrive, and they will provide the test in your language. You do not need to request this in advance.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you pass your driving test. Your plastic license will arrive by mail within four to six weeks. If your plastic license does not arrive within six weeks, contact ADOT to report it.

Do I need to take a driver education course if I am 18 or older?

No. Driver education is required only for people under 18. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license, you can take the knowledge test and driving test without completing a course first.