Whether you need your license for the first time or need to do a license transfer from another state, there are a few steps you need to take to learn how to get an Arizona license. An Arizona driver’s license is required to drive a motorcycle in AZ and available for new drivers who are 16 years old and older. You can also get help transferring your license to Arizona if you are moving from out of state.
While you don’t need as many documents as are required to get a passport, you will still need paperwork to prove your identity. If you can’t prove who you are, getting an AZ driver’s license may be challenging. To find out the exact steps involved with how to get an AZ driver license, check out the details below.
Arizona Driver’s License Requirements & Steps
The process involved in getting an AZ driver license isn’t particularly difficult, but it can be time-consuming. To get a new Arizona license, you can use the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) information about tests and study guides to prepare.
Basic Requirements
In order to get a new Arizona driver’s license, you must meet some basic requirements. According to A.R.S. §§ 28-3158(D)(5) and 28-3165(F), you must provide ADOT with your social security number if you want to get your license. Once you give ADOT your social security number, it will be used to check whether you have paid all of your child-support payments.
Along with your social security number, you will also need to prove you are authorized to be in the United States. This can be done through a previous AZ license, an out-of-state license, Arizona Travel ID, or a commercial driver’s license.
To find out how to get an Arizona license, you will need to go to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) branch that is closest to your location. You can also go to one of the state’s authorized third parties if one is nearby.
Applying for Your License
To apply for a new Arizona license, you must take a written knowledge test and a road test. In addition to practicing driving, you must also pass a vision test. Afterward, the type of AZ license application you need will vary depending on your age.
If you are between the ages of 15 ½ and 18, you will need to apply for an instruction permit. People can get a graduated license if they are between the ages of 16 and 18 once they meet the requirements. Anyone older than the age of 18 can get a full driver’s license upfront.
- Commercial Driver’s License: You can get a Class A, B, or C license for driving heavy, commercial vehicles. The class is based on how heavy the vehicle is.
- Graduated Driver License: A Class G license is for people who are between the ages of 16 and 18. It basically serves as a standard driver’s license, but it has more restrictions than an adult license.
- Operator License: Known as a class D license, this license lets you drive any non-motorcycle and non-commercial vehicle. To get this license, you must be at least 18 years old.
- Motorcycle License: A Class M license lets you drive motorcycles, but you must be at least 18 to get a new Arizona driver’s license for motorcycles.
- Instruction Permit: Teens can get an instruction permit as long as they are at least 15 ½ years old. They can also apply for a motorcycle instruction permit. To apply for this license, the teen must be with a licensed driver who is older than 21 years old. The permit lasts for 12 months.
- Arizona Travel ID: An Arizona Travel ID works as an Arizona driver’s license and an identification card for traveling. If you are traveling within the United States, you can use it at any Transportation Security Agency (TSA) checkpoint. By October 1, 2021, you will only be able to travel domestically with some form of federally approved ID.
- Under 21 Driver License: In the state of Arizona, all licenses are displayed horizontally until you reach the age of 21. Once you turn 21, all of your new licenses will be displayed vertically.
The Process of Applying for a License
What do you need to get an AZ driver license? If you are trying to determine how to apply for an Arizona driver’s license, the basic steps are simple and straightforward.
1. Fill Out an AZ License Application
Before you go to the local MVD office, you can apply online. Anyone under the age of 18 will need their parent or guardian’s consent. This consent must be witnessed by a notary public or an MVD agent.
2. Provide Proof of Identity & AZ Residency
According to AZ license requirements, you must bring along a proof of identity document and two additional documents to prove your Arizona residency. To prove your ID, you can supply the MVD with your passport, passport card, or a certified copy of your birth certificate.
To show your Arizona residency, you must bring two documents with your residential address. These can be bank statements, insurance policies, utility bills, or credit cards.
3. Pass the Vision Test
After you show your identity and residency documents, you must provide your social security number and take a vision test. To pass, you must have uncorrected vision of 20/40 in at least one of your eyes.
4. Pay the Fee for your AZ Driver’s License
If you are wondering, “How much does a driver’s license cost in AZ?”, there are few specific prices to be aware of. An instruction permit is only $7. Other AZ licenses costs are:
- People aged 16 to 39: $25
- People aged 40 to 44: $20
- People aged 45 to 49: $15
- People aged 50 and older: $10
- Military and student licenses: $10
Transfer Driver’s License to Arizona – Requirements & Steps
Getting a new Arizona driver’s license is different from transferring your license from another region. What if you want to transfer your driver’s license from out of state? Fortunately, learning how to get an AZ driver license from out of state is fairly straightforward.
If you are moving from out of state, you can transfer your license without having to take the road test or written test again. According to AZ license requirements, you simply have to go through the following steps to start getting an AZ driver license right away.
Step 1: Gather the Requirements
To get your AZ driver license, you need to gather the following things.
- Two documents from the list of accepted documents to show your age, identity, and Arizona residency.
- Your out-of-state driver’s license.
- Proof of your social security number.
- Your driver’s license fee for a Class D license.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
What do you need to get an AZ driver license? You should start by filling out the AZ license application online. Figure out the kind of identity documents you need, and then bring all of your paperwork to the MVD.
Step 3: Go to the MVD
After finding the closest MVD document, you should submit your ID and documents. Then, you must take the vision test. Most likely, your requirement to take a written or road test will be waived because of your out-of-state license.
At this point, you must give the MVD your out-of-state license and pay the license fee. If everything is completed correctly, you will now get your temporary driver’s license.
Step 4: Get Your Class D License
Now that you have your temporary license, you are ready to drive in Arizona. Your permanent license should soon arrive in the mail.
Agency Locations – Make an Appointment at the Agency
In order to see how to get an Arizona license, you must go to the MVD in person. You can arrange an appointment online through AZMVDNow.gov. Appointments can be made for road tests, driver license renewals, Travel IDs, and other MVD services.
While you can turn in your AZ license application in person at the MVD, Arizona is one of the few states where you can get your license from third parties as well. This list of third parties includes driving schools, title companies, and other trusted groups.
You can also visit the MVD branch near you. This web page includes a list of MVD branches, but you can also check this map of locations as well to find one. All of the MVD offices require that you make an appointment before visiting the branch in person.
Because of the appointment requirement, you most likely won’t have a significant wait time. All you have to do is show up at your appointment time and wait for your turn.
FAQ
Can I drive in Arizona with an out-of-state license?
You are legally allowed to drive in Arizona with an out-of-state license. Unlike some states, Arizona will even let international visitors drive as long as they have a driver’s license from their home country.
What is proof of residency in Arizona for getting a driver’s license?
The residency document must show the name of the adult driver or the name of the parent if the driver is a minor. Additionally, it should show the physical description or address of the driver’s home. The following are approved documents.
- Valid AZ driver’s licenses, motor vehicle registration, or identification cards.
- Property tax bills.
- Payroll stubs.
- Section 8 agreement from Arizona.
- Credit card or bank statement.
- Utility bill.
- Real estate deed or mortgage papers.
- On-base billeting.
- W-2s.
- Valid rental agreement or lease.
- Documents from the Veteran’s administration, Arizona Department of Economic Security, tribal agencies, the state, federal agencies, or the social security Administration.
How long do you have to live in Arizona to get a driver’s license?
If you live in Arizona for seven months out of the year, you are considered a resident. Technically, none of the license requirements say how long you have to live in the state to apply. If you already have leases, utility bills, and similar documents to prove your residency in the state, you can go ahead and apply for a license.
Is an Arizona driver’s license valid for travel?
The AZ driver’s license will work until October 2021. After October 2021, the TSA will require federally approved IDs. An Arizona Travel ID will let you travel through any TSA checkpoint.
Can I renew my driver’s license online in Arizona?
Figuring out how to get an AZ driver license renewal is simple. In most cases, you can complete the entire process online by signing into AZMVDNow.gov. Then, you simply have to select the option to renew now and follow the directions.
How long does it take to get your license in the mail?
While getting an AZ driver license in the mail can be fairly fast, you should expect it to take up to 15 days to arrive in your mailbox. Until your permanent license arrives, you can legally drive with your temporary license.
How do you replace a lost driver’s license in Arizona?
If you lose your license, it is easy to get a replacement. To figure out how to apply for an Arizona driver’s license, you just have to go to AZMVDNow.gov. The website will walk you through the process of replacing your license.
How can I update the address on my Arizona driver’s license?
In the state of Arizona, address changes are completely free. You are required to submit your address change within 10 days of moving.
To change your address, go to AZMVDNow.gov or contact the MVD. To change your address, you will have to provide your driver’s license number, name, and date of birth.
How long is an Arizona license good for?
Arizona is unique because you can go over a decade without getting a new license. Once you have your license, it won’t expire until you turn 65. You just have to get your picture updated every 12 years.
Take the Next Steps to Get Your AZ Driver’s License
If you are trying to learn how to get an Arizona license, the steps above cover every aspect you’ll need to know. Getting an AZ driver license is only one step in the process of moving to Arizona. After getting an AZ driver’s license, you still need to transfer your utility bills and unpack your belongings.
Moving is an exciting experience, but it can be stressful without professional help from top-rated AZ movers. If you are struggling with your relocation, call Mentors Moving at (480) 376-1009 or complete the Request a Quote form on this page for a free moving estimate!
