How to Replace Your Arizona Driver's License

The fastest way to replace your Arizona 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 leave with a temporary paper license the same day. The mail route takes 7 to 10 business days but costs less and requires no trip to an office.

You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police first — you don't need a police report number, but having one speeds things up. If your license was lost, you can go straight to ADOT.

Key Takeaways

In-person replacement at any ADOT office takes about 30 minutes and costs $12 for a standard replacement or $17 for an expedited one-business-day replacement.
Mail replacement is only available if your license is damaged, not lost or stolen, and takes 7 to 10 business days for $12.
You must bring an original or certified copy of proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and know your Social Security number.
If your license was stolen, report it to local police first so ADOT can flag it in their system.
You'll receive a temporary paper license at the office that day, or a replacement card by mail within 10 business days.

What documents you need to bring

ADOT requires one document from the identity list and one from the residency list. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card. A photocopy of these documents will not work — it must be an original or certified copy.

For residency, bring an original document showing your current Arizona address: a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, vehicle registration, or insurance policy. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and address.

You'll also need to provide your Social Security number. If you're replacing a stolen license, bring a police report or the case number if you have one — this is not required, but it helps ADOT flag your old license so it cannot be used.

Replacing your license in person at an ADOT office

Find the ADOT office nearest you on the ADOT website and go during their business hours — most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Bring your identity document, residency document, and Social Security number. You do not need an appointment; ADOT operates on a walk-in basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

At the office, tell the staff member you need a replacement license. They will verify your documents, take a new photo (unless you request to use your old photo), and process your replacement. You'll pay $12 for a standard replacement card that arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, or $17 for an expedited replacement that arrives in one business day. You'll leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your card.

If you choose the expedited option, your replacement card will be mailed to the address on file. Make sure the address in the system is correct before you leave the office, because changing it later requires another visit or a mail-in form.

Replacing a damaged license by mail

If your license is damaged but not lost or stolen, you can mail your old card to ADOT with a replacement request form. read the process for Duplicate Driver License or Identification Card (Form 40-3001) from the ADOT website, fill it out, and mail it along with your damaged license to the address listed on the form.

Include a check or money order for $12 payable to ADOT. Do not send cash. Your replacement card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to include copies of your identity or residency documents for a mail replacement — ADOT already has those on file from your original license.

If you need a license before the replacement arrives, you cannot get a temporary paper license through the mail route. In that case, visit an ADOT office in person instead.

What happens if your license was stolen

Report the theft to your local police department. You do not need to wait for a police report to be filed — you can go to ADOT the same day. If you have a case number or report number, bring it with you; if not, bring the name of the police department where you reported it. ADOT will flag your old license in their system so it cannot be used by someone else.

Proceed with the in-person replacement process described above. The cost and timeline are the same as a lost license replacement. Some people worry that a stolen license will be used for fraud, but flagging it at ADOT prevents it from being used to get another license or ID in Arizona.

Replacing your license if you've moved

If you've moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address at the same time you replace your license. Bring proof of your new Arizona address (a utility bill, lease, or other document dated within the last 60 days) along with your identity document and Social Security number. ADOT will update your address and issue your replacement card with the new address printed on it.

If you're replacing your license by mail and have moved, include a copy of your new residency document with your process. Write your new address clearly on the process form so ADOT knows where to mail your replacement card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my identity document instead of the original?

No. ADOT requires an original or certified copy of your identity document. A photocopy, digital image, or screenshot will not be accepted. If you don't have the original, contact the issuing agency (your state vital records office for a birth certificate, the passport agency for a passport, etc.) to request a certified copy.

How long is the temporary paper license good for?

The temporary paper license issued at an ADOT office is valid for 30 days. If your replacement card hasn't arrived by then, you can return to an ADOT office and request another temporary license, or you can check the status of your replacement online through the ADOT website.

What if I need my license before the replacement arrives?

If you're replacing in person, you get a temporary paper license when ready that day. If you're replacing by mail, you cannot get a temporary license through that route — you'll need to visit an ADOT office instead to get a temporary paper license while you wait for your replacement card.

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

Yes. You need proof of legal presence in the United States, which can be a passport, visa, employment authorization document, or permanent resident card. Bring the same identity and residency documents as any other applicant, plus your proof of legal presence.

What if my replacement card arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact ADOT when ready. If the card is damaged, you can return it and request a replacement at no additional cost. If there's an error on the card (wrong name, wrong address, wrong date of birth), ADOT will correct it and reissue the card. Bring the damaged or incorrect card to an ADOT office, or mail it back with a note explaining the problem.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.