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 pay the fee. You cannot do this by mail or online. You must bring proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person.
The whole process — from your first visit through passing both tests — usually takes a few weeks if you schedule your tests right away. Some offices have longer wait times than others, so calling ahead to ask about appointment availability can save you a trip.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- You will take a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test at the same office where you explore.
- The fee for a five-year license is $25 if you are 18 or older; under 18, the fee is $10.
- If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present to sign your process.
- You can schedule your tests online through the ADOT website or by calling your local office.
Documents you must bring to the ADOT office
Bring one document that proves your identity. A U.S. passport, passport card, or a state ID from another state all work. A birth certificate alone does not work — you need a photo ID or a passport. If you do not have a U.S. passport or a state ID, you can use a tribal ID, a military ID, or a consular ID card from your country of origin.
Bring one document that proves you live in Arizona. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all count. The document must show your name and current Arizona address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement works too. If you are homeless, you can use a letter from a shelter or social service agency on official letterhead.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation. You will also need to bring your signature on file — if you do not have one, the ADOT office will ask you to sign in front of them.
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 given on a computer at the ADOT office, and you get your results right away.
The test covers road signs (what they mean and what you must do when you see them), right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. It also covers rules about following distance, lane changes, and driving in bad weather. You can study the Arizona Driver License Manual, which ADOT publishes free online and in print at every office. Many people study the manual for a few days and pass on their first try.
If you fail, you can take the test again the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no extra fee to retake the test.
The driving test: what the examiner watches for
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You drive your own car (or a car borrowed from someone else) while an ADOT examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches. The examiner checks whether you can start the car, steer smoothly, use the pedals correctly, obey traffic signs and signals, turn safely, park, and handle basic driving situations.
The examiner will ask you to do things like turn left and right, drive on a main road, parallel park or back into a space, and stop smoothly. You must follow all traffic laws during the test — speeding, running a red light, or hitting the curb will result in failure. If you fail, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on the office's schedule.
Bring your car's registration and proof of insurance to the test. The car must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check that the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn all work before you start driving.
Fees and how long your license lasts
An Arizona driver's license costs $25 for a five-year license if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, the cost is $10 for a four-year license that expires on your 18th birthday. These are the standard fees as of 2024, though fees can change. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the fee is $29 for adults and $14 for minors.
You pay the fee when you explore at the ADOT office. Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Once you pass both tests and pay, you will get a temporary paper license that day. Your plastic card arrives in the mail within one to two weeks.
How to schedule your tests and find an ADOT office near you
Go to the ADOT website and use their online scheduling tool to book your written test and driving test. You can choose the date and time that work for you. If you prefer to schedule by phone, call the ADOT office in your county — the phone numbers are listed on the ADOT website.
Arizona has ADOT offices in most counties. If you live in a rural area far from an office, you may need to travel to the nearest city. Some offices are busier than others; offices in Phoenix and Tucson often have longer wait times than smaller towns. Calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you decide whether to go to a closer office or wait for an appointment at a less busy one.
You do not have to test at the office closest to your home. You can go to any ADOT office in Arizona.
Special rules if you are under 18
If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must come with you to the ADOT office when you explore. They must sign your process in person. You cannot explore online or by mail, and your parent cannot sign for you remotely.
Once you get your license, it will have restrictions until you turn 18. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to school, work, or a medical appointment. You can have only one passenger under 20 years old in the car unless a parent or guardian is also in the car. These restrictions lift automatically when you turn 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), bring your ITIN documentation instead of a Social Security card. If you have neither, contact your local ADOT office to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks. There is no extra fee. You do not have to retake the written test unless you wait more than a year to test again.
Do I need insurance to take the driving test?
Yes. The car you use for the test must have current insurance. Bring proof of insurance with you. If the car is not insured, you cannot take the test.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is good for 30 days. Your plastic card should arrive in the mail within one to two weeks, but if it does not, the temporary license covers you until it arrives.
Can I renew my license online?
You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. If your license is expired or you need to update your address, you must go to an ADOT office in person.