The Documents and Steps to Get Your Arizona License

To get an Arizona driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, your Social Security number, and proof that you are legally allowed to work in the United States. You'll also need to pass a written test on traffic laws and a road test showing you can drive safely. The whole process takes a few visits to an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office — one to explore and take the written test, and a second (usually within a few weeks) to take the road test and pick up your license.

Arizona does not issue licenses to people under 16, so if you are younger than that, you cannot get a full driver's license yet. If you are 16 or 17, you can get a Graduated Driving License (GDL), which comes with restrictions on when and where you can drive. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to a full license.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a valid passport, birth certificate, or state ID as proof of identity, plus a recent utility bill or lease as proof you live in Arizona.
  • You must provide your Social Security number and proof of legal work status, such as a green card, visa, or I-94 arrival record.
  • You will take a written test on Arizona traffic laws at your first ADOT visit, then return for a road test within a few weeks.
  • If you are 16 or 17, you will receive a Graduated Driving License with nighttime and passenger restrictions until you turn 18.
  • Bring your completed process (Form DL 44) and payment for the license fee when you visit an ADOT office.

Proof of Identity You Can Bring

Arizona accepts several forms of identity. A valid U.S. passport is the easiest option because it proves both who you are and that you are a U.S. citizen. If you do not have a passport, bring your certified birth certificate (the official copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy) plus one more document that shows your name and date of birth, such as a school ID, medical record, or baptism certificate.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not yet a U.S. citizen but have legal status, bring your visa, green card, or I-94 arrival record — these count as identity documents in Arizona.

Do not bring a Social Security card as your only identity document. ADOT will not accept it on its own, though you will need to know your Social Security number to complete the process.

Proof of Arizona Residency

You must show that you have lived in Arizona for at least 10 days. Bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and Arizona address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A cell phone bill usually does not count unless it is from a company that also provides home services.

If you just moved to Arizona and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead stating your name, address, and move-in date. Some ADOT offices will accept this in place of a bill, though it is worth calling ahead to confirm.

Proof of Legal Work Status

Arizona requires you to show that you are legally allowed to work in the United States. If you are a U.S. citizen, your passport or birth certificate already proves this. If you are not a citizen, bring one of these documents:

  • A green card (Permanent Resident Card)
  • A valid visa (such as an H-1B, F-1, or other employment or student visa)
  • An I-94 arrival record (the white card you receive when entering the U.S., or a printed version from the CBP website)
  • An Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also called a work permit
  • A Temporary Protected Status (TPS) receipt notice

If your visa or work permit has expired, you cannot use it to get a license. You must have a document that is currently valid or that shows you have filed for renewal and are legally allowed to work while your case is pending.

The Written Test and Road Test

At your first ADOT visit, you will take a written knowledge test covering Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study using the Arizona Driver License Manual, which ADOT provides free online and in print at every office.

If you pass the written test, ADOT will schedule you for a road test at a later date, usually within two to four weeks. During the road test, an examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow) and watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and driving on different types of roads. You must show that you can control the vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.

If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the test fee again.

What to Bring to Your ADOT Visit

Bring all your documents in originals — photocopies are not accepted. You will also need to bring a completed process for Arizona Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 44). You can fill this out at home before you go, or ADOT staff will help you fill it out at the office.

Bring payment for the license fee. In Arizona, a standard driver's license costs a set amount and is valid for five years. If you are under 18, the fee may be different. ADOT accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, bring them with you to the written test and especially to the road test. The examiner will ask you to put them on if you need them, and you must wear them during the test if you wear them while driving.

Special Rules for Drivers Under 18

If you are 16 or 17, you will receive a Graduated Driving License (GDL) instead of a full license. A GDL comes with restrictions that loosen as you get older. Until you turn 18, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. (with some exceptions for school, work, or emergencies), and you cannot have more than one passenger under 20 years old in the car unless a parent or guardian is also in the vehicle.

When you turn 18, you can return to an ADOT office and exchange your GDL for a full license without taking another test. Bring your current GDL, proof of your new age (such as a birth certificate), and the license fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. ADOT requires an official certified birth certificate with a raised seal or embossed seal. A photocopy, even if notarized, will not be accepted. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must have a Social Security number to get an Arizona driver's license. If you do not have one and are a U.S. citizen or authorized to work, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you visit ADOT. If you are not authorized to work in the U.S., you cannot get a standard driver's license, though Arizona does offer an Arizona Identification Card for people who cannot prove work status.

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

ADOT will issue your license the same day you pass the road test. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Can I take the road test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission if I learned to drive a manual?

Yes. You can take the road test in any vehicle you have access to. If you pass in an automatic, your license will not restrict you from driving a manual transmission vehicle later.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test as soon as you schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period, but you will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.