Moving to Arizona: what is different for newcomers

Arizona keeps its own clock, its own driving rules and a summer climate that shapes daily life. The steps every newcomer takes are in our first 30 days checklist; these are the Arizona ones.

A license as soon as you count as a resident. There is no grace period: state law requires an Arizona driver license and registration immediately once, for example, you work here, register to vote or stay seven months or more in a calendar year (ADOT MVD). The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) handles it, and so do Authorized Third Party offices, which may add a convenience fee (ADOT MVD). Documents, tests and each step: Arizona driver license and ID.

A state income tax. A full-year resident pays Arizona tax on all income, including earnings from another state; a part-year resident pays on income earned while living here and on Arizona-source income (Arizona Department of Revenue). For 2026, the Department tells people estimating their tax to use a single rate (ADOR). How it fits together: state and local taxes.

A state program for refugees. The Department of Economic Security runs the Arizona Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP), which supports refugees and other eligible newcomers, such as asylees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, Special Immigrant Visa holders and survivors of severe forms of trafficking (DES). Refugees usually contact a resettlement agency first, and the program’s line is (602) 542-4446, extension 4 (DES). See also refugee resettlement services.

Heat that can kill. Arizona “is one of the hottest places on earth from May to September,” and more than 4,320 people died from heat exposure in the state from 2013 to 2024, says the Department of Health Services, which also maps cooling centers (ADHS).

Monsoon storms. From mid-June through the end of September, the monsoon brings heavy rain, high winds, lightning, dust storms and flash floods (AzEIN). Never drive around barricades or into flowing water; in a dust storm, pull off the road, park, turn off your lights and take your foot off the brake (AzEIN). The Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN) is the state’s official source for emergency updates (AzEIN). Your plan: emergency preparedness.

No daylight saving time. State law rejects daylight saving time and keeps Arizona on mountain standard time all year (A.R.S. § 1-242); the exception is the Navajo Indian Reservation, which does observe it (NIST). In spring and fall, check call times with family abroad.