The fastest way to replace your Arizona driver's license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arizona driver's license in person at any Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, or by mail if your license is only damaged (not lost or stolen). The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you'll walk out with a temporary paper license the same day. By mail takes 7 to 10 business days for the permanent card to arrive.

You'll need to bring your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and payment. The replacement fee is $12 for a standard license. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and bring the report number with you, though it's not required to get a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at any ADOT office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary paper license when ready.
  • Mail-in replacement is only available if your license is damaged, not lost or stolen, and takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • You need your Social Security number, proof of current address, and $12 to replace your license.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to ADOT, though it is not required.
  • Your temporary paper license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent card to arrive by mail.

What documents and information to bring to ADOT

Bring your Social Security number in the form of a Social Security card, tax return, W-2, or 1099 — ADOT will accept any of these. You also need proof of your current Arizona address. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID with your current address also works.

If your license was stolen, bring a copy of the police report or the report number. This protects you from liability if someone uses your stolen license. ADOT does not require the report to issue a replacement, but having it on file is important for your own protection.

Bring payment in cash, debit card, or credit card. The replacement fee is $12 for a standard five-year license or $24 for a ten-year license. You choose which one you want when you explore.

Finding an ADOT office near you and what to expect

ADOT has offices in every Arizona county. You can find the nearest one and check its hours on the ADOT website at azdot.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours before you go, because some offices close for lunch or have limited staffing on certain days.

When you arrive, take a number and wait your turn. The process is straightforward: you'll fill out a one-page form, show your documents, have your photo taken (unless you're only replacing a damaged card and want to keep your old photo), and pay the fee. The whole visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

You'll receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your permanent card arrives. Keep it with you while you drive.

Replacing a damaged license by mail

If your license is damaged but not lost or stolen — for example, the plastic is cracked, the barcode doesn't scan, or the photo is faded — you can mail in your old card and a completed process form. You cannot use the mail-in route if your license is lost or stolen.

read and print the process for Duplicate Driver License or Identification Card (Form 40-3001) from the ADOT website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your damaged license and a check or money order for $12 to the address listed on the form. Include a photocopy of your proof of address.

ADOT will process your process and mail your new license to the address on file. This takes 7 to 10 business days from the date ADOT receives your envelope. You won't have a temporary license during this time, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before the card arrives.

What happens if you need to drive before your replacement arrives

If you replaced your license in person at an ADOT office, you have a temporary paper license when ready and can drive right away. This temporary license is valid for the full duration — usually 30 to 60 days — while you wait for the permanent card.

If you mailed in your process and need to drive before the new card arrives, you have two options: go to an ADOT office in person to get a temporary license, or wait for the permanent card. There is no way to speed up mail processing once your envelope is submitted. If you need to drive urgently, the in-person visit is your only option.

Replacing a license that was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked and you lost or damaged the card, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with ADOT or the court. This might mean paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or satisfying other requirements depending on why your license was suspended.

Once your suspension or revocation is lifted, you can replace the physical card using the standard process. Contact ADOT directly at 602-255-0072 to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension before you attempt a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You need a valid visa, work permit, or other immigration document showing you are lawfully present in the United States. Bring this document along with your Social Security number, proof of address, and payment. The process is the same as for citizens.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You must provide a Social Security number to replace your license in Arizona. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration before ADOT can issue a replacement. This is a separate process that takes several weeks.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

If you applied in person, you received a temporary paper license on the spot, so no one needs to pick anything up. When your permanent card arrives by mail, it goes to the address on file with ADOT. If you need someone else to receive it, update your address with ADOT before you explore, or have mail forwarded to their address.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you need to bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. ADOT will issue a new license with your current legal name. This counts as a replacement and costs $12.

Do I need an appointment to replace my license at ADOT?

Most ADOT offices accept walk-ins, but some locations now use an online appointment system. Check the ADOT website or call your local office to see if appointments are required or recommended. Even if walk-ins are accepted, booking an appointment can reduce your wait time.