If you have recently moved or are learning to drive, you will need a license from the state of Arizona to legally operate a vehicle. The steps to obtain it depend on whether you are an initial driver or want to request a transfer from another state. Also, you need to take extra steps if you want to replace a lost or stolen Arizona driver's license.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Change a license from another state
Step 1. Know the eligibility requirements
The state of Arizona requires that you obtain a driver's license immediately upon becoming a state resident. If your case is one of the following, approach the Department of Motor Vehicles as soon as possible:
- You work in Arizona.
- You are registered to vote in Arizona.
- You have children who attend school in Arizona and pay no non-resident fees.
- You have a business that operates in Arizona and has vehicles in the state.
- You pay state tuition fees at a university.
- You live in Arizona for at least seven or more months in a year.
Step 2. Complete the required forms
If you want to move to Arizona from another state to become an official resident, you will need to complete Form 40-5122 (Application for Driver's License or Identification Card). You can also find it at http://www.azdot.gov/docs/default-source/mvd-forms-pubs/40-5122.pdf?sfvrsn=5 in English. You can also complete and submit the form online through the website: https://apps.azdot.gov/mvd/Application/ApplicationForm.aspx. Please note that you will need the following information to complete it correctly:
- your social security number
- your personal information, including your address in Arizona
- Disclosures About Past License Suspensions
- medical alerts
- donor information
Step 3. Find out what the identification requirements are
Before approaching the Department of Motor Vehicles, obtain acceptable forms of identification to present proof of your age, identification, and legal presence in the United States. When visiting the office, you will have to show two documents, of which one must have a photo. In the case of not having a photo ID, you will have to present three documents. All the documentation you present must be original or certified copy.
- One of the documents must be a primary one that shows your date of birth and includes out-of-state extended driver's licenses, birth certificates, passports, or military identification cards.
- The rest of the documents can be secondary and do not need to show your date of birth such as your social security card, selective service cards, W-2 forms, permits to carry weapons, credit cards and identification of student.
Step 4. Print the entire package
If you have not completed the online application, please print the completed form. Then, bring it along with the various identification documents and your current license to the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles.
Step 5. Surrender your out-of-state license
Upon arrival at the Department of Motor Vehicles, they will ask you to surrender your current out-of-state license.
Step 6. Pass the vision test
When approaching the Department of Motor Vehicles, you will generally need to undergo an eye exam. It is generally straightforward and allows an assessment of eye health for driving reasons.
Step 7. Pay the required fees
In Arizona, license fees are determined by age. This is because licenses expire at age 65. Therefore, the bigger you are, the sooner your license will expire, and the cheaper it will be.
- If you are between the ages of 16 and 39, the value is $ 25.
- If you are between 40 and 44 years old, the value is $ 20.
- If you are between 45 and 49 years old, the value is $ 15.
- If you are 50 years of age or older, the value is $ 10.
Method 2 of 3: Apply for a Teen License
Step 1. Meet the minimum age requirements
You must be at least 15 years and six months old to qualify for Arizona driving benefits. From this age, you can obtain a beginner's permit. Once you are 16 years old, if you meet the rest of the requirements, you will be able to obtain a class G driver's license. When you turn 18, you will meet the requirement to obtain a class D driver's license.
Step 2. Take a driving course
If you are at least 15 years and six months old, you can enroll and take a state-approved driving course that will allow you to receive 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
If you successfully complete the course, you will meet the requirement of 30 hours of supervised driving necessary to obtain a class G driver's license
Step 3. Obtain the beginner's permit
If you haven't taken a driving course, you can still apply for a learner's permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles. As you approach the office, you will need to complete the driver's license application (form 40-5122) and have one of your parents sign it. You will also have to provide your identity in the same way as if you wanted to apply for a normal driver's license. Then take the written and vision test. If you pass them, you will have to pay $ 7 to receive the learner's permit.
The written exam is usually relatively long and you should study before approaching the Department of Motor Vehicles
Step 4. Record supervised hours behind the wheel
The learner's permit will allow you to drive as long as you are accompanied by a licensed driver over the age of 21 in the front seat at all times. Try to record 30 hours of total driving with the beginner's license, of which 10 must be at night.
Step 5. Obtain a class G driver's license
Once you have reached the age of 16 and have used your learner's permit for six months, you will meet the requirements to obtain a class G driver's license. In addition, you will need to have logged the corresponding 30 hours of supervised driving or have completed a course in driving. To obtain the class G license, you will have to approach the Department of Motor Vehicles and complete the following steps:
- Show your valid learner's permit.
- Carry a written certification showing that you have logged 30 hours of driving or a certificate stating that you have completed a driving course.
- Provide proof of your identity.
- Bring the record and proof of insurance for the vehicle that you will use during the test drive.
- Pay a fee of $ 25.
- Pass the Department of Motor Vehicles road test that involves driving with an employee of that entity.
Method 3 of 3: Replace a Lost or Stolen License
Step 1. Report the loss or theft of your license
This type of documentation could be used to commit crimes, so it is important that you make a report to the local Police Department. The process will also help you avoid identity theft. Once you report the loss or theft of your license, keep the police report.
While recommended, it is not a legal requirement, and skipping this step will not affect your ability to obtain a replacement
Step 2. Approach the Department of Motor Vehicles
You must replace an old license in person if your name has changed or it was issued before July 1995 (to take a new photo).
Step 3. Provide proof of your identity
When approaching the Department of Motor Vehicles, you will need to present the same forms of identification as if you wanted to change a license from another state.
Step 4. Pay the required fee
The fee to replace a license with a duplicate is $ 12. Most Motor Vehicle Departments accept cash, checks, or credit cards.
Step 5. Use the Arizona online system
If you don't have to personally approach the Department of Motor Vehicles, consider getting a duplicate online. To get started, go to the website servicearizona.com/duplicateLicense?popularclick and click on the "replace a driver's license" button.
- You will need to enter your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the last four digits of your social security number.
- Next, you will have to explain the reasons why you need to obtain a duplicate of your license. In this case, mention the loss or theft of your license.
- Pay the $ 12 fee by credit card.
- Print the receipt. You will receive the duplicate in the mail in approximately four weeks.
Step 6. Call the Department of Motor Vehicles
If you do not have access to a computer, but do not want to approach the Department of Motor Vehicles, you can call 800-251-5866. Inform that you need to request a duplicate and your interlocutor will help you from there. You will have to pay a fee of $ 12 over the phone with your credit card. You will receive the license in approximately four weeks.
Step 7. Request the license by mail
You can send a written request along with a check for $ 12 (made payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles) to: Department of Motor Vehicles, P. O. Box 2100, MD 510, Phoenix, AZ 85001. The application must include your name, date of birth, Social Security number, Arizona address, and the reason you need a duplicate. You will receive the new license in approximately four weeks.