How to replace your Arizona driver's 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 costs $25 for a standard replacement. If you choose to mail in a damaged license, the process takes 7 to 10 business days and also costs $25.

You will 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 and bring the report number with you, though ADOT does not require it to issue a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your license in person at any ADOT office for $25, or by mail if it is only damaged.
  • Bring a valid form of ID, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number to any ADOT office.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first — the report number helps if someone uses your stolen license.
  • ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and do not require an appointment.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you explore in person.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one form of primary identification. This can be a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or an out-of-state driver's license or ID card. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two forms of secondary ID instead — a Social Security card, birth certificate, school ID, or employee ID both count.

You also need proof of Arizona residency. ADOT accepts a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, or vehicle registration in your name. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works if it shows your name and address.

Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring the card itself, but you will need to provide the number when you fill out the replacement form.

Where to go and what to expect

Find your nearest ADOT office on the Arizona Department of Transportation website. Enter your city or ZIP code, and the site will show you all nearby locations, hours, and whether that office handles replacements (most do, but a few handle only specific services).

Walk in during business hours — ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and do not require an appointment. You will take a number and wait your turn. When called, hand over your documents and tell the staff member you need a replacement. They will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the $25 fee. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address at the same time, tell the staff member before you leave — they can update it in the system.

Replacing a damaged license by mail

If your license is damaged but not lost or stolen — for example, the card is cracked, faded, or the magnetic strip no longer works — you can mail it to ADOT instead of going in person. This option is not available if your license was lost or stolen.

Mail your damaged license to:

Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division P.O. Box 2100 Phoenix, AZ 85001

Include a signed letter explaining that the license is damaged and you are requesting a replacement. Do not include payment — ADOT will bill you $25 when they process your request. Your replacement license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days after ADOT receives your package.

If your license was stolen

File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You do not need the report to get a replacement license, but having one on file protects you if someone uses your stolen license to get a ticket, rent a car, or commit fraud. When you file the report, ask for a report number and keep it for your records.

Bring the police report number with you when you go to ADOT, or mention it when you call ADOT's Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072. This creates a flag in the system so ADOT knows your license was stolen, which can help if there are questions later about tickets or violations issued under your name.

You should also consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — if you are concerned about identity theft. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

Cost and payment methods

A replacement license costs $25. ADOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at in-person offices. If you mail in a damaged license, ADOT will send you an invoice and you can pay by check or money order.

If you are replacing your license because it was lost or stolen and you cannot afford the $25 fee right now, ADOT does not offer fee waivers or payment plans. However, you can contact your local community action agency or nonprofit to ask whether they have emergency funds for identification documents.

What happens if you drive without a replacement

Driving without a valid license — even if you have reported it lost or stolen and are waiting for a replacement — is illegal in Arizona. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your police report number or a receipt from ADOT showing you applied for a replacement, but this does not may provide you will not be cited.

If you need to drive while waiting for your replacement, ask ADOT staff whether they can issue a temporary paper license at the time you explore. Some offices can print one on the spot; others cannot. Call ahead to your local ADOT office to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

If you explore in person at an ADOT office, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you mail in a damaged license, the timeline is also 7 to 10 business days after ADOT receives it. There is no way to speed this up or pick up your license in person.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait?

Some ADOT offices can print a temporary paper license on the spot when you explore for a replacement. Call your local ADOT office before you go to ask whether they offer this. If they do, bring an extra form of ID so they can verify your identity for the temporary document.

What if I moved and my license has an old address?

You can update your address at the same time you request a replacement. Tell the ADOT staff member before you leave, and they will change it in the system. Your new license will be mailed to your new address. Bring proof of your new residency (utility bill, lease, or similar) to make the address change.

Do I need a new photo for my replacement license?

Yes. ADOT will take a new photo when you explore in person. If you mail in a damaged license, ADOT will use the photo from your old license unless you request a new one in your letter.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail or in person at any ADOT office, even if you are currently out of state. If you are out of state and need to drive, contact your local ADOT office to ask about temporary license options. Otherwise, mail your request to the Phoenix address listed above and have your new license sent to an address where you will be staying.