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How to Apply for a Drivers License in Arizona
When applying for a new drivers license in Arizona, you must provide certain documentation, pass testing requirements and pay the applicable fees. However, this process may seem overwhelming if you do not do gather the correct information beforehand. Thus, it is helpful for you to understand all of the requirements and procedures related to obtaining a DMV license from the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the state’s Department of Transportation (AZDOT).
As a general rule, it is important to note that the type of AZ DMV drivers license that you are eligible to receive depends on your age. If you are younger than 18 years of age, you are eligible to receive a graduated driver’s license (class G). Once you reach 18 years of age, you can receive an operator license (class D) instead. Because the steps to receive each type of license vary slightly, it is essential for you to familiarize yourself with the procedure that applies to your circumstances. To learn more about new driver’s license services in Arizona, read the sections below.
How to Apply for a Drivers License in Arizona as an Adult (18 or Older)
Getting an MVD drivers license in Arizona can be complicated if you are unaware of what license you are eligible to get. If you are older than 18 years of age, you can qualify to receive an operator license (class D), which grants you the ability to operate any motor vehicle that does not require a motorcycle credential or a commercial license. Before you can apply for a standard operator license, you must meet certain driver’s license eligibility requirements. For instance, you must be able to prove that you are 18 years of age or older, pass the knowledge, road and vision tests and verify your legal status in the U.S.
A regular AZ MVD drivers license can be obtained by following certain steps. These steps include the following:
- Complete the license application in person at an MVD office. Otherwise, you may fill out a driver’s license online application before visiting a local MVD branch.
- Provide valid documentation, including one of each of the following:
- Primary document for proof of identity that includes your date of birth. This may include a passport, certificate of citizenship, Arizona ID card, original or certified copy of a birth certificate or military ID.
- Secondary document that does not need to include your date of birth. This may include a Social Security card, employee ID, health insurance card, school ID or W-2 form. Conversely, you may provide two primary documents rather than providing a secondary document.
- Proof of your legal presence in the U.S. Present any valid documentation that states that you are legally allowed to be present in the country.
- Proof of your Social Security Number (SSN). You are required to prove your Social Security number when obtaining a license in Arizona.
- Pass a vision exam.
- Pass a written knowledge test and a road skills exam.
- Pay for the DMV license fees, which vary depending on your age.
Getting an Arizona Drivers License as a New Resident
If you are new to Arizona, you must get a new drivers license immediately after you become a state resident. In order to get an AZ license, you must visit a local MVD office and:
- Fill out the AZ drivers license application form (online or in person).
- Provide required documents for proof of legal name, date of birth and Social Security Number (SSN).
- Pass any required tests.
- Pay the applicable fees.
How to Apply for a Drivers License in Arizona as a Teen (Younger Than 18)
If you are younger than 18 years of age, you cannot get a regular class D drivers license, as you will only be eligible for a class G graduated credential. However, it is important to note that a graduated license has certain restrictions attached to it, including the ages of the passengers that you can transport in your vehicle and the time of day that you are allowed to drive. In general, you are encouraged to become familiar with these MVD license restrictions before applying for this type of driving credential.
You must meet certain drivers license eligibility requirements to obtain a graduated license, which is issued to motorists who are younger than 18 years of age. In order to become eligible, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be between 16 and 18 years of age.
- You must have held a valid Arizona learner’s permit for at least six months.
- The learner’s permit must be valid at the time of the application.
- Your parent or guardian must provide proof that you have completed at least 30 hours of supervised driving practice with at least 10 of those hours being at night. Otherwise, you must have successfully completed an MVD-approved driver education
Part of the drivers license application process for teens involves providing proof that you have either completed the mandatory 30 hours of supervised driving or satisfactorily completed a driver’s education course. However, be mindful that opting for a driver’s ed program is your decision, because driver education courses are not mandatory in Arizona.
Steps for Getting a Drivers License in Arizona as a Teen (Younger Than 18)
Before you can qualify to apply for a drivers license due to the fact that you are younger than 18 years of age, you must hold a learner’s permit for at least six months. To get a learner’s permit, you must be at least 15-and-a-half years of age and pass the written and vision tests. Then, you must be able to have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age in the passenger seat with you at all times while driving.
Knowing how to get a drivers license in Arizona is important, especially if you are a teenager looking to obtain a class G license. This graduated license can be acquired by following these steps:
- Complete the DMV driver’s license application form and have it signed by your parent or legal guardian.
- Provide valid documentation such as:
- Primary documents for proof of identity that includes your date of birth.
- Secondary documents that do not need to prove your date of birth.
- Proof of your legal U.S. status.
- Proof of your Social Security Number (SSN).
- Pass a vision exam, a written knowledge test and a practical driving exam.
- Pay for the driver’s license fees, which may vary depending on your age.
Arizona Drivers License Costs
The driver’s license cost for an instruction permit, which is also referred to as a learner’s permit, is $7. On the other hand, the fees for purchasing standard licenses with full privileges vary depending on your age upon submitting an application. The amounts are as follows:
- 16 to 39 years of age – $25
- 40 to 44 years of age – $20
- 45 to 49 years of age – $15
- 50 years of age or older – $10
Sources
- Applying for an Arizona Driver License from AZDOT.gov
- Driver License Information from AZDOT.gov