What you need to do right now

To replace a lost Arizona driver's license, you'll visit your local Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring proof of identity and 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 120 days while your plastic card is mailed to you — usually within 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need to retake the written or road test. A replacement is not a retest. You're straightforward getting a new card with the same license number and driving record.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to an ADOT office in person; replacements cannot be done online or by mail.
  • Bring a current government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or tribal ID) plus one document showing your current Arizona address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The replacement fee is $25 for a standard five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license; payment is cash, check, or card.
  • You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police or file a report with ADOT, though this is not required to get a replacement.

Documents to bring to the ADOT office

Bring one current government-issued photo ID. This can be a U.S. passport, military ID, tribal ID, or passport card. A Social Security card or birth certificate alone will not work — ADOT requires a photo ID.

Bring one document showing your current Arizona address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your new name yet, a utility bill in the process of transfer or a lease signed but not yet billed may work — call your local ADOT office ahead of time to confirm.

If you've changed your name since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the legal document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. ADOT will not issue a new license under a different name without it.

Finding your nearest ADOT office and what to expect

Visit azdot.gov and use the office locator tool to find the ADOT office closest to you. Most cities have at least one. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some offices have extended hours or Saturday hours — check before you go.

Arrive early or during off-peak hours if possible. Mid-morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday is typically less crowded than late afternoon or Friday. You'll take a number, wait your turn, and then sit with a representative who will verify your documents, take your photo, and process your replacement. Bring all documents with you; you cannot submit them later.

If you cannot get to an office during regular hours, some locations offer evening or weekend appointments. Call ahead to ask whether your local office does, or check the ADOT website for your specific location.

The replacement fee and payment options

A standard five-year Arizona driver's license costs $25 to replace. A ten-year license costs $45. These are the only two options for passenger vehicle licenses. You choose which one you want when you're at the office.

ADOT accepts cash, personal check, and debit or credit card. If you're paying by check, write it to "Arizona Department of Transportation." There is no online payment option before you arrive — you pay at the office itself.

If you cannot afford the fee at the time of your visit, you cannot complete the replacement that day. ADOT does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for lost license replacements.

Your temporary license and when your new card arrives

Before you leave the ADOT office, you'll receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 120 days and has the same legal weight as your plastic card — you can drive with it, show it to police, and use it for identification. Keep it in a safe place.

Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, call ADOT to check the status. Do not discard your temporary license until the plastic card arrives.

If you need your license sooner than 7 to 10 days — for example, if you're traveling out of state — ask the ADOT representative whether expedited mail is available. Some offices offer it for an additional fee, though this varies by location.

If your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, you have the option to report it to local police. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. However, reporting it to police is not required in order to get a replacement from ADOT.

Some people also file a report directly with ADOT's fraud unit, though this is less common. If you believe your license might be used for identity theft or fraud, mention this to the ADOT representative when you explore for your replacement — they can flag your account.

If you're concerned about fraud, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. These steps are separate from replacing your license but can help protect you if your identity information was compromised.

What happens to your old license number

Your replacement license will have the same license number as your lost license. Your driving record, points, restrictions, and endorsements all stay the same. The only thing that changes is the physical card and its expiration date.

If your lost license was already expired, your replacement will have a new expiration date five or ten years from the date you replace it. If your license was not yet expired, your replacement will keep the original expiration date — you're not paying to extend it, only to replace the card itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Arizona requires you to appear in person at an ADOT office to replace a lost license. You must bring original documents and have a new photo taken. There is no mail-in or online option for replacements.

What if I don't have a current address document dated within 60 days?

Call your local ADOT office before you go. Some offices will accept alternative proof of residency, such as a lease agreement, mortgage statement, or even a utility bill in the process of being transferred. Explain your situation and ask what they can accept. Do not show up without documentation — you will be turned away.

Do I have to retake the written or road test?

No. A replacement license is not a retest. Your driving record and license status remain unchanged. You only need to provide documents, pay the fee, and have a new photo taken.

How long does the temporary license last, and can I drive out of state with it?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 120 days and is recognized as a legal Arizona driver's license. You can drive out of state with it, though some states may question a paper license. Your plastic card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you'll have it for most trips.

What if my replacement license 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 is an error on the license (wrong name, address, or restrictions), ADOT will correct it. Bring your temporary license and the damaged or incorrect card to your local office, or call to ask about the process.