How To Get An Arizona Driver’s License

This article will give you the information you need to get your Arizona driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, and motorcycle license.

Continue reading to learn how to obtain your Arizona driver’s license!

Types of Arizona Driver’s License

In the Grand Canyon state, there are different types of driver’s licenses. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of AZ driver’s licenses.

Class D Driver’s License – this driver’s license is a standard driver’s license in Arizona. With this license, you can operate traditional, non-commercial, passenger cars and trucks.
Non-Commercial Class M Driver’s License – this license allows you to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycles, such as a scooter or moped.
Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)
- Class A – required to operate a combination vehicle, such as a truck and a trailer with a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of at least 26,001 lbs.
- Class B – required to operate a single motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of at least 26,001 lbs.
- Class C – required to operate a vehicle that transports materials that are considered hazardous by federal law

Arizona Driver’s License Requirements

Before you visit your local Arizona Department of Transportation (AZ DOT) office, you need to determine whether you are required to apply for a new AZ driver’s license.

You are required to have an Arizona driver’s license if:

You are a current resident of Arizona who has never obtained a driver’s license
You are a new resident of Arizona and want to apply for an AZ driver’s license or transfer your out-of-state driver’s license
You intend on operating any non-commercial, CDL, or traditional vehicles described above
You have legal presence in the state of Arizona and the United States (you are not required to obtain an AZ driver’s license if you possess a diplomatic driver’s license that has been issued by the U.S. Department of State)

You are not required to obtain an Arizona driver’s license if:

You’re at least 18 years old and visiting Arizona with a valid out-of-state driver’s license
You’re an active military member or dependent who is stationed in Arizona, as long as you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, and you haven’t established residency in Arizona
You operate farm vehicles off public highways
You ONLY operate registered off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles without accessing public roads (other than crossing public roads)

Applying for Your Arizona Driver’s License

The state of Arizona does not require adult applicants to obtain a permit before applying. However, if this is your first time obtaining a license anywhere, you must get a permit to practice driving before getting your full AZ driver’s license.

To apply for your AZ driver’s license, you need to you:

Complete the Driver License/Identification Card Application (Form 40-5122). The Arizona Motor Vehicle Department (AZ MVD) allows you to start the license application process online, which allows you to:
- Complete the application
- Determine your ID requirements
- Print your completed package
  - You must bring the completed paperwork with you to the AZ MVD or authorized third-party office to receive your license

The information you submit online will be transferred electronically to the MVD and stored for when you visit your local AZ MVD office.

To complete your new AZ driver’s license application process:

Submit your completed license application (Form 40-5122)
Surrender your out-of-state license (if you’re a new resident)
For a federally approved Voluntary Travel ID driver’s license, you must present original or certified copies in English from the list of acceptable documents found here. You will need:
- 1 document that proves your identity
- Social security number
- 2 documents proving your AZ residency (if you can’t submit the necessary residency documents, you need to submit an Arizona Residency Affidavit (Form 40-5143)

If you need a Non-Travel ID Arizona driver’s license, you must provide original or certified copies that include:

A minimum of 2 document that proves your identity (use this list of acceptable documents) – 1 document must be a primary document
1 document proving your social security number
2 documents providing Arizona residency
Provide proof of a name change, if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or similar documentation)
Pass the AZ vision exam
Pass the AZ written knowledge test (unless exempt)
- If you attain a permit, you will not be required to take the permit test
- New AZ residents generally do not have to complete this exam
Pass the AZ driving test (unless exempt) – New residents are generally not required to take the driving test
Pay all applicable fees

Once these steps are completed, you will be issued a temporary license with your photo. Your permanent driver’s license will be sent to you by mail at the address you provided on the AZ driver’s license/identification application.

Your Arizona driver’s license will expire when you turn 50 years old. However, you will be required to obtain an updated photo and vision exam every 12 years. Applicants who are at least 50 years of age will receive an AZ driver’s license that is valid for 5 years.

Be advised that minors (individuals who are under 21 years of age) will be issued a driver’s license with a vertical orientation that indicates the driver is a minor. Individuals who obtain minor licenses can continue to use the license once they turn 21 years old or apply for a duplicate license that has a horizontal orientation.

Acceptable Identification Documents in Arizona

In the state of Arizona, there are different types of acceptable identification documents you can use when you’re applying for your AZ driver’s license:

Proof of Identity
- Birth certificate
- U.S. passport or passport card

If you require a certified copy of an Arizona birth certificate, the Arizona Department of Health Services now accepts online orders, and expedited processing is available. Click here for more information.

Social Security Number
- Social security card
Proof of Arizona Residency (2 printed documents with your current Arizona residential address)
- Utility bill
- Credit card/bank statements
- Insurance policy

Be advised that if the legal name is different from the name present on a document, you are required to show legal proof of a name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you do not have the required Arizona residency documents, you are required to complete an Arizona Residency Affidavit (Form 40-5143)

Obtaining an Arizona Driver’s License Under the Age of 18 Years Old

In Arizona, the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) handles the licensing process in Arizona. Teenagers who have a driver’s license in a different state are allowed to transfer their driver’s license to the state of Arizona by:

Surrendering your old driver’s license at an MVD office
Completing the vision exam
Paying the $25 fee

If you want to obtain a Voluntary Travel ID, you must bring all required proofs of identity and residency.

You will be issued a Class G Arizona graduated license and will need to follow the driving restrictions listed below for the first 6 months of obtaining the license.

Teenagers who have an out-of-state instruction permit are required to meet the requirements of AZ’s graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) program.

The Arizona GDL Program

Arizona, like many states, implemented a graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) program. This program requires teens to complete different requirements before they can obtain a full Arizona driver’s license. In Arizona, teens in this state are required to obtain a learner’s permit, then a Class G graduated license before they can earn a full Class D Arizona driver’s license.

Arizona teens have the option of completing a state-approved driver’s education course to give them a foundation for responsible and safe driving. The Arizona GDL course includes:

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

An Arizona driver’s ed course satisfies the requirement for the 30 hours of supervised driving practice that is required for a graduated driver’s license.

Age Requirements

In the state of Arizona, the age requirements for an AZ license are as follows:

15 years and 6 months old: eligible for a 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

Once you turn 15 and 6 months old, you are eligible to obtain a graduated instruction permit. After you have studied, and are ready to take the next steps in the AZ licensing process, you need to go to your local AZ MVD office and:

Submit a Driver’s License Application (Form 40-5122) – You can start this application online. Click here for more information.
- If you are younger than 18 years old, your parent or legal guardian is required to be witnessed by an MVD employer or notary providing their signature.
Provide proof of your:
- Identity (1 document must be a primary document)
- Social security number (1 document)
- Arizona residency (2 documents) Click here for accepted documents by the MVD.
Pass the AZ vision exam
Pass the AZ DMV written test
Pay the $7 instruction permit fee

Behind-the-Wheel Requirements

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

You must obtain your AZ learner’s permit for a minimum of 6 months before you are eligible to apply for your graduated driver’s license. Once you’ve passed the AZ written test, you will be issued your graduated instruction permit and allowed to start your behind-the-wheel practice.

How to Get an Arizona Graduated Driver’s License

When you are at least 16 years old and have attained your learner’s permit for at least 6 months, you are eligible to earn your Class G provisional license. You can obtain your Arizona Class G provisional driver’s license in standard or Voluntary Travel ID format.

You need to make sure you’ve either completed all 30 hours of supervised driving practice, or you’ve completed a state-approved driver’s ed course. When you’re ready to get your AZ graduated driver’s license, you must schedule an appointment at your local AZ MVD office to complete your driving test.

Make sure you bring the following:

Your valid learner’s permit
One of the following documents:
- Written certification from your parent or legal guardian proving that you completed 30 hours of supervised driving
- Proof of completion from a state-approved driver’s education course
The relevant identity documentation based on the type of driver’s license you want (REAL ID-compliant Travel ID or non-compliant license) For a federally approved Voluntary Travel ID, you need to present the following documents:
- 1 document that proves your identity
- Your social security number
- 2 documents proving your AZ residency (if you are not able to provide the required AZ residency documents, you are required to complete and submit an Arizona Residency Affidavit (Form 40-5143)
The vehicle’s registration and proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be using to complete your driving test
A completed Arizona Driver’s License Application (Form 40-5122)
- Keep in mind that your parent or legal guardian’s signature must be notarized or witnessed by an AZ MVD agent for all applicants under the age of 18.
Payment for the $25 driver’s license fee

After passing the AZ DMV test, you will earn your Class G Arizona graduated driver’s license. You will be allowed to apply for an AZ operator’s license once you turn 18 years old, but you are not required to do so.

Provisional Driver’s License Restrictions

With your graduated driver’s license, you need to know about the following driving restrictions:

You are NOT allowed to drive with more than 1 passenger who is under 18 years old, unless they are your siblings, or you are driving with your parent or legal guardian in the front seat.
For the first 6 months, you have your license, you are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle between midnight and 5 AM unless you are driving with your parent or legal guardian in the front seat or 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 restrictions will be lifted, and you can operate a motor vehicle without restrictions.

Applying for Your Official Class D Arizona Driver’s License

Once you turn 18 years old, you are eligible to apply for an Arizona Class D driver’s license. You can continue to use your AZ Class G provisional license, or you can choose to obtain a new duplicate license with the Class D designation.

To get your official Class D Arizona driver’s license, you need to visit your local Arizona MVD office with:

Your provisional license
Acceptable documents that prove your identity
A Driver’s License Application (Form 40-5122)
Payment for:
- Non-travel ID: $12
- Travel ID: $25

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

You are also allowed to obtain a duplicate driver’s license online, by phone, or by mail f you’re an active military member or a dependent of an active military member who is stationed outside of the state.

Online – Visit the Service Arizona website
By phone – (800) 251-5866
By mail – Send the above-listed 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

Getting Your Driver’s License as a New Resident of Arizona

Once you establish residency in the state of Arizona, you must get an Arizona driver’s license and register your vehicle(s).

The state of Arizona considers you a resident when ANY of the following situations apply:

You work in Arizona (this does NOT apply to seasonal farm workers)
You’re registered to vote in Arizona
Your children go to an Arizona school and the tuition rate reflects that of a resident
Your business operates in Arizona and operates vehicles in the state
You have a business that uses vehicles as transport for goods or passengers in Arizona
You live in Arizona for 7 months or more during a calendar year (regardless of whether you claim Arizona as your permanent residence)

If you are an active-duty military member who is based in AZ and you qualify for the exemption by the Service Members Civil Relief Act of 2003, you are NOT an AZ resident and do not need to apply for a driver’s license.

The Arizona Written Exam and Road Test

Taking the Arizona Written Exam

The written exam for the state of Arizona consists of 30 questions, 24 of which you must answer correctly to pass with a minimum passing score of 80%. The minimum age to apply to complete the AZ written exam is 15 ½ years old.

Taking the Arizona Road Test

The Arizona road test is used to determine how safely you operate a motor vehicle on the highways and roadways of Arizona. You will be tested on parking, using your turn signals, maintaining your speed, stopping, and other basic driving maneuvers.

Non-Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Arizona

There is a graduated driver’s license (Class G) and a motorcycle license (Class M) in the state of Arizona. Applying for either type of license in this state is similar to applying for the standard Class D driver’s license in Arizona, even if you wish to upgrade your Class G driver’s license or add or motorcycle endorsement to your license.

Married, Divorced, or Name Change

You may need to provide name change documents if you’re applying for a new AZ driver’s license or identification card. Keep in mind that you may be required to submit documents that include a marriage license, to be issued a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card in your true full name.

If the name on your identification document is different from the name you provided on your application, you must submit a document that establishes your true full name, which can include the following:

A marriage certificate
Adoption documents that contain the legal names as a result of the adoption
A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change
A certificate, declaration, or registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
A dissolution of marriage/domestic partnership document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action

Does the REAL ID Act Impact Residents of Arizona?

Starting May 3, 2023, ONLY the Arizona Travel ID (driver’s license or ID card), a U.S. passport, and other federally approved identification will be accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic travel. The fee for obtaining an AZ Travel ID is $25.

Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in Arizona?

Obtaining a REAL ID is not mandatory for Arizona drivers or residents. However, you must have a REAL ID or passport to:

Enter certain federal facilities
Board a plane
Enter nuclear power plants

In Arizona, an ID that complies with the REAL ID Act is known as a Travel ID. These IDs are marked with a gold star located in the upper-right corner of the ID. Travel IDs require more documentation than a standard Arizona driver’s license or ID.

How Do You Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID Card?

To obtain your Travel ID for the first time, you must visit your local AZ MVD office and present the following documentation:

Proof of identity
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Certificate of Naturalization or citizenship
- Permanent resident card
Proof of name change (if your current name is different from the name provided on your identity document)
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Adoption decree
- Court-issued proof of legal name change
Proof of social security number
- Social security card
- 1099 or a W-2 tax form
Proof of residency (2 documents are required)
- Business
- Tribal agency
- Government agency
- Organization
Payment for the $25 REAL ID fee

You are not required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card to perform any of the following actions:

Operate a motor vehicle
Vote
Apply for or receive federal benefits (Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Affairs, etc.)
Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services
Enter a federal facility that does not require ID (such as a post office)

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Arizona

To operate certain types of vehicles in the state of Arizona, you must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

You will require a CDL if you intend on operating a vehicle that:

Has a truck and trailer with a combined weight of over 26,001 lbs. (Class A CDL)
Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) that exceeds 26,001 lbs. (Class B CDL)
Has a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less, IF it is designed to transport at least 16 passengers, including the driver (Class C CDL)

To apply for your Arizona CDL, you are required to:

Be at least 21 years old (18 years old to drive within Arizona ONLY)
Submit a Medical Examiner Certificate or DOT medical card
Provide proof of:
- Your legal U.S. presence
- Age
- Identity
- Social security number
- Residency

Who Can Get an Arizona CDL?

To be eligible for an AZ CDL, you must meet the following criteria:

Must be at least 18 years old
Provide proof that you have at least 1 year of driving experience (can’t be on a motorcycle)
- AZ residents can use their AZ driver’s license as proof
- Out-of-state licenses will be acceptable IF they were issued more than 1 year before you apply

If you’re applying for Arizona CDL with an out-of-state license, you may also prove your driving experience with a motor vehicle record that is issued by your home state, which is under 30 days old and shows at least 1 year of driving experience.

Applicants who are under 21 years old will be restricted to driving commercial vehicles within Arizona, and will not be permitted to transport hazardous materials, per MVD and FMCSA regulations.

Arizona Commercial Learner’s Permit

Before you can receive your Arizona commercial driver’s license, you must obtain your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). Although it’s not required by the Arizona MVD or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), it is recommended that you enroll in a commercial driver’s education course to help you prepare for the exams you are required to complete.

When you’re ready, schedule an appointment with your local AZ MVD office and bring the following:

The proper medical paperwork
A completed Commercial Driver’s License Application (Form 40-5124)
Social security card
Valid driver’s license
Proof of:
- Identity
- U.S. citizenship/lawful permanent status
- Arizona residency
- Driving experience
The appropriate fee for your CLP class

Acceptable Identity, Citizenship, and Arizona Residency Documents

Proof of Identity

The state of Arizona requires at least 2 documents to prove your identity

At least 1 document must include a photo of you
At least 1 document must be considered a “primary” document and include your date of birth, such as:
- U.S. passport
- Arizona ID card
- W-2 form

Click here for a list of acceptable documentation in the state of Arizona. In lieu of photo documents, you can provide 3 documents to prove your identity and citizenship/lawful status, all other requirements above still apply.

Proof of Citizenship
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent status in Arizona requires at least 2 documents:

At least 1 document must include a photo of you
You will need 1 document considered a “primary” source and 1 document as a “secondary” source. Click here for a list of primary and secondary documentation examples.
If you have legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or for other reasons, you must bring appropriate legal documents showing the name change, such as:
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of naturalization
- U.S. military ID

If you don’t have a photo document, you can present 3 documents to prove your identity and citizenship or lawful status. All other listed requirement above still applies.

Proof of Residency

Proof of Arizona residency requires 2 documents that show BOTH your name and physical address. A few examples of proof of your Arizona residency include your:

Valid Arizona driver’s license
Voter registration card
Utility bill (dated)

Click here for a list of acceptable documentation as proof of your Arizona residency.

Additional CLP Requirements in Arizona

Aside from providing the required documentation and paying the necessary fee(s), you must pass all appropriate written exams for the type of CDL you want with a passing score of at least 80% and submit to a driving record check. After completing the process, the Arizona MVD will issue your commercial learner’s permit.

CLP Restrictions in Arizona

Your Arizona CLP is valid for 6 months. You must wait at least 14 days before you can take the skills test needed to obtain your full commercial driver’s license. The FMCSA restricts all CLP drivers to practice only while accompanied by a full CDL holder on public roads ONLY.

Arizona Commercial Driver’s Licenses

Once you’ve had your Arizona CLP for at least 14 days, you are allowed to take your CDL skills test. You must schedule an appointment at your local AZ MVD branch or find a third party that offers skills testing in Arizona.

You must bring:

Your commercial learner’s permit (CLP)
Your Arizona driver’s license
The appropriate fee(s)

If you fail any part of your skills test, you must wait 2 business days before you can retake the exam. Once you pass and pay the applicable fees, you will receive your AZ CDL. Your Arizona CDL is valid for 8 years.

Transferring Your CDL to Arizona

If you’ve moved to Arizona and want to transfer your out-of-state CDL, you must do so within 30 days of establishing residency in Arizona.

Schedule an appointment with your local AZ MVD office and present the following:

Medical Examiner Certificate or ADOT card
Social security card
Current, valid commercial driver’s license from your previous state
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent status
Payment for all applicable fees

Once you have provided the above-listed documentation and payment, the AZ MVD will issue your new Arizona commercial driver’s license.

CDL Fees in Arizona

The Arizona MVD currently charges the following for CDLs and related services:

Commercial learner’s permits:
- Class A or Class B: $25
- Class C: $12.50
Endorsements: $10 EACH (school bus endorsements are free)
Road and Skills Tests Fees:
- Class A or Class B: $25
- Class C: $12.50
New or transferred CDLs:
- Class A or Class B: $25
- Class C: $12.50
Duplicate CDL: $12

Arizona CDL Medical Requirements and Waivers

Medical Requirements

All AZ commercial driver’s license applicants are required to either acquire certain medical certifications before applying for their learner’s permits or submit a waiver.

The AZ MVD requires a completed:

Medical Examination Report Form (Form MCSA-5875)
Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876)

Be advised that the above-listed forms must be completed by an FMCSA-approved physician. You may also be required to endure the self-certification process. During this process, you will declare to the state the type of driving you intend on doing with your CDL.

Once you’re deemed physically fit, you will be given a Medical Examiner Certificate. You can submit your certificate to the AZ Medical Review program by:

Email – scan your certificate and email it to the MVD ([email protected])
Fax – send your certificate to (602) 239-6288
Mail – mail your certificate to:

Medical Review Program
P.O. Boz 2100, Mail Drop 818Z
Phoenix, AZ 85007

You must keep a copy of this document with you while operating a commercial motor vehicle. You can check the status of your Medical Examiner Certificate online here. You must wait at least 10 days for your certificate to be processed before checking the standing.

You must renew your Medical Examiner Certificate every 2 years. However, the medical examiner can set the expiration date of this certificate sooner based on certain medical conditions. The AZ MVD will send you a reminder 45 days before your certificate expires. If you have questions or concerns, contact the Medical Review service line Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM at (602) 771-2460.

Medical Waivers

The state and the federal government both have medical waivers that are available for certain medical conditions.

The Arizona MVD allows intrastate drivers to apply for a:

Vision waiver
Limb amputation or impairment waiver
Diabetes waiver

Regardless of the waiver you want to obtain, you must provide a(n):

Completed Intrastate Waiver Application (Form 96-0544)
Current Department of Transportation Medical Examination Report (Form MCSA-5875)
Up-to-date Medical Examiner Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) – must be completed by a medical professional, and this certificate must state the type of waiver you require.

Be advised that each waiver has additional paperwork.

Arizona Vision Waiver

If you are issued a vision waiver for your Arizona CDL, you will be restricted from driving passengers and hazardous materials. To be eligible, you are required to drive the vehicle you’re listing in the waiver for no less than 2 years out of the 5 years.

To apply for a vision waiver, you must visit a CDL office and submit the documents listed in the medical waivers section above, as well as a Vision Examination Report (Form 32-4001), which must be completed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

CDL Classes, Endorsements & Restrictions

Arizona CDL Classifications

The FMCSA has established several different classifications of commercial driver’s licenses. Each classification allows you to operate different types of commercial vehicles.

The categories include:

Class A CDL – allows you to operate a combination of vehicles over a certain weight, such as a tractor-trailer
Class B CDL – allows you to operate a single vehicle over a certain weight, such as a straight truck
Class C CDL – covers all other types of commercial vehicles over a certain weight not addressed by a Class A or Class B CDLs.

The type of CDL you apply for can dictate the type of skills and written exams you are required to take or how much your permit license will cost. In the state of Arizona, a Class C commercial driver’s license may only be obtained in conjunction with a passenger or HAZMAT vehicle endorsement.

Arizona CDL Endorsements and Restrictions

An endorsement is an additional accreditation on your CDL that allows you to operate a greater number of vehicles. You can obtain an endorsement by taking extra exams, both written and skill-related, and paying the additional fees.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the AZ Motor Vehicle Division offer endorsements that will allow you to operate:

Passenger vehicles or school buses
Double or triple trailers
HAZMAT vehicles
Tanks

You can also have a restriction placed on your commercial driver’s license, which would limit the number of vehicles you’re permitted to drive. You might receive a restriction on your CDL if you can’t:

Operate a full air brake system
Drive a manual transmission vehicle
Take your driving test in the appropriate class of vehicle

Restrictions can generally be removed from a CDL if you take additional tests and or pay extra fees.

Federal Self-Certification Requirements

You are required to self-certify your type of vehicle operating with the AZ MVD, which means you must self-certify one of the following driving categories:

Non-excepted interstate
Excepted interstate
Non-excepted intrastate
Excepted intrastate

Applying for an Arizona Motorcycle License

If you are a new applicant from out-of-state and you have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement, you can trade in your out-of-state license for an AZ motorcycle license. You will not be required to take the driver’s education or driving practice, and you will not need to follow the instruction permit requirements.

If the state that issued your license has similar skills tests to that of Arizona, you may also be exempt from the skills test. However, it’s best if you prepare to take it anyway.

Obtaining Your Motorcycle Instruction Permit in Arizona

If you are under the age of 18, you must obtain an instruction permit before you can receive your Class M license. To apply:

You must be at least 16 years and 6 months
You will need to apply at your local MVD office
Pass a vision screening
Pass a written test consisting of questions from the Motorcycle Operator’s Manual (99-0129)

If you do not have a current Class D driver’s license or instruction permit, you will also be required to take a written driver’s licensing exam and pay the $7 permit fee.

Your Arizona motorcycle permit is valid for 7 months and can be renewed 1 time within a 24-month period. During this time, you will be required to complete either an MVD-approved motorcycle training course or at least 30 hours of riding practice in order to receive your full Class M motorcycle license.

Instruction Permit Restrictions

There are different restrictions to a motorcycle permit:

You can’t carry passengers
You can’t drive on freeways or interstate highways
You can’t drive between sunset and sunrise, or at any time when there is not enough light to see other vehicles or persons from a distance of 500 ft.

Applying for a Motorcycle License

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a full AZ motorcycle license. If you are under 18 years old, you must:

Obtain a valid Arizona motorcycle instruction permit for at least 6 months
Complete any MVD-approved motorcycle driver’s education program or have your parent or legal guardian certify in writing that you have completed at least 30 hours of practice on your motorcycle.

All applicants are required to:

Pass a knowledge test
Pass an on-cycle skills test
Pass a vision exam
Pay the licensing fee (based on your age)

Once you pass both exams, you will be issued your Class M license, which is valid until you turn 50 years old. You must retake your vision exam every 12 years.

Applying for an Arizona Motorcycle Endorsement

If your Class M license is combined with any other type of driver’s license in the state of Arizona, it is referred to as an endorsement, which is added to the back of your current AZ driver’s license.

Under the Age of 18

If you’re younger than 18 years old, a first-time driver in the state of Arizona, and you want to obtain a motorcycle endorsement, which will be added to another class of license, you will be required to meet the Arizona GDL program requirements. You must also:

Be at least 16 years old
Hold a valid Class G driver’s license or instruction permit, and an Arizona motorcycle instruction permit for at least 6 months
Complete any MVD-approved motorcycle driver’s education program, or have your parent or legal guardian certify in writing that you have completed at least 30 hours of practice driving on your motorcycle
Pass a written knowledge exam
Pass an on-cycle skills test
Pass a vision exam
Pay the $7 endorsement fee
Pay the licensing fee (if you are earning your Class G license for the first time)

Over the Age of 18

If you’re over the age of 18, you can apply for the regular Arizona Class D driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. The Class D driver’s license that features a motorcycle endorsement allows you to operate any vehicle that does not require a commercial license.

You must:

Pass a knowledge test
Pass an on-cycle skills test
Pass a vision exam
Pay the $7 endorsement fee

Class J Motorcycle License

If your motorcycle has less than 100 ccs, your license will be a restricted J license, and you are not permitted to drive on interstate highways.

Arizona Motorcycle License Fees

Licensing fees are based on your age and type:

16 to 39 years old: $25
40 to 44 years old: $20
45 to 49 years old: $15
50 years and older: $10
Motorcycle endorsement: $7
Instruction permit: $7

The Arizona On-Cycle Skills Exam

To earn your license or endorsement, you must prove your riding skills on your motorcycle by taking a driving skills exam. You can prepare for this skills exam by reading the Arizona Motorcycle Operator’s Manual (99-0129). Make sure you get plenty of rest and practice before taking the exam.

You must demonstrate basic control skills, safety measures, and understanding of your vehicle’s operating maneuvers. You are required to bring the following:

DOT-approved motorcycle helmet in good condition
Gloves that permit the freedom to operate controls
Proper clothing, including long pants and a protective jacket
Protective footwear that covers your ankles
Proper eye protection

Arizona MVD Locations

Good news! There are multiple MVD locations across the state of Arizona. Here are different MVD locations in Arizona.

Arizona Motor Vehicle Department – Glendale Branch
5036 W Cactus Rd
Glendale, AZ 85304
(602) 264-2400

Monday – Friday (8 AM – 7 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Arizona Motor Vehicle Department – Tucson Branch
3815 S 12^th Ave
Tucson, AZ 85714
(520) 573-7789