Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Arizona requires you to bring specific documents in person to an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office. You cannot complete this by mail or online. The documents fall into three categories: proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

For proof of identity, bring one document from this list: a valid U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a certified birth certificate issued by a state vital records office, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A school ID, work ID, or expired driver's license does not count. If you are under 16, you can use a school ID along with another document from the approved list.

For proof of Arizona residency, bring one document showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or an official letter from a government agency (like a tax return or court document). The document must show your name and Arizona address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance bill, or cell phone bill also works if it shows your name and address.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization document), proof of Arizona residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or tax form) to an ADOT office in person.
  • Arizona does not accept school IDs, work IDs, or expired licenses as proof of identity on their own, even if you are a minor.
  • Your residency document must be dated within the last 60 days and show both your name and your current Arizona address.
  • You will pay a fee at the time of your visit; the amount depends on the type of license you are getting and how long it is valid.
  • ADOT offices are open during business hours, and you do not need an appointment at most locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day.

Age Requirements and Restrictions

Arizona issues different types of licenses based on your age, and each comes with different driving restrictions.

If you are 16 or 17, you can get an Instruction Permit first, which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. To get the permit, you must pass a written knowledge test and a vision test. You must hold the permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a regular license. During this time, you cannot drive alone, and you must follow additional rules like not using a cell phone while driving.

If you are 16 or 17 and want a full Graduated Driver License (GDL), you must pass the driving test after holding your instruction permit for six months. A GDL comes with restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., you cannot carry passengers under 20 years old (except family members), and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you have held the GDL for 12 months, whichever comes first.

If you are 18 or older, you can get a standard Class D Driver License by passing the written test and driving test. There are no age-based restrictions on when you can drive or who can ride with you.

The Written Test and Driving Test

Before you take either test, you must pass a vision screening at the ADOT office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not be allowed to take the written or driving test that day.

The written knowledge test covers Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Arizona Driver License Manual, which ADOT provides free online and in print at any ADOT office. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you must schedule another appointment.

The driving test takes about 30 minutes and is conducted by an ADOT examiner in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you have access to). The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. You must have a valid instruction permit or a valid out-of-state license to take the driving test. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.

Fees and How Long Your License Is Valid

Arizona charges different fees depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. An instruction permit costs less than a full driver's license. A Class D Driver License for someone 18 to 39 years old is valid for eight years; for someone 40 to 64, it is valid for 12 years; for someone 65 and older, it is valid for five years. Fees change periodically, so check the ADOT website or call your local office for the current price.

You can renew your license before it expires by visiting an ADOT office, and renewal is usually faster than getting your first license. Some renewals can be done by mail if your license is not suspended and you meet other conditions.

If You Have a Suspended or Revoked License

If your Arizona license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a new one until the suspension or revocation period ends. Suspensions typically last 30 days to one year, depending on the reason. Revocations last longer and may require you to file an SR22 form (a certificate of financial responsibility) before you can drive again.

If your suspension or revocation is from another state, Arizona will not issue you a license until that state lifts the action. You can contact the other state's DMV to find out when you become may be able to access to drive again.

Special Situations: Undocumented Residents and Name Changes

Arizona does not issue a standard driver's license to people who cannot prove lawful presence in the United States. However, Arizona does issue an Arizona Driving Privilege Card to some undocumented residents. This card looks like a driver's license and lets you drive legally in Arizona, but it cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a plane. To get a Driving Privilege Card, you must pass the same tests as a regular license holder and bring documents proving your identity and Arizona residency, but you do not need to prove citizenship or lawful presence.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other required documents. ADOT will issue a license in your new name.

Where to Go and What to Expect

ADOT has offices in most Arizona cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the ADOT website. Most offices do not require appointments, but some high-traffic locations may ask you to schedule online or by phone. Arrive early if you can, as wait times are often shorter in the morning.

Bring all required documents, your completed process form (which you can fill out at home or at the office), and payment for the fee. The entire process—vision test, written test, and paperwork—usually takes 30 minutes to an hour if you pass the written test on your first try. If you need to take the driving test, that is scheduled for a separate appointment on a different day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my documents instead of bringing the originals?

No. ADOT requires original documents or certified copies. Digital photos or scans are not accepted. If you have a certified copy of a birth certificate or other vital record, that counts as an original for ADOT's purposes.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a number. If you are a non-citizen, you may be able to get an Arizona Driving Privilege Card instead of a standard license, which does not require a Social Security number.

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

Your license is usually issued the same day you pass the driving test. ADOT will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is being printed and mailed to you. The card typically arrives within two to three weeks.

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. Both the vision screening and written test must be taken in person at an ADOT office. You cannot take them online, by mail, or at a third-party location.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment for a later date. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee again each time you take it.