Whether you have just relocated to the Grand Canyon State or are ready to obtain your first Arizona driver's license, the exciting task of securing your new license can easily feel overwhelming! To drive in Arizona, you must obtain a valid driver's license and the legally required minimum liability coverage. Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) understands the importance of having both proper auto insurance coverage and a valid driver's license. Discover how to get an Arizona driver’s license through the Arizona Department of Transit (ADOT) and familiarize yourself with the step-by-step process:
Arizona driver's license requirements
Before you pay a visit to your local Arizona DMV office, make sure you meet the following requirements for your intended license type:
- Age requirements - For a graduated license you must be at least 16 years old but less than 18. For a driver's license, you must be at least 18 years old or have held your graduated license for a minimum of 6 months and one day. For a commercial license, the minimum age is 21. If you are at least 18, you may apply for an intrastate CDL that is valid only in Arizona, (ADOT).
- Residency requirements - To obtain your Arizona driver's license you will also need to provide proof of residency in Arizona through two separate documents.
Documents required for application
Per ADOT, you will need to submit the following documents along with your driver's license application:
- Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
- Social Security number
- Two proofs of Arizona residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
Please note that the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) requires the right to request additional information and documentation. Furthermore, all documents must be originals or certified copies in English.
Step-by-step guide to getting your Arizona driver’s license
Don’t waste precious time by being unprepared for your license requirements! Take a moment to look over the necessary steps for acquiring your AZ license:
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Before your MVD appointment, consult this checklist to make sure you have acceptable forms of proof of identity, social security, and residency ready.
Step 2: Take a driver’s education course (if needed)
If you are a new driver, or a teen applying for a permit, it may be prudent to take a driver’s educational course.
Step 3: Obtain a learner’s permit
To obtain a learner’s permit, you must be at least 15 and a half years old. You must fill out a completed application, provide supporting documents, and take your permit test (which can now be done at home). Please note that while practicing driving, your teen must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age and seated in the front seat next to them. According to ADOT, at the time of publishing, the fee for a learner’s, or ‘instruction’ permit is $7.
Before your road test, it will be necessary to log supervised driving practice. ADOT states that the applicant should complete at least 30 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night for a graduated driver's license. Alternatively, the applicant can complete at least 20 hours of supervised driving practice including at least 6 hours at night, if the applicant has completed a driver education program offered by a traffic survival school or a certified defensive driving school approved by the Arizona Supreme Court.
Step 4: Schedule and pass the written test
To move onto the road test, the new river will need to pass a vision and written test. For proper test preparation, it is advisable that the driver thoroughly studies the Arizona Driver’s Manual and takes sample practice tests.
Step 5: Pass the road test
The last step in securing that license is the road test! This challenge will test the driver’s basic safety knowledge, driving, and parking skills. Please be aware that to successfully schedule and take your test you will need to have:
- A vehicle in good operating condition complete with valid registration and current liability insurance.
- A parent or legal guardian accompanying you (if under 18).
- Held an instruction permit for at least six months (or a passed written test if over 18).
- A thorough understanding of Arizona traffic signs and English-based instructions.
You will be asked to drive a test route through a variety of traffic situations ranging from changing lanes to proper signaling. Take time to consult the knowledge checklists prior to your appointment. According to ADOT an accumulation of 21 points or more will result in a road test failure.
No road test will be necessary if the driver completes a High School Driver Education or Authorized Third Party Driver License Driver Education Program and provides proof of completion within twelve months of issuance.
Transferring an out-of-state license
Are you a recent transfer to Arizona? Transferring an out-of-state- driver’s license doesn’t need to be a headache. As per ADOT, if you have a current out-of-state driver's license in your possession, you typically will not have to take a written or road test.
Be sure to bring along the following documents to the MVD office:
- Your current driver's license or identification card
- Proof of authorized presence in the U.S.
- Your social security number/card
Please note that to obtain a new Travel ID (REAL ID) you'll also need two items from a business, organization, or government entity that display your current residency. It can be helpful to transfer your out-of-state license as soon as possible, since you will be considered an Arizona resident If you spend seven months or more in the state, regardless of your permanent residence.
If you are applying for an Arizona license as an immigrant or foreign national, you will need to provide documentation that includes:
- An Employment Authorization Card
- The USCIS form I-94
- Proof of Permanent Residency
IIA understands the challenges that can arise when driving in a foreign country and is fully equipped to provide quality coverage options for individuals with foreign driver’s licenses.
Costs and fees associated with getting a license
At the time of publishing the latest ADOT licensing fees are as follows:
- Learner’s permit fee - $7
- Driver’s license fees - range from $10 - $25 depending on age
- Testing fees for out-of-state skill tests - $15
Additional tips for Arizona drivers
Driving without a valid license in Arizona can lead to fees, penalties, and possible license suspension. ADOT suggests regularly updating your license information (address/name changes) and adopting safe driving habits to avoid the risk of penalties or suspension. In Arizona, licenses are valid until you are 65 years of age, but your photo must be renewed every 12 years. Depending on where you live and/or commute within the state, your vehicle may also be required to undergo emissions testing as per the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Check if you live within the emissions testing area and determine if your vehicle requires testing.
Nothing beats the exhilaration and freedom of your very first drive after securing your license. However, along with this freedom comes the legal responsibility of securing sufficient liability insurance. Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) understands the importance of quality and affordable Arizona auto insurance and is proud to extend coverage to drivers everywhere from Yuma to Tempe.
Ready to kick start your auto insurance journey? Call us at 1-855-478-3705 and receive a free auto quote today!