What you need to do to get a new Arizona driver's license
To get a new Arizona driver's license, you visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring proof of identity and Arizona residency, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. The whole process takes about 30 minutes if you walk in without an appointment. You will leave with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Arizona does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must appear in person at an ADOT office, and you cannot use a third-party service to do it for you. If you are renewing an existing Arizona license, the process is faster and some steps differ — but a new license (whether you are getting one for the first time or replacing a lost or suspended one) follows the steps below.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and payment; no online or mail options exist.
- Proof of identity can be a passport, birth certificate, or consular ID; proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days.
- You will pass a vision test at the office and receive a temporary paper license when ready, with your plastic card arriving by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- The fee for a new five-year license is $25; a ten-year license costs $45; an under-21 license costs $10 and expires on your 21st birthday.
- ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday; some locations offer Saturday hours; arriving early or booking an appointment online reduces wait times.
Documents you must bring to the ADOT office
Bring one form of proof of identity and one form of proof of Arizona residency. Your identity document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy alone will not work. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days.
Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular ID card issued by a foreign government, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card (green card). A Social Security card or school ID is not enough on its own.
Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a vehicle registration. The document must show your name and a physical Arizona address. A P.O. box does not count as residency proof.
If your name has changed since your identity document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). ADOT will not issue a license under a new name without it.
The steps to complete at the ADOT office
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Hand over your documents. A staff member will verify them, ask you to sign the process form (Form DL 44), and collect your fee. You will then move to the vision testing station.
At the vision station, you will read letters and numbers on a screen or chart from a set distance. You must see well enough to pass — the standard is 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them and wear them during the test. If you fail, you will be told on the spot and can retake it when ready.
After you pass the vision test, a staff member will take your photograph and fingerprints. You will review the information on your temporary license, sign it, and receive it when ready. This paper license is valid for driving right away while you wait for your plastic card.
Fees and license validity periods
Arizona charges different fees based on the type of license and how long you want it to last. A five-year license costs $25. A ten-year license costs $45. If you are under 21, an under-21 license costs $10 and automatically expires on your 21st birthday, at which point you must renew.
Payment is cash or card. ADOT offices accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Some offices may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer.
Your license will show an expiration date. Arizona does not send renewal reminders by mail, so mark your calendar. Driving on an expired license is illegal, even if you are only one day past the expiration date.
When your plastic card arrives and what to do if it does not
ADOT mails your plastic license card to the address you provided at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving during this entire wait.
If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact ADOT by phone at 602-255-0072 (Phoenix area) or 1-800-251-2039 (statewide). Have your temporary license number ready. ADOT can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
If your card arrives damaged, bent, or unreadable, return to an ADOT office with your temporary license and ask for a replacement. There is no additional fee for a damaged card issued within 30 days of your original issuance.
Finding an ADOT office and booking an appointment
Arizona has ADOT offices in every county. The largest cities — Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, Gilbert, Tempe, Peoria, and Surprise — have multiple locations. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the ADOT website at azdot.gov.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some locations offer Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hours vary by location, so check before you go.
You can book an appointment online through the ADOT website. Appointments are free and typically available within a few days. Walk-ins are also accepted, but wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times (late morning and early afternoon). Arriving right when an office opens or booking an appointment online will get you through faster.
Special situations: replacing a lost, stolen, or suspended license
If your license was lost or stolen, the process is the same as getting a new license — bring your identity and residency documents and pay the fee. You do not need a police report, though having one can be useful if you need to dispute fraudulent use of your name.
If your license was suspended or revoked by Arizona, you cannot straightforward walk in and get a new one. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension — usually by paying fines, completing a required course, or serving a waiting period. Contact ADOT or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you must do before you can renew. Once the suspension is lifted, you can return to an ADOT office and follow the standard process.
If you are getting a license after a suspension has been lifted, bring proof that the suspension is no longer in effect. This might be a letter from ADOT, a court document, or a completion certificate from a required program. ADOT staff will verify your status in their system before issuing your new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Real ID license in Arizona?
Yes. A Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Arizona issues Real ID licenses at no extra cost. Bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). Your Real ID will be marked with a gold star in the top right corner.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use a consular ID card, military ID, or tribal ID instead. If you have none of these, contact ADOT before you visit — they can tell you what other documents might work in your situation. Some people without standard identity documents may need to visit a vital records office first to obtain a certified birth certificate.
Do I have to take a written driving test to get a new license?
No. Arizona does not require a written test or a road test for a new license if you already hold a valid driver's license from another state or country. If you have never held a license, you must pass a written test and a road test. Contact ADOT to schedule these separately before your in-person visit.
What happens if I fail the vision test?
You can retake it when ready at the same office. If you fail a second time, ADOT will not issue a license that day. You will be told what vision correction you may need and asked to return after you have seen an eye doctor. Bring a letter from your eye doctor confirming your corrected vision meets the standard, and you can try again.
Can someone else pick up my plastic license card for me?
No. ADOT mails the card directly to the address you provided. You cannot have it sent elsewhere or held for pickup. If you are moving, update your address with ADOT before your card is mailed, or it may be returned to ADOT as undeliverable.