What you need to do to get a new Arizona driver's license
To get your first Arizona driver's license, you visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes several visits — one for the written exam and one for the driving exam — and you cannot skip either step or do it online. Arizona does not issue licenses by mail or through remote testing.
You will leave your first visit with a temporary paper permit that lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car while you prepare for the road test. The actual plastic license arrives by mail after you pass the driving exam, usually within two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ADOT office twice: once to take the written knowledge test and once to take the driving test with an examiner in your own vehicle.
- Bring original documents proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID), proof of Arizona residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or tax return.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices specific to Arizona; you can study using the official ADOT manual available free online.
- You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit and at least 16 years and 6 months old to take the driving test.
- The plastic license is mailed to you after you pass the driving exam; bring the temporary paper permit with you when you drive until the card arrives.
Documents you must bring to your first ADOT visit
Bring one document that proves your identity and was issued by a government agency. A U.S. passport, birth certificate, consulate-issued ID, or tribal ID all work. If you use a birth certificate, bring a second form of ID with your photo — a school ID or work ID is acceptable. Do not bring a photocopy; ADOT staff will examine the original and return it to you.
Bring proof that you live in Arizona. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Arizona address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax return, court document, or benefit letter) also counts. Bring the original, not a copy.
Bring your Social Security card or a tax return showing your Social Security number. If you do not have either, you can bring a W-2 form or a letter from the Social Security Administration. ADOT will not issue a license without verification of your number.
Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one. If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you; they will need to sign a consent form. Bring cash or a debit card — ADOT offices accept both, but not all accept credit cards, so check your local office's payment methods before you go.
The written knowledge test and what it covers
The written test has 40 multiple-choice questions about Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, how to handle emergency vehicles, and what to do at railroad crossings. Arizona-specific rules — like the requirement to turn on your headlights between sunset and sunrise — appear on the test.
You can study using the official ADOT Driver License Manual, available free as a PDF on the ADOT website. The manual is organized by topic and includes practice questions. Many people study it for a few weeks before taking the test. You take the test on a computer at the ADOT office, and you get your score when ready. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day; there is no waiting period between attempts.
If you pass the written test, ADOT gives you a temporary paper permit that day. This permit lets you drive with a licensed adult who is at least 18 years old sitting next to you. You cannot drive alone. The permit is valid for 180 days, which gives you time to practice and schedule your driving test.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
After you pass the written test, you schedule the driving test at the same ADOT office or a different one. You can book online through the ADOT website or call the office directly. Wait times vary by location and season; some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks. Book as soon as you pass the written test if you want a sooner date.
Bring your temporary paper permit, your Social Security card or proof of your number, and the vehicle you will drive during the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins. Bring proof of insurance in the vehicle. If the vehicle fails the safety check, you cannot take the test that day.
The driving test lasts about 30 minutes. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and directs you through a route that includes city streets, turns, parking, and sometimes highway driving. You will be tested on lane changes, stopping at stop signs, following traffic signals, parking in a space, and backing up. The examiner watches how you use your mirrors, signal before turning, and maintain a safe speed. You must pass the test to get your license; if you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period set by ADOT, usually a few days to a week.
What happens after you pass the driving test
After you pass, ADOT takes your photograph and issues you a temporary paper license that day. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive alone. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provided on your process, usually within two weeks. Check your mail regularly; if it does not arrive within three weeks, contact ADOT to report it.
Keep the temporary paper license with you when you drive until the plastic card arrives. Police will accept it as proof of a valid license. Once the plastic license arrives, keep it in your wallet or a safe place. Arizona licenses are valid for 12 years if you are over 65, or 60 years if you are under 65. You will need to renew before the expiration date printed on the card.
Fees and payment
The fee for a new Arizona driver's license varies depending on how long you want the license to be valid. A license valid for 5 years costs less than one valid for 12 years. As of the most recent update, fees range from around $25 to $45, but check the ADOT website for the current amount because fees change. You pay at the ADOT office when you take the written test, not when you take the driving test.
ADOT offices accept cash and debit cards at all locations. Some offices accept credit cards, but not all, so call ahead if you plan to pay by credit card. You cannot pay online or by mail; payment must happen in person at the office.
If you are under 18
Arizona has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. You start with a learner's permit at 16, which requires a parent or legal guardian to sign a consent form. With a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult at least 18 years old in the car.
At 16 years and 6 months, you can take the driving test and get a restricted license. A restricted license lets you drive alone during the day, but you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent or guardian is in the car. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or have held the restricted license for 12 months, whichever comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?
No. You must pass the written test first, receive your temporary permit, and then schedule the driving test for a different day. This gives you time to practice driving with the permit before the road test.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after ADOT's waiting period, usually a few days to a week. You do not have to retake the written test. Your temporary permit remains valid during this time as long as it has not expired.
Do I need to bring my own vehicle for the driving test?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and pass a safety inspection. ADOT examiners do not provide vehicles. If you do not own a car, ask a family member or friend if you can use theirs for the test.
How long does the plastic license take to arrive in the mail?
Usually two to three weeks. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact ADOT to report it missing. You can drive with the temporary paper license until the plastic card arrives.
Can I renew my license online or by mail?
No. You must visit an ADOT office in person for a new license. However, some license renewals can be done online if you meet certain requirements; check the ADOT website to see if yours qualifies.