What you need to do to replace your license in Arizona

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arizona driver license, you'll visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first — though it's not required to replace it.

Arizona does not issue temporary paper licenses while you wait for your replacement to arrive. If you need to drive before your new license comes, you can request a temporary driving permit at the ADOT office, which is valid for 30 days and printed on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity and Arizona residency to replace your license.
  • The replacement fee is $12 for a standard license or $27 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you pay at the office.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; there is no option for expedited delivery.
  • If you need to drive when ready, request a temporary driving permit at the office, which is valid for 30 days.
  • You can find your nearest ADOT office and check wait times on the ADOT website before you go.

Documents to 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 passport, passport card, tribal ID, military ID, or an out-of-state driver license. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Arizona address — it must be dated within the last 60 days.

If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring your old license if it was lost or stolen, but if you have it and it was damaged, bring it along.

ADOT office locations and wait times

Arizona has 18 ADOT offices across the state. The busiest offices are in Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa, where wait times can reach 45 minutes to an hour during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Smaller offices in rural areas usually have shorter waits.

Before you go, visit the ADOT website and select your nearest office to check current wait times. Many offices let you check in online before you arrive, which can save you time. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings. Call ahead if you're traveling more than 30 minutes to confirm the office is open.

The replacement fee and what it covers

A standard Arizona driver license replacement costs $12. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead (which you'll need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 2025), the fee is $27. You pay at the ADOT office when you submit your documents — they do not accept payment in advance online.

The fee covers the license itself and the photo taken at the office. It does not cover a temporary driving permit if you request one; that is free. If you're replacing a license that was stolen, the fee is the same — there is no waiver or discount.

Getting a temporary driving permit while you wait

If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, ask the ADOT staff for a temporary driving permit before you leave the office. It's printed on the spot and is valid for 30 days. You can drive anywhere in the United States with this permit, and it counts as a valid ID for most purposes.

The temporary permit is a single sheet of paper, so keep it with you while you drive. Once your new license arrives in the mail, the temporary permit is no longer valid. If your 30 days expire before your license arrives (which is rare), you can return to an ADOT office and request another temporary permit.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you may want to report it to your local police department. This creates a record in case someone tries to use it fraudulently, though it's not required to replace your license. You can file a report online through your police department's website or in person at a local precinct.

Whether or not you file a police report, the replacement process at ADOT is the same. Bring your proof of identity and residency, pay the fee, and your new license will be mailed to you. If you're concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.

Real ID versus standard license: which should you replace it with

When you replace your license, you can choose between a standard Arizona driver license or a Real ID-compliant license. A standard license costs $12 and works for driving and most everyday ID needs. A Real ID costs $27 and is required to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings (like a courthouse) starting May 2025.

If you travel by air or plan to, getting a Real ID now saves you a trip back to ADOT later. If you rarely fly and don't need federal building access, a standard license is sufficient. Either way, the replacement process is identical — the only difference is the fee and what the license can be used for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Arizona requires you to appear in person at an ADOT office to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You cannot do it by mail or through the ADOT website. You must bring proof of identity and residency and have a new photo taken.

How long does it take to get my replacement license?

The office visit takes about 30 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Arizona does not offer expedited mail delivery. If you need to drive before it arrives, request a temporary driving permit at the office, which is valid for 30 days.

What if I don't have proof of Arizona residency?

You must bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your Arizona address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If you've just moved and don't have a recent document yet, contact ADOT to ask about alternatives; some offices may accept other forms of proof depending on your situation.

Do I need to report my stolen license to the police?

It's not required to replace your license, but reporting it creates a record in case someone tries to use it. You can file a report online or in person with your local police department. If you're worried about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

Yes. Ask ADOT staff for a temporary driving permit before you leave the office. It's printed on the spot, valid for 30 days, and free. You can drive anywhere in the United States with it, and it counts as a valid ID for most purposes.