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How to get a driver's license in Arizona as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Arizona needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Temporary visitors may drive with a valid license from their home country; an International Driving Permit is recommended but not required.
Deadline after moving
Not stated in official sources
License exchange without tests
4 countries
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
Provide your Social Security number (required by A.R.S. 28-3158); the card itself may be needed only for name changes.

Driving on a foreign license

Temporary visitors may drive with a valid license from their home country; an International Driving Permit is recommended but not required.

Exchanging a foreign license

  • Canada
  • Germany
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan

Holders of a current, valid license from these countries are exempt from both the written and road tests. The permit-test page adds age 18 or older for Taiwan and South Korea.

If your country is not on the list

Holders of licenses from all other countries must pass both the written and road tests.

Canada, Germany, South Korea, Taiwan: Exempt from both written and road tests. azdot.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • Employment Authorization Card
  • USCIS Form I-94

License validity: Your Arizona license expires on the same date as your authorized presence document.

Your Arizona license will expire on the same date as your authorized presence document. azdot.gov

Social Security number

Provide your Social Security number (required by A.R.S. 28-3158); the card itself may be needed only for name changes.

You are required by A.R.S. §§ 28-3158(D)(4) and 28-3165(F)… to provide your Social Security number. azdot.gov

Proof of residency

Foreign applicants must show proof of Arizona residency; the number of documents for a standard license is not stated (a Travel ID needs 2 documents with your Arizona address).

They also must have proof of Arizona residency. azdot.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather your authorized presence document (green card, EAD or passport with I-94), SSN, and proof of Arizona residency.
  2. If you hold a valid license from Canada, Germany, South Korea or Taiwan, bring it; you skip the written and road tests.
  3. Others: take the 30-question written permit test at any MVD office (80% to pass; offered in Russian, Spanish and other languages).
  4. Get the instruction permit ($7) with vision test and photo; the 6-month holding period does not apply once you are 18.
  5. Practice, then schedule and pass the road test.
  6. Pay the license fee ($25 for ages 16-39); the license expires with your authorized presence document.

Fees

Standard license: $25 (ages 16-39), $20 (40-44), $15 (45-49), $10 (50+); instruction permit $7.

Ages 16-39: $25 azdot.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Arizona

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.