What You Need to Do Right Now
To replace a lost driver's license in Arizona, you must visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring proof of identity and Arizona residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online in Arizona. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, you may want to report it to local police first — though this is not required by ADOT to process the replacement. Having a police report number can help if someone uses your license number fraudulently, but ADOT will replace it either way.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at an ADOT office; there is no mail-in or online replacement option for a lost Arizona license.
- Bring a valid passport, birth certificate, or other federally approved ID, plus a document showing your current Arizona address.
- The replacement fee is $25 for a standard five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license; you choose which term when you explore.
- You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, consider filing a police report to protect yourself against identity theft, though ADOT does not require it.
Documents You Must Bring to the ADOT Office
ADOT requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of Arizona residency. For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate (with a raised seal), a passport card, a Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST), or a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work — it must be an official certified copy.
For Arizona residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners or renters insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. A government-issued ID with your Arizona address (such as an old Arizona license) also counts as residency proof.
If your name has changed since your original license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. ADOT will not process the replacement without it.
Where to Go and What to Expect
ADOT operates Driver License Services offices in most Arizona counties. The main office is in Phoenix, but you can visit any ADOT location statewide. Find the office nearest you and its hours on the ADOT website under "Driver License Services Locations." Some offices are busier than others; visiting early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter waits.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost license. They will verify your documents, ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file, and take a new photo. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
You will pay the replacement fee at the counter before you leave. ADOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Once payment is complete, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal standing as a permanent card while you drive. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Fees and License Term Options
The replacement fee depends on how long you want your new license to be valid. A standard five-year license costs $25. A ten-year license costs $45. You choose which term when you explore — there is no difference in the process process, only in the fee and the expiration date printed on your card.
If you are under 18, your license will be valid for four years regardless of which option you choose, and the fee is $25. If you are 18 or older, the five-year and ten-year options are both available at the prices listed above.
The fee covers the replacement card only. There are no additional processing fees, process fees, or hidden charges. If you pay by card, ADOT may charge a small convenience fee — ask at the counter if you want to know the exact amount before you pay.
What Happens If Your License Was Stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, the replacement process at ADOT is identical — you still bring the same documents, pay the same fee, and receive a temporary license on the spot. The difference is in what you do before or after you visit ADOT.
Filing a police report is optional but recommended if you believe your license could be used for identity theft or fraud. Contact your local police department's non-emergency line and report the theft. You will receive a report number, which you can keep for your records. This does not prevent ADOT from replacing your license, but it creates an official record in case someone tries to use your license number later.
You may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft. This is a separate step from replacing your license and is not handled by ADOT.
Timeline: From Lost License to Replacement in Hand
The timeline depends on when you visit an ADOT office and how you receive your mail. On the day you visit, you will walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license is fully legal to use for driving and has no restrictions.
Your permanent plastic card will be mailed to the address you provide at the ADOT office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date ADOT processes your process. If you live far from Phoenix or in a rural area, delivery may take slightly longer. ADOT does not offer expedited mail service for license replacements.
If your permanent card does not arrive within 14 days, contact ADOT to verify that your address was recorded correctly. If the address was wrong, you will need to visit an ADOT office again to request a corrected card.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is bringing a photocopy of your birth certificate instead of the certified original. ADOT will not accept a photocopy, even if it is notarized. If you do not have a certified copy, you must order one from the Arizona Department of Health Services or the state where you were born before you visit ADOT.
Another frequent error is bringing a residency document that is older than 60 days. ADOT strictly enforces this rule. If your utility bill or lease is dated more than 60 days ago, bring a different document or ask your utility company or landlord for a current statement.
Do not assume you can renew your license at the same time you replace it. If your license has expired, you must replace it first, then renew it in a separate transaction. This requires two visits to ADOT or two separate applications if you are doing it online (renewal only). Most people replace and renew on the same day at the office, but they are technically two separate processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, bring a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or Trusted Traveler card instead. These are all acceptable forms of identity proof. If you have none of these, contact ADOT before you visit to ask about other options.
What if I move to a different address before my new license arrives?
Contact ADOT when ready with your new address so they can update their records and reroute your card. If your card is already in the mail, it may be too late to redirect it. In that case, you may need to visit an ADOT office again to request a corrected card with your new address.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
No, reporting to police is not required by ADOT to replace your license. However, if you believe your license could be used for fraud or identity theft, filing a police report creates an official record and may help protect you later.
Can I get a temporary license that lasts longer than 30 days?
No. The temporary paper license issued at the ADOT office is valid for exactly 30 days. Your permanent card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary license is meant to cover the gap.
What if I lost my license while traveling outside Arizona?
You must visit an ADOT office in Arizona to replace it. You cannot replace an Arizona license at a DMV office in another state. If you are stranded out of state, you may be able to use your temporary paper license to drive back to Arizona, then visit an ADOT office to complete the replacement.