New Arizona Residents
welcome to arizona
Arizona Auto License Service is an authorized third party contracted by Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to provide motor vehicle services.
Walk in’s are always welcome but you may schedule appointments to minimize wait time. Hours vary by location. Convenience fees apply.
New Resident Checklist
- Get A Driver License
- Register And Title Your Vehicles
How Do I Know If I’m An Arizona Resident?
State law requires that you obtain an Arizona vehicle registration and driver license immediately if any of the following apply:
- You work in Arizona (other than for seasonal agricultural work)
- You are registered to vote in Arizona
- You place children in school without paying the tuition rate of a nonresident
- You have a business with an office in Arizona that bases and operates vehicles in this state
- You obtain a state license or pay school tuition fees at the same rate as an Arizona resident
- You have a business that operates vehicles to transport goods or passengers within Arizona
- You remain in Arizona for a total of seven months or more during any calendar year, regardless of your permanent residence
***Active-duty military personnel based in Arizona who qualify for exemption under the Service members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) of 2003 are not considered Arizona residents.
We Make It Easy To Get A Driver License In Arizona
You don’t have time to waste traveling to the MVD only to find out you didn’t bring the correct paperwork. We’ll show you exactly what documents to bring with you, and when you arrive we’ll answer your questions and even help you fill out forms. Whether you currently have an out-of-state driver license or no license at all, we can help.
You Have An Out-Of-State Driver License
If you provide a valid driver license from another state, written and road tests are NOT required. You may be given a vision exam.
In order to obtain an Arizona driver license bring the following with you to our office:
1) Your Out-Of-State License
2) One Proof of Identity Document
Some acceptable documents include:
Original or certified birth certificate; Unexpired U.S. passport; Passport card
If you need a certified copy of an Arizona birth certificate, the Arizona Department of Health Services now accepts online orders with expedited processing.
3) Social Security Number
You will need your social security number, but you do NOT have to bring your Social Security card to our office.
You are required by A.R.S. §§ 28-3158(D)(5) and 28-3165(F), under the authority of 42 U.S.C. §§ 405(c)(2)(C) and 666(a)(13)(A), to provide your Social Security number. It will be used to verify your identity and to comply with federal and state child-support enforcement laws. It will not be used as your driver license or identification card number.
*If you don’t have a Social Security card, you can order a replacement card by visiting the Social Security Administration website.
4) Two Documents That Provide Proof of Arizona Residency
Two printed documents with your name and current Arizona residential address: physical mail or printout based on your online account.
Acceptable documents include:
Utility bills; Credit card / bank statements; Insurance policy
*Note: If your current legal name is different from the one shown on a document, you must show legal proof of name change such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order.
***Those who don’t have the required residency documents must complete an Arizona Residency Affidavit and supply additional proof of residency. Only one of the two documents may be an Affidavit, and it does require a notary. Documents can be notarized at any of our office locations.
You Don’t Have An Out-Of-State Driver License
If you don’t have an out-of-state driver license but would like to obtain an Arizona driver’s license, view the requirements.
Travel ID Requirements
You may decide to get a Non-Travel Driver License. Please review the details in the ADOT Identification Requirements below.
Arizona Travel ID
Effective May 2025
Only the Arizona Travel ID (driver license or ID card), a U.S. passport and other federally approved identification will be accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic travel. How to obtain an Arizona Travel ID.
Vehicle Title
To title your out-of-state vehicle, you will need an out-of-state title or registration if the title is held by a lienholder, and a lien clearance, if applicable.
This change is paired with a similar process where physical items like registration tabs and license plates are mailed to a customer’s home and aren’t provided at MVD or authorized third party offices.
Customers who desire a paper title can request one.
Vehicle Registration
If your vehicle was registered in another state and you wish to operate it in Arizona, you must register it as soon as you become an Arizona resident.
To title and register your out-of-state vehicle, you will need:
- An out-of-state title (or registration, if title is held by lienholder)
- A lien clearance, if applicable
- An emission test compliance form (Phoenix and Tucson areas only) if required.
More information regarding emissions testing can be found here. Appointments are not necessary. This emission test is required prior to registering your vehicle in Arizona.
Vehicles that require emissions are model year 1967 and newer AND are more than 5 years old if you live in Maricopa or Pima County.
If you have a leased vehicle, a Power of Attorney from the lessor (original or certified copy) is required along with your current out-of-state registration. Contact your lessor to obtain this original notarized form.
Questions about our other driver services?
Complete our quick contact form. You can expect a response within the next business day.
