Medical Considerations

Medical Conditions

If you develop a medical condition which impairs your ability to drive safely, notify the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) in writing. You must do so within five days of the development, or as soon as you're capable of doing so.

Send the signed report containing your name, address, date of birth, and medical description to:

• Mail Drop 818Z

• Medical Review Program

• P.O. Box 2100

• Phoenix, AZ 85001-2100

Phone: (623) 925-5795
Fax: (623) 925-9323
This also applies to those with an existing condition that has worsened enough to impair their ability to drive safely.

Vision

To qualify for an unrestricted license, you must have at least 20/40 vision in one eye. If not, your license will indicate you need to wear corrective glasses or contact lenses.

Reporting an Incompetent Driver

Law enforcement officers and MVD officials may report a driver they feel may need to be examined by completing a re-examination request form.

Those not fitting into either of these categories may request that the Medical Advisory Board review a driver's capability to operate a vehicle safely.

To do this, send a letter to the board containing the driver's name, address, and date of birth, along with an explanation as to why you suspect the driver is unfit to continue driving. Be specific with your details. Also, if you know the driver's license plate number or social security number, include that, too.

The board will then investigate the matter, send a letter to the driver, and request that the driver be examined by a physician, who will file a report.

Send the letter containing your request to:

• Mail Drop 818Z

• Medical Review Program

• P.O. Box 2100

• Phoenix, AZ 85001-2100

Seizures

If you experienced a seizure within three months of applying for a license, you must report this to the MVD. You'll need to visit a physician, who must file a medical report to the MVD.

Licensed drivers who have a seizure must stop all driving activities until they have been examined by a physician, and cleared for driving.

Elderly Drivers

If you're over 60, you'll get five-year licenses from now on, instead of the usual 12-year license. This means those in this category will have their vision tested every five years.

Listing Medical Conditions on License

If you have a medical condition that may require immediate assistance, the MVD can note it on your license using a code. However, you need to bring a signed statement by your physician indicating the condition to a MVD office, and the statement must have been written within the past 90 days.