How to Obtain a Driver License in Arizona

Co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD

Last Updated: December 11, 2024

Whether you recently relocated or are just learning to drive, you will need an Arizona driver license to legally operate a vehicle in the state. The steps to obtain a driver license in Arizona differ depending on whether you are a first-time driver or a transfer from another state. In addition, certain steps will need to be taken if you are replacing a lost or stolen Arizona driver license.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Changing An Out-of-State License

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1
Determine the requirements for eligibility. Arizona requires that you get an Arizona driver license immediately upon becoming an Arizona resident. If any of the following apply, you will need to visit your local Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office as soon as possible:
- You work in Arizona;
- You are registered to vote in Arizona;
- You have children in school in Arizona and don't pay nonresident prices;
- You have a business that operates in Arizona that operates vehicles in the state;
- You pay in-state tuition fees at a university;
- You remain in Arizona for seven or more months out of the year.
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Fill out the required form. If you are moving to Arizona from another state, and have become a resident of Arizona, you will need to fill out Form 40-5122 (Driver License/Identification Card Application). You can also complete and submit the form online at https://apps.azdot.gov/mvd/Application/ApplicationForm.aspx . To successfully fill out the form, you will need the following information:
- Your Social Security number;
- Your personal information, including your Arizona address;
- Disclosures about past license suspensions;
- Medical alerts; and
- Donor information.
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Determine your identification requirements. Before you visit your local MVD office, you will need to obtain acceptable forms of identification in order to prove your age, identification, and legal presence in the United States. ^{[1]
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Research source} When you visit your local MVD office, you will be required to show two documents, one of which needs to have a photo. If you do not have some form of identification with a photo, you will need to present three documents. Any document you present must be an original or certified copy.
- One of your documents must be a primary document , which must show your date of birth and includes enhanced driver licenses from other states, birth certificates, passports, and military ID cards.
- The other documents can be secondary documents , which do not have to show your birth date and includes Social Security cards, selective service cards, W-2 forms, concealed carry permits, credit cards, and school IDs.
If you didn't complete your application online, print out your completed form. Bring the form, your various forms of identification, and your current license to your local Arizona MVD office.
When you arrive at the MVD office, you will be required to surrender your current license from another state. ^{[2]
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While at the MVD office, you will often be given a vision exam. The exam is straightforward and is meant to assess the health of your eyes for driving purposes.
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Pay the required fee. In Arizona, license fees are assessed based on your age. This is due to the fact that Arizona licenses expire on your 65th birthday. Therefore, the older you are, the sooner your license will expire, and the cheaper it will be.
- If you are between 16 and 39, the fee is $25.
- You you are between 40 and 44, the fee is $20.
- If you are between 45 and 49, the fee is $15.
- If you are 50 or older, the fee is $10. ^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying As a Teen Driver

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You must be at least 15 years and six months old in order to qualify for any driving privileges in Arizona. At that age, you can earn a learner's permit. At the age of 16, if you meet other requirements, you can obtain a Class G graduated driver license. When you turn 18 you will become eligible for a Class D regular driver license. ^{[4]
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Take a driver education course. If you are at least 15 years and six months old, you can sign up for and take a state-approved driver education course. During your course, you will receive 30 hours of classroom instruction as well as six hours of behind-the-wheel training.
- If you complete this course successfully, it will satisfy the requirement for 30 hours of supervised driving that you need to get your Class G driver license. ^{[5]
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Obtain a learner's permit. If you do not take a driver education course, you can still sign up with your local MVD Office to get a learner's permit. When you go to your local MVD office, you will need to fill out a Driver License Application (Form 40-5122) and have a parent sign it. You will also have to prove your identity in the same manner you would have to if you were applying for a normal driver license. Next you will take a vision and written exam. If you pass these tests, you will need to pay $7 in order to receive your learner's permit.
- The written exam is relatively extensive and you should study before you visit the MVD. ^{[6]
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Your learner's permit will allow you to drive so long as you have a licensed driver who is 21 or older with you in the front seat at all times. You should try to log 30 hours of total driving time with your learner's permit. 10 of those hours should be at night. ^{[7]
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Earn your Class G driver license. Once you have turned 16 and held your learner's permit for six months, you will be eligible for a Class G driver license. In addition, you must have logged your required 30 hours of supervised driving or completed a driver education course. To get your Class G license you will need to visit your local MVD office and:
- Show your valid learner's permit;
- Bring written certification proving you logged 30 driving hours or a certificate of completion for a driver education course;
- Prove your identity;
- Bring registration and proof of insurance for a vehicle you will be using for the driving test;
- Pay the $25 fee; and
- Pass your MVD road test, which will involve driving with a MVD employee. ^{[8]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Replacing a Lost or Stolen License

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1
Report your lost or stolen license. Lost or stolen licenses can be used to commit crimes and should be reported to your local police department. The reporting process will also help you prevent identity theft. One you report the lost or stolen license, keep the report.
- Even though it is recommended you do this, it is not a legal requirement and any failure to complete this step will not alter your ability to get a replacement. ^{[9]
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You must replace an old license in person if your name has changed or if your license was issued prior to July 1995 (in order to get a new picture).
When you visit your local MVD office, you will need to present the same forms of identification as if you were changing an out-of-state license. ^{[10]
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The fee for replacing a license with a duplicate is $12. Most MVD offices will accept cash, check, or credit cards.
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Use Arizona's online system. If you do not have to visit an MVD office in-person, you might want to consider getting your duplicate online. To start, visit http://servicearizona.com/duplicateLicense?popularclick and click on the button for a "duplicate driver license."
- You will need to enter your name, date of birth, driver license number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- You will then explain why you need a duplicate license. In this case, you would explain that your original has been lost or stolen.
- Pay the $12 fee using a credit card.
- Print out your receipt and your duplicate will be mailed to you in about four weeks. ^{[11]
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If you do not have access to a computer but you do not want to go to the MVD office, you can call 800-251-5866. Let them know you need to apply for a duplicate and they will help you from there. You will pay the $12 fee over the phone with a credit card. Your license should arrive in about four weeks. ^{[12]
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You can send a written request, along with a check for $12 (payable to Motor Vehicle Division), to Motor Vehicle Division, P.O. Box 2100, MD 510, Phoenix, AZ 85001. Your request should include your name, date of birth, Social Security number, Arizona address, and your reason for needing a duplicate. Your new license should arrive in around four weeks. ^{[13]
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