What you need to do right now
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arizona driver's license, you will go to your local Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The whole process takes about 30 minutes. You will walk out with a temporary paper license the same day, and your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot replace your license by mail or online — Arizona requires you to appear in person and have a new photo taken. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and get a report number, though this is not required to get a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ADOT office in person with valid proof of identity and one document showing your current Arizona address.
- The replacement fee is $12 for a standard license or $17 for a Real ID-compliant license, paid at the time of your visit.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first so you have a report number to give ADOT if fraud occurs later.
- You do not need an appointment at most ADOT offices, but you can schedule one online to skip the walk-in line.
Documents to bring to the ADOT office
Bring one form of valid photo identification — your passport, tribal ID, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license all work. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that prove your identity without a photo, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.
You also need one document that shows your current Arizona address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you have moved recently and your address documents are not yet in your name, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will need it to complete the replacement form.
Where to go and how to schedule
ADOT has offices in every Arizona county. You can find the location nearest you and check its hours on the ADOT website at azdot.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours.
You do not need an appointment to replace your license, but you can schedule one online through the ADOT website to avoid waiting in line. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning and mid-week visits are usually faster. If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early.
Some ADOT offices are busier than others. If your local office has a long wait, you can visit any other ADOT office in the state — your replacement will be processed the same way.
The replacement fee and what it covers
A standard Arizona driver's license replacement costs $12. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead — which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 2025 — the fee is $17. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner.
The fee covers the replacement card, the temporary paper license you receive the same day, and processing. There are no additional charges. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the ADOT office.
If you are replacing a license that was damaged rather than lost or stolen, the fee is the same.
What happens at your appointment or walk-in visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will verify your identity and address, then ask you to confirm your current address and any other information on file. They will ask whether you want a standard license or a Real ID license.
You will then have a new photo taken. Wear clear glasses if you normally do — sunglasses are not allowed. The photo will be taken against a plain background, the same as your original license photo.
After your photo, you will pay the replacement fee and sign the process form. The staff member will give you a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works for driving, voting, and most other purposes while you wait for your permanent card.
When your new license arrives by mail
Your permanent Arizona driver's license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times can vary, so if you do not receive it within 12 days, contact ADOT to check the status.
When your new license arrives, destroy your temporary paper license — you no longer need it. Your new permanent card is valid for five years from the date it is issued. The expiration date will be printed on the front of the card.
If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, call ADOT at 602-255-0072 to report it. They can reissue a replacement at no additional cost if the card was lost in the mail.
If your license was stolen
File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You do not need the report to get your replacement license, but having a report number on file protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license for fraud or traffic violations.
When you visit ADOT, mention that your license was stolen and provide the police report number if you have one. ADOT will flag your old license as invalid in their system so it cannot be used.
If you discover fraudulent activity on your record after your replacement arrives — such as traffic tickets you did not receive or violations you did not commit — contact ADOT with your police report number and they can investigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it is damaged but still readable?
Yes. Bring the damaged license with you to the ADOT office along with your other documents. The staff will take it and issue a replacement. You do not need to prove how it was damaged.
What if I do not have proof of my current address?
You need at least one document showing your Arizona address dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement. If you are homeless or living with someone else, ask that person for a notarized letter stating you live there.
Do I need to bring my old license to get a replacement?
No. If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot bring it. If your license is damaged, bring it if you have it — it helps speed up the process — but it is not required. ADOT can look up your information in their system using your name and date of birth.
How long is the temporary paper license good for?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. Your permanent card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you will have plenty of time. If your permanent card does not arrive before the temporary expires, contact ADOT and they will extend the temporary or issue a new one.
Can I get a Real ID license instead of a standard license when I replace mine?
Yes. Tell the ADOT staff member you want a Real ID license when you check in. The fee is $17 instead of $12. Real ID licenses have a gold star and can be used for domestic flights and federal building access after May 2025.