Foreign Driver's License in Arizona: Reciprocity and Visitor Rules
Can I drive in Arizona with a foreign driver's license?
Yes, as a visitor. Arizona law lets a nonresident aged 16 or older drive a Class D vehicle with a valid license from the home state or country in immediate possession (A.R.S. 28-3152(A)(3)). If you become a resident, for example if you stay seven months or more in a calendar year, you need an Arizona license. ADOT's reciprocity list names Canada, Germany, Taiwan and South Korea.
Where these Arizona rules come from
The visitor exemptions are in A.R.S. 28-3152 and the examination of a foreign license holder is in A.R.S. 28-3164. The ADOT Foreign Reciprocity page lists the countries. The resident rules come from A.R.S. 28-2001, ADOT's identification page and the Arizona Driver License Manual (revised March 2026). Road test details come from the ADOT road tests page, the pass mark comes from the 2026 ADOT manuals page, and the Travel ID term comes from the 2026 Arizona Travel ID page. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division (azdot.gov/mvd) before you drive.
Who may drive in Arizona on a home-country license (A.R.S. 28-3152)
- Visitors 16 or older: a nonresident who carries a valid license from the home state or country may drive a Class D vehicle. Class D covers any vehicle that does not need a motorcycle or commercial license.
- Visitors from a country without driver licenses: a nonresident 18 or older may drive a Class D vehicle for not more than 90 days in a calendar year, if the vehicle is registered in the home state or country.
- Business visitors: an employee, agent or consultant of an organization that operates in Arizona and in at least one other state or country may drive a Class D vehicle with a valid license from another state or country. The person must live or work mainly in another state or country and stay in Arizona not more than 90 days in a row.
- Everyone else: without an exemption, a person may not drive on an Arizona highway without a valid driver license.
When do you need an Arizona license?
Countries on the ADOT foreign reciprocity list
| Country | Age condition on the ADOT list |
|---|---|
| Canada | None listed |
| Germany | None listed |
| Taiwan | 18 or older |
| South Korea | 18 or older |
Can you exchange a foreign license without tests?
ADOT's Foreign Reciprocity page says that applicants with a current, valid license from a listed country "may not be required to take a road skills or a written test."
The law uses different words. A.R.S. 28-3164(D) says ADOT "shall examine" a person with a license from another country as an original applicant. ADOT may waive the driving test for a Class D or G license if you appear to meet the medical qualifications and your license is not revoked or expired for more than one year. Ask MVD which tests apply to you before your visit.
Steps to get an Arizona license with a foreign license
- 1
Gather proof of authorized presence
Arizona law requires proof that your presence in the United States is authorized under federal law. The document list is in the next section.
- 2
Pass the vision and knowledge tests
The examination tests your eyesight, your ability to read and understand traffic signs and signals, and your knowledge of safe driving practices and Arizona traffic laws. A score of 80 percent or higher passes. Ask MVD which languages the written test is offered in. Read how ADOT's written test is set up.
- 3
Book the road test
The law requires a demonstration that you can control the type of vehicle for your license class. A road test needs an appointment, and an applicant over 18 needs a passed written test first. Examiner instructions are in English.
- 4
Bring a car that meets the road test rules
Bring a vehicle in good operating condition with valid registration and current liability insurance. Out-of-country insurance is not acceptable. For a rental car, your name must be on the rental agreement.
Documents for a foreign applicant at Arizona MVD
- Proof that your presence in the United States is authorized under federal law. Arizona law requires it.
- For an Arizona Travel ID, the manual lists an unexpired foreign passport with a valid unexpired U.S. visa and the approval I-94 form.
- For a standard license, ask MVD which documents you need. No 2026 source in this guide gives the full list for foreign applicants.
Key takeaways
- A nonresident 16 or older may drive a Class D vehicle in Arizona with a valid home license in immediate possession (A.R.S. 28-3152(A)(3)).
- Seven months in Arizona in a calendar year, work in Arizona or voter registration can make you a resident, and the manual says to get an Arizona license immediately.
- Canada, Germany, Taiwan (18 or older) and South Korea (18 or older) are on the ADOT reciprocity list. Ask MVD which tests you must take.
- Bring proof of authorized presence, and ask MVD which documents apply to you.
- Next step: practice on the free Arizona Instruction Permit practice test. It is in English only.
Foreign license in Arizona: common questions
Can I drive in Arizona with a Mexican driver's license?
Yes, if you are a nonresident 16 or older and carry your valid Mexican license while you drive a Class D vehicle. The visitor rule in A.R.S. 28-3152(A)(3) covers a license from any home state or country. Mexico is not on the ADOT reciprocity list, so for an Arizona license ADOT examines you as an original applicant. The law lets ADOT waive the driving test for a Class D or G license in some cases.
How long can I drive in Arizona on a foreign license?
The visitor rule applies while you are a nonresident. You become a resident if you stay seven months or more in a calendar year, work in Arizona (other than seasonal agricultural work) or register to vote in Arizona. Two other exemptions have a 90-day limit: one for visitors from a country without driver licenses, and one for some business visitors.
Can I swap my Canadian license for an Arizona license?
Yes, you can apply. Canada is one of the four countries on ADOT's reciprocity list, with no age condition. With a current, valid Canadian license, ADOT may not require the road skills test or the written test. The law still treats you as an original applicant, so MVD decides which tests you take. You also need proof of authorized presence in the United States.
How long is an Arizona Travel ID valid if I am on a visa?
ADOT's Arizona Travel ID page says that for non-U.S. citizens with authorized legal presence, the Travel ID is limited to the expiration on the immigration documents presented, not more than eight years. For a standard license, ask MVD how long it is valid.
Can I drive a truck in Arizona with a foreign commercial license?
A nonresident 18 or older with a valid home commercial license may drive Class A, B or C vehicles, but needs an Arizona license before taking a job with an Arizona resident that involves this driving. A resident of a foreign country must hold a commercial license from Arizona or another state if that country does not give the same privileges to Arizona commercial drivers.
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