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Tuesday, Aug 26, 2025

Can immigrants without legal status get driver’s licenses in Arizona?

Tallulah Anne, Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting
no

Arizona driver’s license applicants must provide documentation proving they have legal status in the U.S., such as an Employment Authorization Card or permanent resident card, according to the state Department of Transportation.

Eligible noncitizens include immigrants granted temporary protection from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, green card holders, refugees, asylum seekers and certain visa holders.

Nineteen other states and Washington, D.C., allow unauthorized immigrants to obtain licenses with proof of identity and state residency.

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The Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting is the state’s only independent, nonpartisan and collaborative nonprofit newsroom dedicated to statewide, data-driven investigative reporting. AZCIR's mission is to hold powerful people and institutions accountable by exposing injustice and systemic inequities through investigative journalism.

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