Moving to Arizona, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can tell whether you count as an Arizona resident.
• You can prepare the documents MVD asks for.
• You can choose between a standard license and a Travel ID.
• You can explain how long an Arizona license lasts and how renewal works.

What you need to know and understand

• You are a resident if, for example, you stay in Arizona seven months or more in a calendar year, work in Arizona, register to vote here or enroll children in school at resident rates.
• Arizona law requires an Arizona license and vehicle registration once you become a resident.
• You need proof of identity, authorized presence in the US and Arizona residency, plus your current license.
• The Travel ID is Arizona's REAL ID-compliant credential and needs two proofs of residency.
• A standard Arizona license generally stays valid until your 65th birthday, after which renewals are for shorter periods of up to five years. A Travel ID is usually valid for eight years.
• Residents who are out of state for at least 30 days when their license expires can apply for an extension.
• Out-of-state students, military families and some others may receive licenses for up to five years.

Getting your Arizona license

1. Gather proof of identity, proof that your presence is authorized under federal law, proof of Arizona residency and your current out-of-state license.
2. Decide whether you want a Travel ID, which you can use for domestic flights and federal buildings, or a standard license.
3. Book an appointment at an MVD office or Authorized Third Party office.
4. Pass the vision screening and have your photo taken.
5. Pay the fee. MVD may ask you to take tests depending on your situation, so check before you go.

Foreign licenses

Drivers coming from outside the US should read ADOT's page for foreign applicants before visiting, as the documents and tests needed depend on where your license was issued. Check with ADOT MVD rather than relying on advice from other states.

Your vehicle

Register your car with MVD as soon as you become a resident. Bring your previous title and registration, a completed title and registration application and proof of Arizona insurance. In the Phoenix and Tucson areas many vehicles must pass an emissions test first.

Renewals and keeping your details current

Because standard Arizona licenses usually last until age 65, many drivers renew rarely. A Travel ID is different: in most cases it is valid for eight years. Check with MVD whether your card needs a new photo, and keep your address up to date. Apply to renew before your license expires. Our guide to moving to Arizona covers transfers step by step.

Common mistakes

• Waiting until your old license expires before switching. Arizona expects you to switch once you become a resident.
• Bringing one proof of residency when you want a Travel ID. You need two.
• Forgetting to register the car, or skipping the emissions test in Phoenix or Tucson.
• Not updating your address with MVD after moving within Arizona.

Test yourself: Moving to Arizona, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Moving to Arizona
• Arizona 30-Hour Supervised Driving Log and Driver Ed Options
• Arizona Class G License Restrictions