Apply for a License (Under 18) in Arizona

Introduction

So you're ready to earn your very first Arizona driver's license―congratulations! We're here to help. We know the process can seem rather complicated, which is why we've broken it down into easy-to-follow steps that will have you behind the wheel in no time.

Arizona Voluntary Travel ID

The Arizona MVD now issues federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses—called Voluntary Travel IDs—in addition to standard driver’s licenses. A Travel ID will allow you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—after October 2021, a standard driver’s license will not suffice for these activities. Details are outlined below.

New to Arizona?

The AZ Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) handles licensing in Arizona. Teens who have a driver's license in another state can transfer their license to Arizona by:

  • Surrendering the old license at the Motor Vehicle Division office.
  • Taking a vision exam.
  • Paying the $25 fee.

If you wish to obtain a Voluntary Travel ID, you'll need to bring all required proofs of identity and residency. See the application steps below for details.

You will be issued a Class G graduated license, and will need to follow the driving restrictions listed below for a Class G license for the first 6 months the license is issued to you.

Teens with out-of-state instruction permits must meet the requirements of Arizona's graduated driver licensing (GDL) program, outlined below.

About the Arizona GDL Program

Arizona is one of many states that has implemented a graduated driver licensing (GDL) program, in which teens must complete a number of requirements before obtaining a full driver's license. In Arizona, teens must first earn a learner's permit, then a Class G graduated license, before earning a full Class D operator's license.

Driver's Education in Arizona

Teens in Arizona have the option of completing a state-approved driver's education course to give themselves a strong foundation for safe and responsible driving. This course will include:

  • 30 hours of classroom instruction.
  • 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

A Driver's Ed course satisfies the requirement for the 30 hours of supervised driving practice required for a graduated driver's license. For more information, visit our page on Driver's Education in Arizona.

Age Requirements

  • 15 years and 6 months old: Eligible for learner's permit.
  • 16 years old: Eligible for Class G graduated license.
  • 18 years old: Eligible for Class D driver's license.

How to Get an Arizona Learner's Permit

You may apply for a graduated instruction permit once you are 15 years and 6 months old. Before you do, it's a good idea to prepare yourself for the written exam. The MVD offers a basic practice test that you can study.

Ace Your Exam on the First Try!

Don't leave your permit test to chance—take our free permit practice test with questions directly from the AZ driver handbook. It's the fastest, easiest way to set yourself up for success!

After you've studied, go to your nearest MVD office and:

  • Submit a Driver License Application (Form 40-5122), which the MVD lets you begin online.
    • If you are under 18 years old, your parent or legal guardian's signature must be witnessed by an MVD agent or notary. Since you can begin the form online, the MVD agent will likely print it at your office visit and witness your parent's signature.
  • Provide proof of your:
    • Identity (1 document must a primary document).
    • Social Security number (1 document).
    • Arizona residency (2 documents).
  • Pass a vision exam.
  • Pass the DMV written test.
  • Pay the $7 instruction permit fee.

Behind-the-Wheel Requirements

With your instruction permit, you must log at least 30 hours of supervised driving practice with a licensed driver 21 years old or older in the front seat at all times. 10 hours must be driven at night, and 20 hours during the daytime.

You must hold your learner's permit for a minimum of 6 months before applying for your graduated driver's license.

Once you've passed your written test, you will be issued your graduated instruction permit. You can now begin your behind-the-wheel practice.

How to Get an Arizona Graduated Driver's License

Once you are at least 16 years old and have held your learner's permit for at least 6 months, you're eligible for your Class G provisional license. You can get your Class G provisional license in standard or Voluntary Travel ID format.

Make sure you've either completed all 30 hours of supervised driving practice, or you've completed a state-approved Driver's Ed course (see above). 

When you're ready, make an appointment at your local MVD office for your driving test. Make sure to bring:

  • Your valid learner's permit.
  • One of the following documents:
    • Written certification from your parent/guardian proving that you completed 30 hours of supervised driving.
    • Proof of completion from a state-approved driver's education course.
  • The relevant identity documents based on the type of driver's license you want (REAL ID-compliant Travel ID vs. non-compliant license).
    • For a federally approved Voluntary Travel ID, the following items from this list of acceptable documents:
      • 1 document proving your Identity.
      • Your Social Security number.
      • 2 documents proving Arizona residency.
        • If you can’t provide the required residency documents, you must complete and submit an Arizona Residency Affidavit (Form 40-5143).
    • For a Non-Travel ID driver's license, the following items from this list of acceptable documents:
      • Proof of identity (1 document must a primary document).
      • 1 document showing your Social Security number.
      • 2 documents proving Arizona residency.
  • The registration and proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be testing in.
  • A completed Driver License Application (Form 40-5122), which can be started online.
    • Parent or legal guardian's signature must be notarized or witnessed by an MVD agent for applicants under 18 years old.
  • Payment for the $25 driver's license fee.

Once you pass your DMV road test, you will earn your Class G graduated driver's license. You can apply for an operators license when you turn 18 years old, but are not required to do so.

Provisional License Driving Restrictions

With your graduated driver's license, there also come some driving restrictions:

  • You may not drive with more than 1 passenger under 18 years old, unless:
    • They are your siblings. 
    • You are driving with your parent/guardian in the front seat.
  • For the first 6 months with your license, you may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless:
    • You are driving with your parent/guardian in the front seat. 
    • You are driving to or from work, church, school, or because of a family emergency.

After the first 6 months, as long as you have not received any traffic violations or license suspensions, these parameters will be lifted, and you may drive without restriction.

Don't Drive Distracted

As a licensed driver, it is important that you remember that while you are behind the wheel, you must have all your attention dedicated to the task of driving. Learn all about the dangers of driving distracted by visiting the Distracted Driving section of our website.

Arizona Class D Operator's License

Once you turn 18 years old, you are eligible to apply for a Class D operator's license. You may either continue to use your Class G provisional license, or you may choose to obtain a new duplicate license with the Class D designation.

To do so, go to your local MVD office with:

  • Your provisional license.
  • Acceptable documents proving your identity (see above for documents required for a Travel ID or Non-Travel ID).
  • A Driver License Application (Form 40-5122).
  • Payment:
    • Non-Travel ID: $12.
    • Travel ID: $25.

If you’re changing the designation from Class G to Class D and your Class G isn’t a Voluntary Travel ID but you want one, you must bring all extra documents and fees listed in the application steps above.

You can also obtain a duplicate driver's license online, OR by phone, and by mail, IF you're an active military member or a dependent of an active military member stationed outside of the state.

  • Online―Visit the Service Arizona website.
  • By phone―(800) 251-5866
  • By mail―Send the above documents, with a photocopy of your driver's license and a check made payable to the Motor Vehicle Division, to:
    • Motor Vehicle Division
    • P.O. Box 2100
    • MD 510
    • Phoenix, AZ 85001

While you complete the steps towards your first Arizona driver's license, you can follow our new driver checklist.

Other Arizona Teen Driver's Licenses

Arizona Teen Motorcycle License

Teens can get a motorcycle learner's permit at 15 years and 6 months old. To do so, go to your local MVD office with:

You will need to pass the motorcycle DMV written test before you're issued your motorcycle permit. If you haven't yet obtained a regular Class G or D driver's license, you'll also need to pass the written driver's licensing test.

With your permit, you may only drive with a licensed motorcycle driver alongside you. You may not drive between sunset and sunrise, or on freeways or interstate highways. Your permit is valid for 7 months.

Teens can get a motorcycle license when they:

  • Are at least 16 years old.
  • Have held a motorcycle learner's permit for at least 6 months.
  • Complete one of the following requirements:
    • Pass an approved motorcycle rider education course.
    • Complete at least 30 hours of motorcycle riding practice, with your parent/guardian's written certification.
  • Pass the driving test.
  • Travel ID acceptable documents, if you wish to apply for a Travel ID.
  • Pay the $25 license fee, or the $7 motorcycle endorsement fee if you already have a Class G or D driver's license.

Forms

40-5122
Driver License/Identification Card Application
Apply for an Arizona driver's license, learner's permit, OR identification card with the MVD.
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