What You Need to Do to Replace an Arizona Driver's License

To replace your Arizona driver's license, you must visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring specific documents, and pay a replacement fee. Arizona does not allow online or mail-in replacements for standard driver's licenses. The process takes about 15 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

You have three reasons you might need a replacement: your license was lost or stolen, it was damaged and no longer readable, or your name changed. Each path requires the same documents and follows the same procedure at ADOT, but a name change also requires proof of the legal change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree).

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to an ADOT office in person; there is no online, mail, or phone option for driver's license replacement in Arizona.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment for the replacement fee, which is $25 for a standard license.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report, but ADOT will ask you to sign a statement confirming the loss.
  • If your name changed, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) along with your regular replacement documents.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents You Must Bring to the ADOT Office

Bring your Social Security number (you can write it down or bring a card), a document proving your current Arizona address, and payment. The address proof must be dated within 60 days of your visit and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the legal document that proves it: a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. ADOT will not accept a certified copy from a courthouse; it must be an official document issued by the government body that recorded the change. If you do not have the original, contact the county clerk's office or vital records office in the county where the change was recorded.

Do not bring your old license if it was lost or stolen. If you still have it because it was damaged, bring it with you so ADOT can destroy it.

The Replacement Fee and What It Covers

The replacement fee for a standard Arizona driver's license is $25. This is a flat rate regardless of whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. Payment must be made at the ADOT office; they accept cash, debit, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer.

The $25 fee covers the replacement card only. It does not include any endorsements (such as a commercial driver's license endorsement) or a Real ID upgrade. If your license was a Real ID and you want the replacement to be Real ID compliant, you will need to bring additional documents and may pay an extra fee depending on your situation.

Finding an ADOT Office and Making an Appointment

ADOT has offices in most Arizona counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the ADOT website under "Driver License Services" or by calling 602-255-0072. Some offices are open Monday through Friday, while others have limited weekend hours. Hours vary by location, so confirm before you go.

Walk-ins are accepted at most ADOT offices, but wait times can be long, especially in urban areas like Phoenix and Tucson. Many offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the ADOT website. Scheduling an appointment does not cost anything and can cut your wait time to 15 minutes or less. If you prefer to walk in, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon to avoid peak times.

What Happens If Your License Was Lost or Stolen

You do not need a police report to replace a lost or stolen Arizona driver's license. ADOT will ask you to sign a statement at the office confirming that your license is lost or stolen. This statement is part of the replacement form and takes less than a minute to complete.

If you are concerned about identity theft because your license was stolen along with other documents, you can file a police report separately for your records, but it is not required for the replacement. Some people file a report to document the theft in case fraudulent activity occurs later. Contact your local police department's non-emergency line if you want to file a report.

Receiving Your New License and the Temporary Paper License

When you complete your replacement at the ADOT office, you will receive a temporary paper license before you leave. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent card. The temporary is printed on the spot and looks like a receipt; keep it with you while driving.

Your permanent driver's license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times can vary depending on your location and postal service delays, so if you do not receive it within two weeks, contact ADOT to check the status. The permanent card will have the same number, expiration date, and information as your temporary license.

Replacing a License with a Name Change

If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, bring the certified legal document proving the change along with your regular replacement documents. ADOT will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current legal name. The process is the same as a standard replacement, and the fee remains $25.

Your new license will show your updated name and a new license number. Your old license number is no longer valid. If you have outstanding tickets, warrants, or other legal matters under your previous name, contact the relevant court or agency to update your records there as well, because ADOT's name change does not automatically update other government systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Arizona requires you to replace your driver's license in person at an ADOT office. There is no mail-in or online option for standard driver's license replacement.

What if I do not have proof of my current Arizona address?

You must bring a document dated within 60 days showing your name and current Arizona address. If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, a bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail will work. If you have none of these, contact ADOT before your visit to ask about alternatives.

Do I need to bring my old license if it was damaged?

Bring it if you still have it so ADOT can destroy it. If it is lost or too damaged to transport, you do not need it. Tell the staff member at the office that you no longer have it.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but the temporary covers you during the wait.

What if my permanent license does not arrive after two weeks?

Contact ADOT at 602-255-0072 to check the status of your card. Provide your license number or date of birth. ADOT can track your replacement and resend it if there was a mail delivery problem.