Arizona Driver's License

[Trenz 52]

Hello everyone,

I have read prior threads on the topic of driver's licenses ad nauseam as well as information on several DMV websites, but thus far I have been unable to find a solid answer.

To make a long story short, I will be immigrating from Canada (province of Ontario) to Arizona within the next couple of weeks. As with anyone in my spot, I plan on getting an Arizona driver's license.

What I am confused about is twofold:

1.) I have read conflicting information that upon going to exchange my license I may be required to do one or all of the following: written, practical/on road, and vision test. To muddy things up further, I have even read some people claim that none of these things were required. Anyone who was in my spot, what was the process for the state of Arizona?

2.) Once all the necessary requirements have been met, will I need to surrender my Ontario driver's license? Anecdotally on this forum I have seen people claim such things as: outright license surrender, clipping or hole punching your old license, or not having to do anything at all with your old license. Does anyone have any input for the state of Arizona?

Any input is welcomed! Thanks in advance!

Edited May 19, 2015 by Trenz

[Saffer 27]

What is needed for a person from another country to drive in Arizona?

You may legally drive in Arizona using a valid driver license from another country. An international driving license or permit is not required, but it is recommended because it can be printed in English and used in conjunction with the driver license from the other country. If an international driving license or permit is used alone, it must be issued by a country other than the United States. Vehicle rental companies may have additional requirements.

However, Arizona law requires that you obtain an Arizona driver license (and vehicle registration) immediately if any one of the following applies to you:

• You work in Arizona (other than for seasonal agricultural work).
• You are registered to vote in Arizona.
• You have place children in school without paying the tuition rate of a nonresident.
• You have a business that has an office in Arizona that bases and operates vehicles in this state.
• You have obtained 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 have remained in Arizona for a total of seven months or more during any calendar year, regardless of your permanent residence.

http://www.azdot.gov/mvd/faq/driver-services

Hope this helps - it's not terribly clear...

[Trenz 52]

What is needed for a person from another country to drive in Arizona?

You may legally drive in Arizona using a valid driver license from another country. An international driving license or permit is not required, but it is recommended because it can be printed in English and used in conjunction with the driver license from the other country. If an international driving license or permit is used alone, it must be issued by a country other than the United States. Vehicle rental companies may have additional requirements.

However, Arizona law requires that you obtain an Arizona driver license (and vehicle registration) immediately if any one of the following applies to you:

• You work in Arizona (other than for seasonal agricultural work).
• You are registered to vote in Arizona.
• You have place children in school without paying the tuition rate of a nonresident.
• You have a business that has an office in Arizona that bases and operates vehicles in this state.
• You have obtained 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 have remained in Arizona for a total of seven months or more during any calendar year, regardless of your permanent residence.

http://www.azdot.gov/mvd/faq/driver-services

Hope this helps - it's not terribly clear...

Thanks for the reply! That is actually one of the websites I came across during my research and it at least pointed me in the right direction for the necessity of an Arizona driver's license. I gave the site another scope out and I can't seem to find anything on testing requirements or the like for a license exchange, alas. I will certainly keep looking!

[Saffer 27]

I would drop them an email if there is one and ask about your situation. Because there isn't anything on that website that gives a clear answer.

[Trenz 52]

Just wanted to throw this update out there for anyone else who may be wondering this (sorry for digging up an older thread):

From what I gather from this website (http://www.dmv.org/az-arizona/apply-license.php) it appears as though the following is true:

1.) You must surrender your out-of-state driver's license upon being issued a new AZ license.

2.) You must pass a vision exam.

3.) You may or may not have to complete both a written and/or on-road driving test. While not a steadfast rule, new residents tend to not have to do either. Discretion is given to the issuing agency on this.

4.) You must have a social security number and two pieces of ID from the following list: http://www.azdot.gov/docs/default-source/mvd-forms-pubs/96-0155.pdf?sfvrsn=2

I would also like to point out that this information is written based upon someone who is merely coming from out-of-state and not out-of-country, thus, all of this information may not be relevant if there is a special process for new immigrants. Once I have gone through the process myself, I will post back here.

[D.Ba 85]

Any news on your progress?

Did they keep your home country license? (I cannot believe that would be allowed)

[D.Ba 85]

Driving in Arizona - what's the deal?

The ADOT says: "You can use your out of country driver license in Arizona as long as you are not an Arizona resident. Otherwise you would need to apply for Arizona driver license. For a first time Arizona license you first must prove identity and authorized presence. Please go to the following website. http://www.azdot.gov/mvd/The go to Driver services and click on Identification requirements. That will give you the list so you will have the proper documents when you come in. On the same website you can get to the drivers manual in order to study. You will be required to take a vision, written and road test. Office locations are also on this website. Although if you have a valid German driver license you will not be required to take written or road test. 8/31/2015 2:20:22 PM"

But the question is, of course: When exactly will I be regarded an AZ "resident"? When I arrive I'm certainly not a resident of Germany anymore.

[D.Ba 85]

Got my AZ license

Here's the deal for Germans:

Went to Tucson AZdot, or MVD, whatever they call it here.

My I-94 is up, I'm married, applied for AOS, but only had NOA2 letter to show.

Girl talked to supervisor, and after 20 minutes sent me home to get original marriage license (only had copy, my bad).

Got a temporary paper license, card should be in mail within a week, they said it would be limited to a year.

Make sure to bring:

- Passport

- Marriage license, original!

- German DL

- Social Security Card, original!

- NOA2 letter

Passport is for identification, NOA2 is for legal presence, marriage license and Social Security is for name change.

For Germans, no exam, just the quick and dirty vision exam. Most other nationalities have to take written or road test.

[Trenz 52]

Got my AZ license

Here's the deal for Germans:

Went to Tucson AZdot, or MVD, whatever they call it here.

My I-94 is up, I'm married, applied for AOS, but only had NOA2 letter to show.

Girl talked to supervisor, and after 20 minutes sent me home to get original marriage license (only had copy, my bad).

Got a temporary paper license, card should be in mail within a week, they said it would be limited to a year.

Make sure to bring:

- Passport

- Marriage license, original!

- German DL

- Social Security Card, original!

- NOA2 letter

Passport is for identification, NOA2 is for legal presence, marriage license and Social Security is for name change.

For Germans, no exam, just the quick and dirty vision exam. Most other nationalities have to take written or road test.

Hey there,

My experience was similar, but just for the sake of completeness I want to make note of the differences for anyone reading this:

By the point I had applied initially for my license my I-94 was still valid (the 90 day initial period). Note to applicants: If you do not have your green card yet, your license will only be valid until the end of this visa. Once your green card has been obtained, go back to the MVD and they will extend the validity period for the 2 year period your green card is valid for.

Those coming from Canada, bring the following:

1. Your I-94 (or other document, such as a green card, showing your legally allowed to be in the USA)
2. Your Canadian driver's license
3. Passport
4. Social security card (original as noted above)
5. One other piece of identification that you checked off in your online application form

I did not need to bring my marriage license or my NOA2 letter. Essentially, the MVD will list what pieces of ID are acceptable and you will check off these things in your online application.

When you get to the MVD, make note of two things:

1. You will need to take an eye test - this is a relatively simple eye test that you are required to look into an Optics vision testing machine and I was asked to read out line 2 of 3. You must have at least 20/40 vision to pass.
2. You must complete a written exam that all beginner Arizona drivers must take. You need to obtain 80% or 24/30 correct to pass. I highly recommend going to the MVD before hand and picking up the free booklet with the various Arizona laws and regulations. Remember, they use a non-metric system for measuring parking distances. This initially tripped me up as I am used to metres not feet for acceptable parking distances. Another great website that is chalk full of great tests to prepare you (and helped me pass!) can be found here.

D.Ba, I find it odd you did not have to write the exam as I was told at the Surprise AZ MVD that Canadians and Germans were two countries that had their licenses recognized in the USA but still had to complete a written test while foregoing the on-road exam.

One last thing I want to make note of. I was told that until you are a US citizen, upon each license renewal you must take an eye exam, even for permanent residents. I inquired about this as when I went to have my license extended upon receiving my green card I had to retake the eye test again. I will need to do this upon even subsequent renewal until I decide to accept citizenship.

Hope this helps someone out!

EDIT: One last thing, my Ontario driver's license was not destroyed or hole punched or confiscated as I worried. I was given this card back fully intact and was allowed to keep it.

Edited December 9, 2015 by Trenz

[D.Ba 85]

The official site on German, Taiwanese and Canadian drivers licenses in Arizona:

https://www.azdot.gov/mvd/driver-services/Tests_Manuals/foreign-reciprocity\

Foreign Reciprocity

Driver license applicants who have a current/valid driver license from one of the countries listed below may not be required to take a road skills or a written test.

Country Road Test Written Test

Canada Waive Required

Germany Waive Waive

Taiwan Waive Waive

When I checked a while ago, only Canada and Germany were listed, Taiwan seems new. I wouldn't have thought there are many Taiwanese in Arizona, but who knows.

My German license was also not touched, other than photocopied. I was worrying about that too, because I would like to use my German license once I am back in Germany.

The marriage license was only needed because I changed my name on marriage, and the Social Security Card is the only document in that name, and that is not a primary form of identity. My debit card is in my maiden name because the bank only changes the name once you have the driver license.

Edited December 9, 2015 by D.Ba

[Trenz 52]

The official site on German, Taiwanese and Canadian drivers licenses in Arizona:

https://www.azdot.gov/mvd/driver-services/Tests_Manuals/foreign-reciprocity\

Foreign Reciprocity

Driver license applicants who have a current/valid driver license from one of the countries listed below may not be required to take a road skills or a written test.

Country Road Test Written Test

Canada Waive Required

Germany Waive Waive

Taiwan Waive Waive

When I checked a while ago, only Canada and Germany were listed, Taiwan seems new. I wouldn't have thought there are many Taiwanese in Arizona, but who knows.

My German license was also not touched, other than photocopied. I was worrying about that too, because I would like to use my German license once I am back in Germany.

The marriage license was only needed because I changed my name on marriage, and the Social Security Card is the only document in that name, and that is not a primary form of identity. My debit card is in my maiden name because the bank only changes the name once you have the driver license.

Excellent additional information here. There must have been some type of misunderstanding at the MVD in regards to the written portion of the application, at least what was told to me. This surely would be a big benefit to any new German immigrants.

Suffice to say, I think we are fortunate to come from two countries that at the very least recognize our driving credentials!

[D.Ba 85]

Hard to believe the two years on my current drivers license are up (in two weeks). Back to the MVD. Yay!
It will be interesting to see what they make of the extension letter. Probably don't get too many of those. Of course, the license will again only be for a year...

[Lovewithoutborder 69]

On 12/9/2015 at 10:34 AM, Trenz said:

Hey there,

My experience was similar, but just for the sake of completeness I want to make note of the differences for anyone reading this:

By the point I had applied initially for my license my I-94 was still valid (the 90 day initial period). Note to applicants: If you do not have your green card yet, your license will only be valid until the end of this visa. Once your green card has been obtained, go back to the MVD and they will extend the validity period for the 2 year period your green card is valid for.

Those coming from Canada, bring the following:

1. Your I-94 (or other document, such as a green card, showing your legally allowed to be in the USA)
2. Your Canadian driver's license
3. Passport
4. Social security card (original as noted above)
5. One other piece of identification that you checked off in your online application form

I did not need to bring my marriage license or my NOA2 letter. Essentially, the MVD will list what pieces of ID are acceptable and you will check off these things in your online application.

When you get to the MVD, make note of two things:

1. You will need to take an eye test - this is a relatively simple eye test that you are required to look into an Optics vision testing machine and I was asked to read out line 2 of 3. You must have at least 20/40 vision to pass.
2. You must complete a written exam that all beginner Arizona drivers must take. You need to obtain 80% or 24/30 correct to pass. I highly recommend going to the MVD before hand and picking up the free booklet with the various Arizona laws and regulations. Remember, they use a non-metric system for measuring parking distances. This initially tripped me up as I am used to metres not feet for acceptable parking distances. Another great website that is chalk full of great tests to prepare you (and helped me pass!) can be found here.

D.Ba, I find it odd you did not have to write the exam as I was told at the Surprise AZ MVD that Canadians and Germans were two countries that had their licenses recognized in the USA but still had to complete a written test while foregoing the on-road exam.

One last thing I want to make note of. I was told that until you are a US citizen, upon each license renewal you must take an eye exam, even for permanent residents. I inquired about this as when I went to have my license extended upon receiving my green card I had to retake the eye test again. I will need to do this upon even subsequent renewal until I decide to accept citizenship.

Hope this helps someone out!

EDIT: One last thing, my Ontario driver's license was not destroyed or hole punched or confiscated as I worried. I was given this card back fully intact and was allowed to keep it.

Hey! Obviously I’m way late on this thread but I’m moving to AZ to be with my wife in a few months when I get my CR-1 visa. How did it work when you transferred your license in regards to transferring your driving record? Did you have to bring a copy of your Canadian drivers abstract and did your Canadian driving record follow you or do you basically just start fresh with a clean driving record? I’ve been wondering if my couple of speeding tickets will follow me or if I’ll get lucky and have a clean slate lol. 

[Trenz 52]

3 hours ago, Lovewithoutborder said:

Hey! Obviously I’m way late on this thread but I’m moving to AZ to be with my wife in a few months when I get my CR-1 visa. How did it work when you transferred your license in regards to transferring your driving record? Did you have to bring a copy of your Canadian drivers abstract and did your Canadian driving record follow you or do you basically just start fresh with a clean driving record? I’ve been wondering if my couple of speeding tickets will follow me or if I’ll get lucky and have a clean slate lol. 

Hey there,

 

First off, wow, am I ever glad I kept my subscription to this thread, otherwise I never would have seen your reply haha.

 

It has been quite some time, but I am fairly sure you will start with a clean slate. Why do I say this?

 

I specifically recall I had acquired a full copy of my Ontario driver's abstract prior to moving to Arizona, but did not need it at the time of acquiring a new Arizona license. My general assumption is, any and all major traffic and criminal violations that were on your record in Canada (E.g. Impaired driving, greater than 50km/h over the speed limit aka street racing, etc.) would have been picked up in the initial CR1 application; if they rose to the level of seriousness that it would throw your immigration into jeopardy, you would have been informed long ago.

 

Given that the general rule of thumb in visa applications is that any violation that does not meet or exceed a $500 fine (E.g. A speeding ticket that you were doing 10km over and paid a $100 fine, not arrested/detained) do not need to even be reported, I would assume this means that those issues would not even enter into the equation, and thus, you start with a clean slate once again. So long as your speeding tickets were just minor in nature, I would assume you fit into this category.

 

Do not take this as this gospel, though. I entered into Arizona with a spotless driving record from Ontario, so this concern wasn't really on my radar. I will say, the MVD offices I have been at have been surprisingly very good and very well informed on immigration related questions. Don't hesitate to ask the employee when your number is called to step up to a desk after your initial intake.

 

As a great little aside, it would appear as though your process may be even easier than my own. When applying for my Arizona license I had to take the written test, as noted above. In checking the foreign reciprocity page again, it seems to be updated to indicate that both the on-road and written test are now waived for Canadians. Page can be found here. Definitely call ahead and and make sure of this though; I would hate to hear of you getting in there and having this sprung onto you as a surprise like it was for me haha.

 

Hope this helps and welcome to Arizona, my friend.

[Lovewithoutborder 69]

1 hour ago, Trenz said:

Hey there,

 

First off, wow, am I ever glad I kept my subscription to this thread, otherwise I never would have seen your reply haha.

 

It has been quite some time, but I am fairly sure you will start with a clean slate. Why do I say this?

 

I specifically recall I had acquired a full copy of my Ontario driver's abstract prior to moving to Arizona, but did not need it at the time of acquiring a new Arizona license. My general assumption is, any and all major traffic and criminal violations that were on your record in Canada (E.g. Impaired driving, greater than 50km/h over the speed limit aka street racing, etc.) would have been picked up in the initial CR1 application; if they rose to the level of seriousness that it would throw your immigration into jeopardy, you would have been informed long ago.

 

Given that the general rule of thumb in visa applications is that any violation that does not meet or exceed a $500 fine (E.g. A speeding ticket that you were doing 10km over and paid a $100 fine, not arrested/detained) do not need to even be reported, I would assume this means that those issues would not even enter into the equation, and thus, you start with a clean slate once again. So long as your speeding tickets were just minor in nature, I would assume you fit into this category.

 

Do not take this as this gospel, though. I entered into Arizona with a spotless driving record from Ontario, so this concern wasn't really on my radar. I will say, the MVD offices I have been at have been surprisingly very good and very well informed on immigration related questions. Don't hesitate to ask the employee when your number is called to step up to a desk after your initial intake.

 

As a great little aside, it would appear as though your process may be even easier than my own. When applying for my Arizona license I had to take the written test, as noted above. In checking the foreign reciprocity page again, it seems to be updated to indicate that both the on-road and written test are now waived for Canadians. Page can be found here. Definitely call ahead and and make sure of this though; I would hate to hear of you getting in there and having this sprung onto you as a surprise like it was for me haha.

 

Hope this helps and welcome to Arizona, my friend.

Thank you so much for your response! I am just in the tail end waiting for my interview so I actually haven’t moved yet, I’m just trying to get all my ducks in a row before I do! One more question I have, and I’m not sure if you’ll know the answer given that you had a clean record when you moved. But do you remember if you had to show a drivers abstract from Canada when purchasing your car insurance? I can imagine that would be the best way to figure out if your record follows you or not. I remember a few years back I moved from BC to Alberta and I had a ticket on my record in BC that didn’t affect my insurance rates at all so I assumed it wouldn’t affect my Alberta rates either. But then when I went to get insurance in Alberta I gave them my abstract and my insurance went up due to the incident that BC didn’t care about. Of course at this point it doesn’t really matter I’m just curious about how the process is going to go more than anything!