Where to Replace Your Arizona Driver's License

You can replace your Arizona driver's license at any Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, by mail, or online through the ADOT website — but the method depends on why you need a replacement and whether your license is still valid.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you have three main routes. The fastest is an in-person visit to an ADOT office, where you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot visit an office, you can request a replacement by mail or through the ADOT online portal if your license has not expired and you have not had more than one replacement in the past five years.

If your license has expired, you must renew it rather than replace it — a different process that requires vision and written tests. If you are unsure whether you need a replacement or renewal, check your license expiration date first.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at an ADOT office takes one visit and gives you a temporary license on the spot, with the permanent card arriving by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail and online replacements are available only if your license is still valid and you have not had more than one replacement in the past five years.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of Arizona residency, and payment (currently $12 for a replacement) at any ADOT office.
  • If your license has expired, you must complete a renewal instead, which includes a vision test and written exam at an ADOT office.
  • ADOT offices have different hours and some require appointments; check the office locator on the ADOT website before you go.

What You Need to Bring to an ADOT Office

Bring your Social Security number (written down or memorized), proof of your current Arizona address, and payment. Proof of residency can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address. A credit card or debit card works for payment.

If you do not have your Social Security card with you, you can provide your number verbally — ADOT will verify it through the Social Security Administration. If you have moved recently and your proof of residency is dated more than 60 days ago, bring two documents instead of one, or bring a recent document plus a letter from your landlord or mortgage company on letterhead.

You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost or stolen. If it is damaged, bring it anyway — ADOT will take it and destroy it as part of the replacement.

Replacing Your License by Mail or Online

The ADOT online portal lets you request a replacement if your license is still valid (not expired), you have a valid email address on file, and you have not had more than one replacement in the past five years. Go to the ADOT website, select "Replace a License," and follow the prompts. You will need to pay by credit or debit card, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

To replace by mail, read the process for Duplicate Driver License form from the ADOT website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date ADOT receives your envelope, plus mail time in both directions.

Both methods are slower than in-person replacement and carry a small risk: if ADOT needs more information from you, they will mail you a request, which adds another week or two. If you are in a hurry, visit an office instead.

The Difference Between Replacement and Renewal

A replacement is for a lost, stolen, or damaged license that is still valid. You keep the same license number and expiration date. A renewal is for a license that has expired or is about to expire. You get a new license number and a new expiration date, and you must pass a vision test and written exam.

If your license expired more than five years ago, Arizona treats it as expired rather than lost, and you must renew. If it expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online without taking a test — but only if you have not had a suspension, revocation, or medical hold on your license since it expired. If any of those explore, you must visit an ADOT office in person.

Check your license expiration date before you go to an ADOT office. Showing up to replace a license when you actually need to renew will cost you extra time and may require you to take the written test on the spot.

ADOT Office Locations and Appointment Requirements

Arizona has ADOT offices in most counties, but hours and appointment policies vary. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to book a time slot online or by phone. The ADOT website has a full office locator with phone numbers and hours for each location.

If you are visiting a Phoenix-area office, expect longer wait times during lunch hours and late afternoon. Rural offices often have shorter lines but may have limited hours — some are open only three days a week. Call ahead or check the website before you drive there.

If an office near you requires appointments and none are available for weeks, you can try a different office in your region or use the mail or online method instead. Some people travel to a less busy county office to get an appointment sooner, which is allowed as long as you bring proof of Arizona residency.

Cost and Timeline for Replacement

A replacement license costs $12 in Arizona, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. This fee covers the temporary paper license you receive at the office and the permanent plastic card mailed to you.

If you replace in person, you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances. If ADOT needs to verify information or if mail is delayed, it can take up to two weeks.

If you replace by mail or online, you do not receive a temporary license. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days from the date ADOT processes your request, which can be 2 to 3 weeks after they receive it. Plan accordingly if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

What to Do If Your License Was Suspended or Revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with ADOT or the court that issued it. This might mean paying fines, completing a DUI course, or serving a waiting period.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can replace your license at an ADOT office. Bring proof that the suspension or revocation has been cleared — ADOT can look this up in their system, but having documentation (a letter from the court or ADOT, or a receipt showing fines paid) speeds the process.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call ADOT or check the status online through the ADOT website before you visit an office. Showing up with an active suspension will not result in a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary paper license to drive right away?

Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date ADOT issues it. You can drive, work, and use it as proof of identity during that time. Keep it in your wallet or vehicle — police will accept it as a valid license.

What if my new license arrives damaged or with wrong information?

Contact ADOT when ready. If the card is damaged, they will replace it at no charge. If the information is wrong (name, address, or license number), bring the damaged card to an ADOT office with proof of the correct information, and they will issue a corrected replacement.

Can I replace my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you hold a valid visa or work permit. You will need to bring your passport and visa or work authorization document to an ADOT office. Undocumented immigrants cannot obtain an Arizona driver's license.

How long does a replacement license stay valid?

Your replacement license is valid until the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in two years, your replacement is also valid for two years. You do not get a new expiration date unless you renew.

What if I moved out of Arizona after my license was issued?

You cannot replace an Arizona license if you no longer live in Arizona. You must obtain a license from your new state. If you are moving back to Arizona and need a license, you can explore for a new one as if you were a first-time driver.