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How do I get an Arizona driver license with a foreign license, and what documents do I need?

Short answer

Arizona expects new residents to get an Arizona license as soon as they settle here, and a foreign license cannot simply be exchanged: you take the vision, written and usually the road test. Bring your passport with visa and arrival record, two proofs of an Arizona address, and your Social Security number if you have one.

The Motor Vehicle Division’s driver-services pages set out the documents: proof of identity and legal presence (a passport with visa and I-94 record, a green card or an employment authorisation card), proof of Arizona residency such as a lease or utility bill, and a Social Security number where one has been issued [1]. Licences for people on temporary status are issued for the length of the authorised stay rather than the usual long term [2].

A licence from another country is not transferable the way a licence from another US state is, so expect a knowledge test on Arizona rules and a road test in your own insured vehicle; the permit-and-test rules and study materials are on the MVD site [1]. Book the office visit through the online portal, which also handles address changes and renewals later [3].

Two practical points. Ask for the Travel ID version if you want to board domestic flights with the licence instead of your passport. And if you are not eligible for a Social Security number, say so at the office rather than leaving the field blank; the Social Security Administration explains who qualifies [4].

Checklist

  1. Passport with visa and I-94, or green card / EAD [1].

  2. Two documents showing your Arizona address (lease, utility bill, bank statement).

  3. Social Security card or number, if issued [4].

  4. Study the Arizona driver manual; schedule the written and road tests online [3].

💬 Ask the assistant about your situationAll questions for this stage

Sources

Official and institutional sources this answer is based on. The numbers in the text point here.

    1.
    • Officialazdot.gov
      ADOT MVD — Driver services ↗

      How to get or transfer an Arizona driver license: required documents (identity, residency, legal presence), tests, the Travel ID (REAL ID) option, and office appointments.

      checked Sep 12, 2026 · verify manually

    2.
    • Officialazdot.gov
      ADOT Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) ↗

      Arizona driver licenses, ID cards, vehicle title and registration, emissions testing requirements, and the rules for new residents transferring an out-of-state license or a vehicle.

      checked Sep 12, 2026 · verify manually

    3.
    • Officialazmvdnow.gov
      AZ MVD Now (online MVD services) ↗

      The MVD self-service portal: renew registration, order a replacement license, update an address, schedule appointments and complete many transactions without an office visit.

      checked Sep 12, 2026 · verify manually

    4.
    • Officialssa.gov
      Social Security Administration ↗

      Applying for a Social Security number and card (including for new immigrants and work-authorised visa holders), replacing a card and Social Security benefits.

      checked Sep 12, 2026 · verify manually

Reviewed: October 7, 2026. General information with sources, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and fees change: check the linked sources and talk to a licensed professional about your own case.

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