Military Personnel & Veterans

We're here to support military personnel, veterans, and their families with specialized MVD services. Whether you're stationed in Arizona or deployed elsewhere, we'll help you maintain your driver license and vehicle registration.

Driver License Services

Five-Year License

Stationed in Arizona? Visit any MVD location to apply for a five-year license. This applies to military personnel and dependents.

License Replacement

Replace your license online on AZ MVD Now.

License Renewal

In Person

Bring the following to any MVD location:

• Notarized Driver License Application
• Photocopy of the front and back of your current driver license
• Photocopy of the front and back of your military ID card
• Check or money order for $10.00

By Mail

If you’re stationed outside of Arizona, send the above materials to: 

Motor Vehicle Division
MD 510M
P.O. Box 2100
Phoenix, AZ 85001

Military Name Change

In Person

Bring the following to any MVD location:

• Notarized Driver License Application
• Required documents listed on Driver License Name Change Application
• Check or money order for $12.00

By Mail

If you’re stationed outside of Arizona, send the above materials to: 

Motor Vehicle Division
MD510M
P.O. Box 2100
Phoenix, AZ 85001

Adding a Motorcycle Endorsement to your License

In Person

Bring the following to any MVD location:

• Notarized Driver License Application
• Photocopy of the front and back of your current driver license
• Photocopy of the front and back of your military ID card
• Motorcycle Safety Course completion card
• Check or money order for $7.00

By Mail

If you’re stationed outside of Arizona, send the above materials to: 

Motor Vehicle Division
MD510M
P.O. Box 2100
Phoenix, AZ 85001

Photo Update

All licensees are required to update their photo and pass a vision test every 12 years. However, if there is active military status recorded, this requirement will not apply.

Commercial Driver License (CDL) Services

CDL Skills Test Waiver

You may qualify to waive the CDL skills tests if you:

• Were discharged under honorable conditions within the last year
• Operated a commercial motor vehicle for at least two years immediately before discharge or applying

Fill out the Military Skills Test Waiver application. Return it to an MVD office to start the CDL knowledge testing process.

Travel ID Information

You’ll need a REAL ID compliant credential like the Arizona Travel ID, a U.S. passport, or other federally approved ID for domestic flights and federal facilities.

Your military ID card works as an alternative to the Travel ID for federal facilities and airport security.

Vehicle Registration Services

Renew Your Registration from Out of State

Arizona residents on active military duty stationed out of state may renew a vehicle registration:

• Online (fast, easy and secure) on AZ MVD Now
• Mail (pay by check or money order only)

Mail to:

Motor Vehicle Division
PO Box 29008
Phoenix, AZ 85038

Note: All requests for fee exemptions or waivers must be processed in person or by mail.

Out-of-State Emissions Exemption

Own a vehicle located out of state that needs emissions testing? Apply for an out-of-state emissions exemption from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

Registration Penalty Fee Waiver

If your vehicle registration expires while your vehicle isn't being driven or is in storage, you can sign a Registration Penalty Fee Waiver at renewal to waive late penalties.

De-Insured Certificate

Want to keep your registration on a vehicle you own or lease that's temporarily not in use? De-insure your vehicle on AZ MVD Now.

Tax Exemptions

Special Military Exemption

This exemption waives vehicle license tax and registration fees for one year. Apply once per deployment.

Note: We can't refund taxes and fees paid while you were eligible for the exemption. Apply for the exemption at your next renewal.

When to apply

Apply starting 30 days before your deployment through one year after your deployment ends or you're released from duty.

Number of vehicles

You can apply this exemption to up to two vehicles. Each vehicle needs a separate Special Military Exemption form.

The Service member must be all of the following:

• An Arizona resident 
• A member of the U.S. Armed Forces regular component, reserve component or National Guard
• Deployed in support of a worldwide contingency operation of the U.S. Armed Forces
• The owner/lessee of the vehicle 

Applying on Behalf of a Service Member

A spouse, surviving spouse, or legally designated representative can request an exemption for a qualifying owner/lessee who is serving on active duty, listed as missing in action, or died while serving on active duty. The date of death must be in the current or previous registration year.

How to Apply

Complete a Special Military Exemption form. Military orders may be required.

Mail the form to:

Motor Vehicle Division
MD 555M
P.O. Box 2100
Phoenix, AZ 85001

OR

Visit any MVD or Third Party location.

100 Percent Disabled Veteran Exemption

This exemption waives vehicle license tax and registration fees for veterans certified as 100 percent disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Who qualifies

This exemption is available to:

• Veterans who own or co-own a vehicle and are certified as 100 percent disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans (until remarriage, re-certification is required every year)

Number of vehicles

This exemption applies to one vehicle. If you replace your vehicle, you can transfer the exemption to your new vehicle when you register it.

VA Financial Aid Exemption

Purchased a vehicle using financial aid from the Department of Veterans Affairs? You're exempt from paying vehicle license tax and registration fees. This exemption covers one vehicle at a time, including a replacement vehicle.

For information on other tax exemptions, see our Vehicle Registration Tax Exemptions page.

Veteran Designation

Add the "VETERAN" designation to your Arizona driver license, instruction permit, or identification card. This designation appears on the front near the bottom.

To get the designation:

1. Fill out the Driver License/Identification Card application and check the Veteran Designation box.
2. Bring it to any MVD or Third Party Driver License location with a copy of one of the following:

• DD214, 215, 2 (retired), 2 (reserve), 1173, or 256A
• Statement of honorable service from:
  • US Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Arizona Department of Veterans' Services
  • 100 percent disability certificate issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Any of these cards:
  • American Legion
  • Arizona credential with Veteran distinguishing mark
  • Department of Veterans Affairs veteran identification
  • Disabled American Veterans
  • Military Officers Association of America
  • Military Order of the Purple Heart
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars
  • Vietnam Veterans of America

3. US military ID (active or inactive duty).
4. We’ll take a new photo of you.
5. Purchase a duplicate license. Learn more about fees.

Veteran License Plates

Honor your service with Arizona's Veteran license plates. 

Fees

• Initial application: $25.00
• Annual renewal: $25.00

$17.00 from each fee goes to a special fund to benefit veterans in Arizona.

Who can apply

You can get a Veteran license plate if you are:

• A veteran
• An immediate family member of a person with a Veteran license plate (spouse, parent, child, brother, or sister)

Required documents

You must already have the Veteran designation on your driver license/ID card OR you must provide a copy of one of the following:

• DD214, 215, 2 (retired), 2 (reserve), 1173, or 256A
• Statement of honorable service from:
  • US Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Arizona Department of Veterans' Services
  • 100 percent disability certificate issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Any of these cards:
  • American Legion
  • Arizona credential with Veteran distinguishing mark
  • Department of Veterans Affairs veteran identification
  • Disabled American Veterans
  • Military Officers Association of America
  • Military Order of the Purple Heart
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars
  • Vietnam Veterans of America
  • US military ID (active or inactive duty)

How to apply

Online through AZ MVD Now

Order your Veteran plate online if:

• Your driver record already shows veteran status, OR
• You've already been issued a Veteran special plate

By mail or in person

Complete the Special Plate Application and submit it with your required documentation.

Personalization options

• Standard plates: Up to 6 characters
• Small plates (motorcycles and golf carts): Up to 4 characters
• Disability symbol: Available on request

Available sizes

• Standard size
• Small size for motorcycles and golf carts

Special features

• Also available with a disability symbol
• One plate issued per vehicle
• Supports Arizona veterans through special fund contributions

Opportunities for Veterans

Proud Partner of Army PaYS

For assistance in aligning your military skills, experience and training with career opportunities at ADOT, please visit Military.com's Veteran Employment Center.

Important Notes

• Active duty military personnel based in Arizona who qualify for exemption under the Service Member's Civil Relief Act of 2003 are not considered Arizona residents.