What You Need to Get an Arizona Driver's License
To get an Arizona driver's license, you will visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written test and vision test, and pay the fee. The whole process takes about 30 to 45 minutes if you have all your documents ready. You cannot do this entirely online — Arizona requires you to appear in person for the vision test and to have your photo taken.
Arizona issues a standard five-year license to drivers 18 and older, and a four-year license to drivers under 18. If you are moving to Arizona from another state, you can exchange your current license for an Arizona one without retaking the written test, though you will still need to pass the vision test and bring the same documents.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free ADOT driver manual available on their website before you go.
- You will take a vision test at the office, and you must pass it to receive your license — bring glasses or contacts if you use them.
- The fee for a five-year license is $25 for a standard license; the cost varies slightly for other types, and ADOT accepts cash, check, and card.
- If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can skip the written test but must still pass the vision test and bring your current license.
Documents You Must Bring to the ADOT Office
Bring one document that proves your identity. ADOT accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, or a consular ID card issued by your home country's embassy. The document must not be expired, though a birth certificate has no expiration date. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy — a photocopy will not work.
Bring one document that proves you live in Arizona. ADOT accepts a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and Arizona address and be dated within the last 60 days. A PO box does not count as an Arizona address.
Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You do not need to bring a card — you can straightforward tell the ADOT staff your number. If you do not have either, ADOT has a process for that; call your local office ahead of time to ask what to do.
Taking the Written Test and Vision Test
The written test has 40 questions about Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and in Spanish, and ADOT also offers it in other languages by request — call ahead if you need a language other than English or Spanish.
You can study for free using the ADOT Driver License Manual, which is available as a PDF on the ADOT website. The manual covers everything on the test. Many people read through it once or twice before their appointment and pass on the first try. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, though you will have to wait and come back later that day.
The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them — you can take the test with them on. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get your license that day, and you will need to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form or a new pair of glasses or contacts.
Where to Find an ADOT Office and How to Schedule
ADOT has offices in every Arizona county. You can find the office nearest you on the ADOT website by entering your city or ZIP code. Some offices are busier than others — offices in Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa often have longer wait times than rural offices.
You do not need an appointment for a standard driver's license, but ADOT recommends arriving early in the day or on a weekday to avoid long waits. Some offices offer online scheduling through the ADOT website, which lets you reserve a time slot and skip the walk-in line. Check your local office's page to see if scheduling is available there.
Bring all your documents in originals — photocopies are not accepted. If you are missing any document, the ADOT staff will tell you what you need to bring back, and you will have to return another day.
The Fee and How to Pay
A standard five-year Arizona driver's license costs $25. If you are under 18, a four-year license costs $20. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and requires additional testing. ADOT accepts cash, personal checks, and debit or credit cards. Some offices may have limits on which payment methods they take, so call ahead if you want to confirm.
The fee is non-refundable if you fail the vision test or written test. However, you can retake the test at no extra cost the same day. If you pass everything and pay the fee, your license will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within 7 to 10 business days.
If You Are Moving to Arizona From Another State
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for an Arizona license without taking the written test. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of identity. You will still take the vision test, and you will still pay the $25 fee.
If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to take the written test. Arizona will not exchange an expired license. If your license expired more than a few years ago, contact your local ADOT office to ask whether you need to take the full test or a shorter renewal test.
If you are a new Arizona resident and your out-of-state license is still valid, you have 30 days to exchange it for an Arizona license. After 30 days, you are driving on an out-of-state license in Arizona, which is legal but not recommended — an Arizona license makes it easier if you are stopped by police or need to prove your identity.
What Happens After You Pass
After you pass the vision and written tests and pay the fee, ADOT will take your photo and print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent card license to arrive by mail.
Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided at the ADOT office. It usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods. Once it arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid — throw it away and use your card license instead.
Your Arizona driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can renew it online through the ADOT website if you have not had any major changes (like a new address or a medical condition that affects your driving). If you have moved or your license was lost or stolen, you will need to visit an ADOT office again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English or Spanish?
Yes. ADOT offers the test in English and Spanish at all offices. For other languages, call your local ADOT office at least a few days ahead and ask if they can arrange it. Some offices can provide tests in additional languages, but not all, so confirm before you go.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day at no extra cost. You will have to wait a few hours and come back later that day, or you can leave and return another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, though most people pass on the first or second try.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
No. You only need to tell the ADOT staff your Social Security number or ITIN — you do not need to bring the card itself. If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, call your local ADOT office before you go to ask what documents you can bring instead.
How long does it take to get my license in the mail?
Usually 7 to 10 business days. During busy times, it can take longer. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, so you have time to wait. If your license does not arrive within 30 days, contact ADOT to ask them to check on it.
Can I get a Real ID compliant Arizona driver's license?
Yes. A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the top right corner and can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. You will need one extra document — either a birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers. Ask the ADOT staff about Real ID when you arrive, and they will tell you what else you need to bring.