What you need before you visit the MVD
Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) requires you to bring specific documents in person. You cannot get a license by mail or online — you must visit an MVD office or an authorized third-party office.
Bring proof of identity (a valid passport, birth certificate, or consular ID), proof of Arizona residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their ID.
If you're renewing and your current license is still valid, you can renew by mail or online through the MVD website — but a first-time license or a license after it has expired for more than five years requires an in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVD office or authorized third-party location in person with proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number.
- The written test covers Arizona traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official MVD handbook available free on their website.
- The driving test takes about 10 minutes and tests basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws.
- Processing takes about 10 business days; you'll receive a temporary paper license at the office and the plastic card by mail.
- The fee is $25 for a five-year license or $50 for a ten-year license, and you must be at least 16 years old.
Scheduling your MVD appointment
The MVD office system runs on appointments. Go to the MVD website and click "Schedule an Appointment" to pick your location, date, and time. Most offices have appointments available within one to three weeks, though busy locations in Phoenix and Tucson may have longer waits.
If you cannot get an appointment online, you can call the MVD at 602-255-0072 (Phoenix area) or 1-888-373-4827 (statewide). Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but you may wait several hours.
Bring your appointment confirmation email or number with you. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may have to wait longer for the next available slot.
Passing the written test
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request a reader if you need one.
Study using the official Arizona Driver License Manual, which is free on the MVD website. It covers everything the test asks about: speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different signs mean, and how to handle hazards. Most people study for a few hours over a few days and pass on their first try.
You get one attempt per visit. If you fail, you can schedule another appointment and retake it.
Taking the driving test
The driving test lasts about 10 minutes. An examiner sits in your car while you drive a set route in your local area. They watch how you handle basic tasks: starting the car, turning, parking, stopping at signs, and merging into traffic.
Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors work. If anything is broken, you cannot test that day.
You must pass the written test before you take the driving test. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it at your next appointment.
Fees and license types
A five-year driver's license costs $25. A ten-year license costs $50. You pay at the MVD office when you pass both tests. Arizona does not charge extra for a Real ID-compliant license — all standard licenses now meet Real ID requirements for federal purposes like flying domestically.
If you are 16 or 17, you get a restricted license that has nighttime and passenger limits until you turn 18. The restrictions lift automatically; you do not need to renew.
What happens after you pass
You receive a temporary paper license at the MVD office that day. It is valid when ready for driving. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 10 business days — sometimes faster.
Check your address on the temporary license before you leave the office. If it is wrong, tell the examiner and they will correct it. Once you leave, changing your address requires a separate trip or an online change through the MVD website.
Your new license is valid for five or ten years from the date you receive it, depending on which term you chose.
If you have an out-of-state or foreign license
If you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state or a foreign country, you still must take both the written and driving tests in Arizona. You cannot transfer a license from another state — Arizona requires everyone to test.
Your out-of-state license remains valid while you are getting your Arizona license, so you can drive legally during the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online?
No. Both the written and driving tests must be taken in person at an MVD office or authorized third-party location. You cannot test remotely.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it at your next appointment. There is no extra fee — you only pay once when you first pass both tests. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a license?
You need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you do not have either, the MVD can issue a license without one, but you must bring a letter from the IRS or Social Security Administration explaining why you do not have a number.
Can someone else pick up my plastic license card?
No. The card is mailed to the address you provided at the MVD office. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address online through the MVD website and request a remail, or visit an office in person.
How long does the whole process take?
From scheduling to holding your plastic card is usually three to five weeks. The appointment itself takes 30 minutes to an hour. The written test takes about 10 minutes, and the driving test takes about 10 minutes. The plastic card arrives by mail within 10 business days after you pass.