Quick Answer
No. Arizona law (A.R.S. §28-3153(D)) bars the Motor Vehicle Division from issuing or renewing a driver license for anyone who can't prove their presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, so an ITIN doesn't qualify. DACA recipients with a valid work permit can get a license that expires with their documents.
Can You Get a Driver's License in Arizona Without Legal Status?
No. A.R.S. §28-3153(D) says Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) shall not issue or renew a driver license for a person who doesn't prove that their presence in the United States is authorized under federal law. Arizona has no license for residents without status, and an ITIN is only a tax number.
Read the statute: A.R.S. §28-3153.
Who Can Get an Arizona Driver's License?
Citizens, green-card holders and people with federal documents showing authorized presence can get an Arizona license, including DACA recipients with a valid Employment Authorization Document and visa holders with an I-94. ADOT sets a non-citizen's license to expire on the same date as their authorized-presence document, so renewing requires updated papers.
Canada, Germany, South Korea and Taiwan licenses can skip the written and road tests; other countries’ licenses can’t. See ADOT’s page for foreign applicants.
Can I Drive in Arizona With a License From Another State?
Yes, if you live in that state. Unlike Florida and Tennessee, Arizona hasn't passed a law voiding other states' licenses issued regardless of status. Once Arizona is your home, though, you need an Arizona license, and the MVD requires proof of authorized presence for it.
That means a California or New Mexico license doesn’t solve driving for someone who lives in Arizona.
Can I Drive in Arizona With a License From My Country?
Yes, as a visitor with a valid license from your country. Once you live in Arizona, you need an Arizona license, which requires authorized presence, and only licenses from Canada, Germany, South Korea and Taiwan let you skip the written and road tests.
An International Driving Permit only translates your license; carry it with the original.
What Are Your Options in Arizona Without a License?
Without lawful presence you can't get an Arizona license, and driving without one is a Class 2 misdemeanor under A.R.S. §28-3151, with up to 4 months in jail and a $750 fine. Realistically, that leaves an EAD-backed status, a move to a neighboring licensing state, or not driving.
- Know the penalty. A.R.S. §28-3151 makes unlicensed driving a Class 2 misdemeanor.
- Look at the neighbors. California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico all border Arizona and license residents regardless of status, but you must actually move there; an out-of-state license doesn't let an Arizona resident drive at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can undocumented immigrants get a driver's license in Arizona?
No. A.R.S. §28-3153(D) bars the MVD from issuing or renewing a license without proof of federally authorized presence.
Can I use an ITIN for an Arizona driver's license?
No. An ITIN is an IRS tax number, not proof of authorized presence.
Can DACA recipients get an Arizona driver's license?
Yes. DACA recipients with a valid Employment Authorization Document can get a license that expires on the same date as that document.
Can I use a California license while living in Arizona?
No. Once Arizona is your home you need an Arizona license, which requires proof of authorized presence.