What you need to do right now

To replace a lost Arizona driver's license, you'll go to your local Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, bring proof of identity and Arizona residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. The whole process takes about 30 minutes. You'll walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you — usually within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods.

You don't need to retake the written or road test. A replacement is simpler than getting your first license because ADOT already has your information on file.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit an ADOT office in person with a valid ID and proof you live in Arizona — you cannot replace a lost license by mail or online.
  • Bring documents like a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement to prove your current address in Arizona.
  • The replacement fee is $25 for a standard license, and you'll pay in cash, debit, or credit at the office.
  • You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it's not required to get a replacement.

Documents to bring to the ADOT office

You need two things: a valid photo ID and proof that you currently live in Arizona. For the photo ID, bring your passport, tribal ID, military ID, or another government-issued ID with your picture on it. If you don't have any of these, call your local ADOT office first — they can tell you what alternatives they'll accept.

For proof of Arizona residency, bring one recent document with your name and current Arizona address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. If you've just moved and don't have a recent bill yet, some offices will accept a signed letter from your landlord or a copy of your lease with a move-in date.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized — you'll need it to fill out the replacement form. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

Finding your nearest ADOT office and what to expect

ADOT has offices in every Arizona county. You can find the one closest to you on the ADOT website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices are busier than others — offices in Phoenix, Tucson, and other large cities often have longer wait times, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month.

When you arrive, you'll check in at the front desk and get a number. You'll fill out form DL 44 (the same form you'd use for a new license), but most of it will already be filled in because ADOT has your records. You'll verify your information, sign the form, and have your photo taken. The whole visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

You'll pay the $25 replacement fee at the counter. ADOT offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Before you leave, you'll get a temporary paper license printed on the spot — this is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a real license does, including driving and identification.

When your plastic license arrives in the mail

Your new plastic driver's license will be mailed to the address you provided at the ADOT office. In normal circumstances, it arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During peak times — like after the holidays or during summer — it can take up to two weeks or slightly longer.

If you don't receive your license within three weeks, contact the ADOT office where you applied. Have your temporary paper license handy when you call — they'll use the number on it to look up your order. If the license was lost in the mail, ADOT can issue a replacement, though you may have to pay another fee.

Once your plastic license arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it as a record — you don't need to return it to ADOT.

If your license was stolen

Reporting a stolen license to police is optional but worth doing if you're concerned about identity theft. A police report creates a record and can help if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. You can file a report online through your local police department's website or by visiting a station in person.

You don't need a police report to get your replacement license from ADOT — the replacement process is the same whether your license was lost or stolen. However, if you're worried about fraud, you might also consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freezing your credit.

What to do if you can't visit an ADOT office in person

Arizona requires you to appear in person to replace a lost license — there's no mail-in or online option. If you're temporarily out of state or unable to visit an office, you have a few choices. You can wait until you return to Arizona and visit an office then. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and works in all 50 states.

If you're permanently moving out of Arizona, you'll need to get a license from your new state instead. Each state has its own process, but most will let you transfer your driving record from Arizona without retaking the written test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it's damaged but not lost?

Yes. Bring the damaged license with you to the ADOT office along with your proof of residency. The process is the same as replacing a lost license, and the fee is still $25. ADOT will take the damaged license from you when you turn it in.

What if I don't have a utility bill or lease to prove I live in Arizona?

Call your local ADOT office and ask what documents they'll accept. Some offices will take a bank statement, insurance bill, property tax notice, or a letter from a government agency. A few offices may accept a signed statement from someone who lives with you, though this varies by location.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the ADOT office to have your photo taken and sign the replacement form. No one can do this on your behalf, even with a power of attorney.

Do I have to take a new written test or road test to replace my lost license?

No. A replacement is not a new license — it's a duplicate of the one you already have. You keep the same license number, class, and restrictions. You only take tests if your license has expired or if ADOT has a reason to require retesting.

What if my temporary paper license expires before my plastic one arrives?

Contact the ADOT office where you applied and ask them to issue a second temporary license. This is uncommon — most plastic licenses arrive well before 30 days — but ADOT can print another temporary if yours is about to expire and your replacement hasn't arrived yet.