What you need to do to get a replacement license in Arizona

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arizona driver's license, you visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and take a new photo. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office. You'll walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Arizona does not allow you to replace a license by mail or online. You must appear in person at an ADOT office, even if your license is still valid and you're only replacing it because it's damaged or you've lost it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity and Arizona residency to replace your license.
  • The replacement fee is $25 for a standard license, and you pay it at the office when you explore.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days, and your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations offer extended hours; check the ADOT website for your nearest office and current wait times.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Documents to bring to the ADOT office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Arizona. For identity, ADOT accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you bring a birth certificate, you also need a second form of ID such as a Social Security card, school ID, or employee ID.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current Arizona address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have a recent document in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from someone who lives with you stating that you reside at that address.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You do not need to bring the old license itself, even if you still have it.

The replacement fee and what it covers

The replacement fee is $25 for a standard five-year license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 2025), the fee is $29. You pay this fee at the office when you submit your process. ADOT accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.

The fee covers the cost of the new card and the temporary paper license you receive on the spot. It does not include any additional services like a name change or address update, though you can make those changes at the same time if needed.

Getting your temporary license and waiting for the permanent card

After you complete your process at the ADOT office, staff will take your photo and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used anywhere your regular license would be used — at traffic stops, to open a bank account, or to board a domestic flight. Write your name and the expiration date on it if it is not already printed.

Your permanent plastic card is mailed to the address you provided on your process. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you move before the card arrives, contact ADOT to update your mailing address so the card is sent to the correct place.

If your permanent card does not arrive within 14 days, contact the ADOT office where you applied. They can check the status of your card or issue a replacement if it was lost in the mail.

Finding an ADOT office near you and what to expect

ADOT has offices in every Arizona county. You can find the office nearest you, check current wait times, and see hours of operation on the ADOT website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some locations have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check online before you go, because wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they don't get separated. Arrive early in the day if possible, as wait times tend to be longer in the afternoon. The entire process — from checking in to receiving your temporary license — usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Replacing a license that was stolen or lost

If your license was stolen, you can report it to local police before or after you get a replacement. A police report is not required to get a new license, but it creates a record in case someone tries to use your old license fraudulently. If you report it stolen, keep a copy of the police report for your records.

If your license was lost, you do not need a police report. straightforward go to the ADOT office with your documents and pay the replacement fee. The process is the same as replacing a damaged license.

If you're concerned that your license information has been compromised, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This is a separate step from replacing your license and takes about 15 minutes.

Replacing a damaged or unreadable license

If your license is damaged — cracked, faded, warped, or otherwise unreadable — bring it with you to the ADOT office along with your proof of identity and residency. You do not need to explain how it was damaged. The staff will take it and issue you a replacement under the same process as a lost license.

If your license is still readable but you want to replace it for cosmetic reasons, ADOT may not issue a replacement. Call your local ADOT office to ask whether your specific damage qualifies for a replacement before you make the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it's still valid?

Yes. You can replace a valid license if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. You pay the same $25 replacement fee and follow the same process. You cannot replace a valid license straightforward because you want a new photo or a different address — for those changes, you would renew your license instead.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

If you don't have a recent utility bill or lease in your name, bring a notarized letter from someone who lives with you confirming your address. You can also ask your landlord or a family member to notarize a straightforward statement. Some ADOT offices can direct you to a notary nearby if you need one.

How long does the permanent card take to arrive?

Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within 14 days, contact the ADOT office where you applied. They can check the status or issue a replacement card if it was lost in the mail.

Can I use my temporary paper license to fly?

Yes, your temporary paper license is valid for domestic flights within the United States. It is not valid for international travel. Make sure the expiration date is clearly visible and bring it with your boarding pass.

Do I need a Real ID license to replace my current license?

No. You can replace your license with a standard license for $25. However, starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID is required for domestic flights and entry to federal buildings. If you plan to fly or visit federal facilities, you can pay $4 extra ($29 total) to get a Real ID-compliant license at the time of replacement.