How to get your Arizona driver's license

Arizona issues driver's licenses through the Department of Transportation (ADOT). You will need to visit an ADOT office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office itself, but you should plan for wait times — many locations require you to book an appointment online first.

Arizona recognizes several types of driver's licenses depending on your age and citizenship status. A standard license is valid for 12 years if you are over 65, or 60 years if you are under 65. You can renew online or by mail if you have not had violations or address changes, but a first-time license always requires an in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an ITIN to get a driver's license.
  • Arizona requires you to pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs, and a practical driving test in your own vehicle or a rental.
  • The fee for a standard driver's license is $25 if you are under 65, or $10 if you are 65 or older, and you pay when you pass both tests.
  • You can book an appointment at an ADOT office online through the ADOT website, which reduces wait time and is strongly recommended.
  • If you hold a valid out-of-state license, you may not need to retake the driving test, but you still must pass the written test and provide Arizona residency proof.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Arizona. For identity, ADOT accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a birth certificate with a raised seal, a consular report of birth abroad, or a Tribal ID card. A school ID or expired driver's license does not count as proof of identity.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement with your name and Arizona address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office mail forwarding notice does not count. You will also need to provide your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — you cannot get a license without one or the other.

If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or legal guardian to sign your process in person at the ADOT office. Bring their ID as well.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 50 multiple-choice questions about Arizona traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and ADOT can arrange testing in other languages if you request it in advance.

You can study using the Arizona Driver License Manual, which ADOT publishes free online on its website. The manual covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. Many people study for a few hours over a few days and pass on their first try. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra charge, or come back another day.

The driving test and how to schedule it

After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before you drive.

You can use your own car, a rental, or a car borrowed from a friend or family member. The vehicle's owner does not need to be present, but the registration and proof of insurance must be in the car. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment and may wait several weeks depending on how busy the office is.

Fees and payment

A standard driver's license costs $25 if you are under 65 years old, or $10 if you are 65 or older. You pay the fee at the ADOT office after you pass both the written and driving tests. ADOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $10.

If you renew your license by mail or online later, the cost is the same. There are no additional fees for scheduling an appointment or retaking a test.

If you already have a valid out-of-state license

Arizona will not make you retake the driving test if you hold a valid driver's license from another state. You still must pass the written test and provide proof of Arizona residency. You will also need to surrender your out-of-state license — ADOT will keep it and send it back to the issuing state.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to take both the written and driving tests. The same rule applies if you are moving to Arizona from a country outside the United States — you will take both tests unless you hold a valid U.S. state license.

Getting your license after you pass

After you pass both tests, ADOT will issue you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license has the same legal weight as the permanent one — you can drive with it when ready.

If you do not receive your permanent license within two weeks, contact the ADOT office where you took the test. Bring your temporary license and a form of ID. ADOT can reprint your license on the spot if there was an error, or investigate if it was lost in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. Arizona requires you to take both the written and driving tests in person at an ADOT office. You cannot take either test remotely or at a third-party location.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test, but you must schedule a new appointment. Wait times vary by location — some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks. You do not need to retake the written test.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to the ADOT office?

No. You need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN, but you do not need to bring the card itself. You can write the number on your process. ADOT will verify it with the Social Security Administration.

Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will need to bring documentation from the IRS showing your ITIN. If you have neither, you cannot get an Arizona driver's license.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

The appointment at the ADOT office takes 30 minutes to an hour. The written test takes about 15 minutes, and the driving test takes 10 to 15 minutes. Wait times before your appointment depend on how busy the office is — booking online usually reduces the wait. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you pass.