Visiting the Arizona MVD: appointments, what to bring and what to expect
Who runs Arizona's MVD and Authorized Third Party offices, what you can do on AZ MVD Now instead, how appointments and walk-ins work, and which documents and payment to bring.
Guide · Arizona · Appointments · updated October 29, 2026
In Arizona, one agency handles both driver licenses and vehicles: the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). It issues driver licenses, instruction permits and ID cards, including the Travel ID (Arizona's REAL ID). It also titles and registers vehicles. This guide covers what you can do online, how to book a visit and what to bring.
Who runs the offices
There are two kinds of in-person locations:
- MVD offices, run by ADOT. The location list notes which services each office offers. Some smaller sites have limited services. For example, the Clifton office is open on Thursdays only and offers no road tests. The Fredonia site provides most services through TeleMVD and offers no road tests.
- Authorized Third Party providers: private companies that ADOT authorizes to provide title and registration and driver license services, including written and road tests. ADOT says they may charge a convenience fee on top of the state fees, and the Travel ID is available at the listed locations. ADOT asks you to check hours with each business.
For offices near you, see the Arizona MVD office list on this site.
Check whether you need to visit at all
ADOT calls AZ MVD Now (azmvdnow.gov) its official service website and says you can complete dozens of MVD services there. Some express services work without an account:
- Quick registration renewal
- Driver license or ID card replacement
- Specialty plate orders
- Restricted 3-day vehicle permits
With an account you can also renew a driver license (in most cases), apply for a Travel ID, take the permit test at home, transfer a title electronically, replace a title and update your address. ADOT says everyone with an Arizona driver license already has an account ready to activate.
Some visits cannot be avoided. If you are new to Arizona, ADOT says you need to visit an office for your first license, ID card and vehicle registration, and that no appointment is needed for that visit. When you renew with a Travel ID, ADOT says you need an office visit for a photo and your identification documents. See the Arizona driver license guide for details.
Appointments and walk-ins
ADOT says you can schedule an appointment for an MVD office at AZMVDNow.gov, and walk-ins are also welcome. Road tests must be booked as appointments, and ADOT's renewal and Travel ID pages point to appointments when an office visit is required. ADOT lists these standard hours for MVD offices:
- Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Limited service after 4:45 p.m.
- On the second Wednesday of each month, offices open at noon.
Hours vary by location, so check the list for your office. ADOT also notes that weather can affect road, motorcycle and CDL skills tests.
What to bring
ADOT's requirements sheet (Form 40-5144) asks for originals or certified copies, in English and certified by the issuing agency. For a Travel ID you bring:
- One primary document showing your name and date of birth, such as a certified birth certificate, an unexpired U.S. passport or passport card, or a permanent resident card. Hospital certificates are not accepted.
- Your Social Security number. No card is needed; you write the full number on the application.
- Two proofs of Arizona residency from different sources, mailed to you by a business, organization or government agency. Each must show your name and physical address. Examples are a utility bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy or a rental agreement.
- Proof of name change, if your name differs from your primary document. ADOT says to change your name with Social Security first, at least 24 hours before.
For a standard (non-travel) license or ID, the requirements sheet accepts a longer list of primary documents. ADOT's New to AZ page lists proof of authorized presence, your current out-of-state license or ID and your Social Security number, and adds the two address documents for a Travel ID. If you lack a second residency document, ADOT's Arizona Residency Affidavit can count as one. Background is in REAL ID explained.
For a vehicle from another state, bring its current title and registration. If you live in the Phoenix or Tucson area, finish any required emissions test before your visit.
Forms to fill in beforehand
- Form 40-5122, which ADOT's driver license application page links as the Travel ID application. Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the application, witnessed by an MVD agent or a notary.
- Title and Registration Application (Form 96-0236), for titling and registering a vehicle.
- Arizona Residency Affidavit, if you need it as one proof of residency.
ADOT links these forms from its service pages.
Paying
ADOT says most driver license fees can be paid by credit card, cash, check, traveler's check or money order made out to "Motor Vehicle Division". Returned check fees and reinstatement fees cannot be paid by check. ADOT charges $25 for a returned check. Third Party providers may add a convenience fee.
At the counter
For a teen's graduated instruction permit, ADOT says you must pass the vision test and have your photo taken in an office. Some renewals also need an office visit for an updated photo and vision test. If you are transferring a license from another state, the requirements sheet says an out-of-state license or driving record that expired less than a year ago is needed to waive testing.
ADOT says a Travel ID is mailed to you and takes up to two weeks to arrive, and suggests getting one at least two weeks before you travel.
Accessibility
MVD's phone line for information is 602.255.0072, and its TDD line is 602.712.3222. ADOT says it will provide any document on its website in an accessible format if you contact it and name the format you need.
For vehicle paperwork, see the Arizona vehicle registration and title guide.