What You Need to Replace Your Arizona Driver's License
To get a replacement Arizona driver's license, you must visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. You cannot renew by mail or online if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. The process takes about 15 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
Arizona issues replacement licenses the same day you explore, but the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local police or the Arizona Department of Public Safety, though this is not required to get a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to an ADOT office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current Arizona address to get a replacement license.
- The replacement fee is $12 for a standard license and $17 for a commercial driver's license (CDL), and you pay at the office when you explore.
- ADOT will give you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days, and your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report with your local department or the Arizona Department of Public Safety to protect yourself from fraud.
- You do not need to retake the written or driving test to get a replacement unless your license has expired for more than five years.
Documents You Must Bring to the ADOT Office
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Arizona. For identity, ADOT accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate plus a Social Security card. A school ID or work ID alone is not enough.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count. If you have moved recently and your ID shows an old address, bring both your old ID and a current residency document.
If you are replacing a license because it was stolen, bring a police report number or case number if you have one. ADOT does not require it, but having it on hand speeds up the process.
ADOT Office Locations and Hours
Arizona has 16 full-service ADOT offices across the state. The main office is in Phoenix at 1801 W. Jefferson Street, but you can visit any location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. A few offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa tend to be busier during mid-morning and early afternoon. You can check current wait times and hours for your nearest office on the ADOT website or by calling ahead. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online, which can cut your wait to 15 minutes or less.
If you cannot reach an ADOT office easily, you may be able to use a third-party service provider in some areas, though these charge an additional fee above the state replacement fee. Check the ADOT website to see if a provider operates near you.
Replacement Fee and Payment Methods
The replacement fee for a standard Arizona driver's license is $12. If you are replacing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is $17. You pay in cash, debit card, or credit card at the ADOT office when you submit your process. ADOT does not accept checks or payment by mail.
The fee covers the replacement license only. If you also need to update your address, change your name, or add an endorsement (such as a motorcycle endorsement), you may owe additional fees. Ask the ADOT staff before you pay to confirm the total cost for your situation.
What Happens After You explore
When you finish your appointment, ADOT will print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal weight as a permanent card—you can use it to drive, board a plane, or show as ID. Write down the expiration date so you know when to expect your permanent card.
Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provided at the office within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it after 10 business days, contact ADOT to check the status. If your address changes before the card arrives, you can update it online or at an ADOT office, and ADOT will remail the card to your new address at no extra charge.
If your permanent card arrives damaged or with an error, return to an ADOT office with the damaged card and your temporary license. ADOT will issue a replacement at no additional cost.
Special Situations: Stolen, Lost, or Damaged Licenses
If your license was stolen, file a report with your local police department or the Arizona Department of Public Safety. You do not need the report to get a replacement from ADOT, but having a case number protects you if someone uses your license number for fraud. Keep the report number for your records.
If your license is lost, you follow the same replacement process as for a stolen license. ADOT does not distinguish between lost and stolen when issuing a replacement. If your license is damaged but still readable, you can still use it to drive until you get a replacement, but ADOT recommends replacing it to avoid problems at traffic stops or when showing ID.
If your license was damaged in a natural disaster or accident, bring the damaged card to the ADOT office along with your other documents. ADOT may waive the replacement fee in cases of declared disaster, though this is handled on a case-by-case basis. Ask the staff when you arrive.
When You Need More Than a Replacement
If your license has expired for more than five years, ADOT treats the replacement as a new license process, not a straightforward replacement. You will need to retake the written test and the driving test, and the fee will be higher. Check your license expiration date before you go to the office.
If you need to change your name on your license at the same time you replace it, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. ADOT will update your name and issue the replacement in one visit, but you may owe an additional fee for the name change.
If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement or upgrade to a commercial license while replacing your current license, you will need to pass the appropriate written and driving tests. Plan for a longer appointment and bring study materials if you have not prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if my current license is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, ADOT will not issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to restore your driving privileges. Once the suspension is cleared, you can get a replacement.
What if I moved out of Arizona but still have an Arizona license?
You cannot get a replacement Arizona license if you no longer live in Arizona. You must get a license from your new state instead. If you need to keep your Arizona license for work or other reasons, you must maintain an Arizona address and bring proof of that address to the ADOT office.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date ADOT issues it. After 30 days, you must have your permanent plastic card. If your permanent card has not arrived after 10 business days, contact ADOT before the temporary license expires so they can investigate or reissue the card.
Do I need to retake my photo for a replacement license?
Yes. ADOT takes a new photo every time you get a replacement license, even if your old photo is recent. The photo is taken at the office during your appointment at no extra cost.
What if I lost my Social Security number and cannot bring it with my birth certificate?
Bring a different form of identity instead, such as a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. You do not have to use a birth certificate and Social Security card together—ADOT accepts any one of these documents as proof of identity.