What you need to do to replace your Arizona license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arizona driver's license, you 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. The process takes about 30 minutes. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot replace your license by mail, phone, or online. ADOT requires you to appear in person so they can verify your identity and take a new photo. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and get a report number — ADOT will ask for it.

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 and $25 for an enhanced license, and you pay at the office.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, bring a police report number; ADOT will note it in their system.
  • ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations offer extended hours on certain days.

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 U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, military ID, tribal ID, or a previous Arizona license or ID card. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement showing your current Arizona address. Both documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're replacing a license that was damaged but not stolen, bring the damaged card with you.

Finding an ADOT office near you

ADOT operates driver license offices in most Arizona cities and towns. You can find the office closest to you and check its hours on the ADOT website at azdot.gov. Search by city or zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some locations have extended hours on certain weekdays or limited Saturday hours — check before you go.

Offices in larger cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa tend to be busier. If you go early in the morning or mid-week, you'll usually wait less than 30 minutes. Some offices use an online appointment system; check the ADOT website to see if your local office offers it. Walk-ins are always accepted, but an appointment can save you time.

The replacement fee and what it covers

A standard Arizona driver's license replacement costs $12. If you want an enhanced license (which allows you to enter federal buildings and cross the U.S.-Canada border by land without a passport), the fee is $25. You pay at the ADOT office when you submit your documents. ADOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification during that time. Once your permanent card arrives, the paper license is no longer valid.

When your new license arrives and what to do if it doesn't

Your new Arizona driver's license is mailed to the address you provided at the ADOT office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you don't receive it within 14 days, contact ADOT to report it. You can call the ADOT Driver License Services line or visit an office in person with your temporary paper license.

If your replacement license arrives damaged or with errors (wrong name, wrong address, wrong class), return to an ADOT office with the card and your temporary license. ADOT will issue a corrected card at no additional charge if the error was made by ADOT. If the damage happened after you received it, you'll pay the replacement fee again.

Special situations: stolen licenses and address changes

If your license was stolen, report it to the police department in the city where the theft occurred and get a report number. Bring that number to the ADOT office when you explore for replacement. ADOT will flag your old license number in their system so it cannot be used fraudulently. You should also monitor your credit and identity for signs of misuse.

If you're replacing your license and your address has changed, provide your new Arizona address at the ADOT office. Your new license will be mailed to that address. If you've moved out of Arizona, you cannot replace an Arizona license — you must obtain a license from your new state instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it's expired?

Yes. A replacement is different from a renewal. You can replace an expired, lost, stolen, or damaged license by visiting an ADOT office with proof of identity and residency. The process is the same whether your license is current or expired.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

ADOT requires one document showing your Arizona address. If you don't have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, ask the ADOT office which other documents they accept. Some offices will accept a letter from your employer, a school enrollment document, or a government benefit statement if it shows your address.

How long is the temporary paper license good for?

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it. It can be used for driving and identification during that time. Once your permanent plastic card arrives, the paper license expires and should not be used.

Can someone else pick up my license if I can't go to the office?

No. ADOT requires the person whose license it is to appear in person. You cannot have someone else explore for your replacement or pick it up on your behalf.

What if my name on my documents doesn't match my current legal name?

Bring the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. ADOT will update your name on your new license to match your current legal name.