How to replace your Arizona driver's license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arizona driver's license, you need to visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person with proof of identity and residency. You'll fill out an process for Arizona Driver License or Instruction Permit (Form 40-0001), pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. Most replacements are processed the same day, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but missing paperwork will delay you. Arizona does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost or stolen licenses, so you cannot skip the in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person with a valid ID and proof of Arizona residency to replace your license.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license and $25 for a Real ID-compliant license, and payment is cash, check, or card.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license the same day and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to replace it.
  • ADOT offices have different hours and wait times; checking online or calling ahead can save you a trip.

What documents you need to bring

Arizona requires two types of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring your original or certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID. A photocopy or digital image will not work—ADOT staff must see the original document.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement showing your current Arizona address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus your own ID, confirming you live there.

If you are replacing a license because it was stolen, you do not need a police report to get a new one, but having one on file can help if someone tries to use your old license fraudulently. You can report a stolen license to your local police department online or in person.

ADOT office locations and hours

Arizona has ADOT offices in every county. The main locations are in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Peoria, but smaller offices exist in rural areas as well. Hours vary by location—most are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some close for lunch or have shorter hours on certain days.

Wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays. You can find your nearest office, check current hours, and see estimated wait times on the ADOT website at azdot.gov.

Some ADOT offices allow you to make an appointment online, which reserves your spot and reduces wait time. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available in your area.

The replacement fee and payment options

A standard Arizona driver's license replacement costs $20. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead—which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025—the fee is $25. Both are one-time fees; you do not pay again if your card arrives damaged or is lost in the mail.

ADOT accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards at all offices. If you pay by check, write it to the Arizona Department of Transportation. There are no additional fees for using a card or paying by check.

What happens after you submit your process

After you complete your process and have your photo taken, ADOT will hand you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, voting, and most ID purposes while you wait for your permanent card.

Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provided on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it after 10 days, contact ADOT to check the status. Occasionally cards are delayed in the mail, and ADOT can reissue one if yours is lost in transit.

Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it for your records—you do not need to return it to ADOT.

If your license was stolen and you are concerned about fraud

A stolen Arizona driver's license can be used to open accounts, explore for credit, or commit identity theft. While replacing the license itself is fast, protecting yourself from fraud requires a few extra steps.

Report the theft to your local police department. You do not need a police report to replace your license, but having one on file creates a record if someone uses your old license fraudulently. You can file a report online through most Arizona police departments' websites or in person at your local precinct.

Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. A credit freeze blocks access to your credit report entirely, which is stronger protection but requires you to unfreeze it when you want to open a legitimate account. Both are free and can be set up online.

Real ID vs. standard license: which should you choose?

When you replace your license, you can choose between a standard Arizona driver's license or a Real ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building.

Starting May 7, 2025, the federal government will no longer accept a standard driver's license as ID for domestic flights or entry to federal buildings. You will need a Real ID, passport, passport card, or military ID instead. A Real ID license costs $5 more ($25 instead of $20) and requires one additional document: proof of Social Security number, such as your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form.

If you do not fly or visit federal buildings, a standard license is fine. If you do either, getting a Real ID now saves you from having to replace your license again in a few years. Either way, the replacement process is identical—you just bring an extra document if you choose Real ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Arizona requires you to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license in person at an ADOT office. You must provide original identity documents and have a new photo taken. Online or mail-in replacement is not available.

How long does a replacement license take?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you explore. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive after 10 days, contact ADOT to check the status or request a reissue.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You need an original proof of identity to replace your license. If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you can obtain one from the state vital records office or the U.S. State Department before visiting ADOT. This will delay your replacement, so plan ahead if you know your documents are missing.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No. You can replace a stolen license without a police report. However, filing a report with your local police department creates a record that protects you if someone uses your old license fraudulently. It is recommended but not required.

Can I get a Real ID at the same time as my replacement?

Yes. When you explore for your replacement, tell the ADOT staff you want a Real ID license. Bring proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099) in addition to your identity and residency documents. The fee is $25 instead of $20, and the process is otherwise the same.