What you need to do to get an Arizona driver's license

To get an Arizona driver's license, you visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes about 30 to 45 minutes at the office if you pass both tests on your first try. Most people complete it in one visit, though you can take the written test and driving test on different days if you need to.

Arizona does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must show up at an ADOT office with your documents, take the tests there, and have your photo taken. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you will need to return to the office again.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to get a license.
  • Arizona requires you to pass both a written knowledge test and a driving test before you receive your license.
  • You can take the written test and driving test on the same day or schedule them separately, depending on your preference.
  • The fee for a standard five-year driver's license is $25, and a ten-year license costs $45.
  • ADOT offices do not require appointments; you can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Documents you must bring to the ADOT office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Arizona. For identity, ADOT accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate paired with a photo ID from school or work. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Arizona address on it. The residency document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You also need to provide your Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card, or you can provide the number verbally and ADOT will verify it with the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you will need to bring additional documents and ADOT will issue you a license marked as non-SSN.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They must sign your process in person at the office.

The written knowledge test and what it covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and ADOT can provide it in other languages if you request one in advance.

You can study using the Arizona Driver's Manual, which ADOT publishes free online on its website. The manual covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. Most people spend a few hours reviewing the manual before taking the test. You can retake the written test the same day if you fail, or come back another day.

The driving test: what the examiner watches for

The driving test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. You drive your own vehicle (or a friend's or family member's) with an ADOT examiner in the passenger seat. The examiner watches how you handle basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic signals and signs. They also check that you can safely merge, change lanes, and respond to other vehicles on the road.

You must have a valid learner's permit or a license from another state to take the driving test. If you do not have either, you cannot test that day. The examiner will fail you if you commit a serious error like running a red light, hitting another vehicle, or driving on the wrong side of the road. Minor mistakes like slightly jerky stops or hesitation at an intersection usually do not result in failure. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will need to schedule another appointment or return to the office.

Getting a learner's permit first

If you do not have a license from another state, you need an Arizona learner's permit before you can take the driving test. A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. To get one, visit an ADOT office, pass the written knowledge test, and pay the permit fee (usually around $10). You do not take a driving test to get a permit.

With a learner's permit, you can drive during daylight hours and must have a licensed driver 18 or older sitting next to you. You can hold a permit for as long as you need to practice before taking the driving test. There is no waiting period between getting your permit and taking the driving test, so you could theoretically get a permit and take the driving test the same day if you pass the written test on your first try.

Fees and how long your license lasts

A standard Arizona driver's license costs $25 and is valid for five years. If you want a ten-year license, the fee is $45. Licenses expire on your birthday in the year they are set to expire. You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office, depending on your situation.

If you are getting a Real ID-compliant license (which you need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building), the fee is the same, but you must bring additional documents proving citizenship or legal residency. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner.

Where to find an ADOT office and what to expect

ADOT has offices in every Arizona county. You can find the nearest one using the office locator on the ADOT website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday hours. A few offices are open on certain evenings.

ADOT offices do not take appointments for standard driver's license tests. You walk in during business hours and wait your turn. Wait times vary widely depending on the office, the day of the week, and the time of day. Early mornings and weekday afternoons tend to be less busy than late mornings and Fridays. If the wait is very long, you can leave and come back another day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

Yes. If you pass the written test, you can take the driving test the same day if an examiner is available. Some offices have examiners available all day; others have limited hours for driving tests. Call the office ahead of time to ask when driving tests are offered.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it. You do not need to retake the written test. You can schedule another driving test appointment or return to the office and wait to retake it the same day, depending on the office's availability. You will pay the test fee again.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

Yes. You must provide a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. You cannot use an ADOT vehicle for the test.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass the tests?

You receive your license the same day you pass both tests. ADOT takes your photo and prints your license at the office. You walk out with it in hand.

Can I get a license if I have an out-of-state license?

Yes, but the process is different. You do not need to take the written or driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have held it for at least one year. You can exchange it for an Arizona license by visiting an ADOT office with your documents and paying the fee. If your out-of-state license is expired or you have held it for less than a year, you will need to take both tests.