46
www.snowbirds.org
CSA TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE
Arizona Driver’s Licence
Arizona currently operates a single “full” driver’s licence system.
You do not require an Arizona driver’s licence number in order to register a vehicle.
If you apply for an Arizona driver’s licence, the state department of Motor Vehicles will void your
Canadian licence.
If you remain physically present in Arizona for a total of seven (7) months or more during a calendar
year state law requires that you obtain an Arizona driver’s licence and vehicle registration, if you own
a vehicle, regardless of where you make your permanent residence.
Arizona Identification Card
Arizona allows visitors to apply for a state identification card.
A common Arizona driver’s licence/identification card application must be completed at a local
department of Motor Vehicles office.
You will require two pieces of identification – a primary and a secondary – to obtain an ID card.
Primary identification could be a Canadian or other foreign passport containing a CBP admissions
stamp for your current trip to show you have been lawfully admitted to the United States. If
your passport is not Canadian, you will also need to present your CBP form I-94 Record of Arrival/
Departure.
Secondary identification could be your Canadian driver’s licence, other professional licence, Bank card,
Credit card, or employee ID badge with photo.
While U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are required to provide their
U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) in order to obtain an Arizona driver’s licence or identification card,
Canadian citizens using their Canadian passports are exempt from this requirement. Do not give your
Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) as a substitute.
The current fee for an Arizona ID Card is $12 USD (under 65 years) and no-cost for applicants aged 65
or older.
California Driver’s Licence and California Identification Card
California state law allows any applicant who can establish legal presence in the United States to
apply for a driver’s licence or identification card. There is no residency requirement, and applicants
may hold a licence and identification card at the same time. Only the original or a certified copy of
a Canadian passport or birth certificate is acceptable. If you are not travelling to the United States
with a Canadian passport, you will require your non-Canadian passport and CBP form I-94 Record of
Arrival/Departure.
While U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are required to provide their
U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) in order to obtain a California driver’s licence or identification card,
Canadian citizen using their Canadian passport are exempt from this requirement. Do not give your
Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) as a substitute.
California driver’s licence applicants with a driver’s licence from a Canadian jurisdiction will be
required to take a driving test. Canadian driver’s licences will also be stamped “invalid in CA” and
returned to the applicant. It is important to note that there is no legal requirement to obtain a
California driver’s licence. Your Canadian licence is acceptable in the state.