What you need to do to replace your Arizona driver license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arizona driver license, you will visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you visit. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, though ADOT can issue a temporary paper license on the spot if you need to drive before it arrives.

Arizona does not allow you to replace your license by mail or online. You must appear at an ADOT office yourself — a parent, guardian, or representative cannot do it for you. The fee is $12 for a standard replacement, though the cost varies slightly if you need a Real ID-compliant license or if your license has been suspended or revoked.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity and proof of Arizona residency to replace your license.
  • The replacement fee is $12 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready if you need to drive right away.
  • Your new physical license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; ADOT will not hold it at the office for pickup.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you may need to resolve that issue before ADOT will issue a replacement.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses cost more and require additional documents, but are required for federal facilities and domestic flights after May 2025.

Documents you need 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 paired with a Social Security card. If you bring a birth certificate, you must also bring a second form of ID that shows your name and date of birth — a Social Security card alone is not enough.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail addressed to you at your current Arizona address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance policy, or vehicle registration also works. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency, though this is slower and less common.

Bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the ADOT staff member when you arrive; they will note this on your license. Bring cash or a debit or credit card to pay the $12 replacement fee.

Finding an ADOT office near you and what to expect

ADOT operates driver license offices in most Arizona cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you, check its hours, and see current wait times on the ADOT website at azdot.gov. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week often means a shorter wait.

You do not need an appointment at most ADOT offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the ADOT website for your specific office to see whether appointments are available or recommended. If you live in a rural area far from an ADOT office, ask whether a mobile license unit visits your town; ADOT sends mobile units to smaller communities on a rotating schedule.

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will verify your identity and residency, take a new photo, and process your replacement. You will sign your new license. The staff member will give you a temporary paper license on the spot — this is valid for driving while you wait for your physical license to arrive by mail.

What happens after you leave the ADOT office

Your new physical license will be mailed to the address you provided at the ADOT office within 7 to 10 business days. ADOT does not hold licenses at the office for you to pick up; all replacements are mailed. If you move before your license arrives, contact ADOT to update your mailing address. You can call the ADOT Driver Services line at 602-255-0072 or visit an ADOT office in person to request an address change.

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving in Arizona and in other states for the full 10 business days while you wait. Keep it with you when you drive. Once your physical license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid — destroy it or keep it for your records.

If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact ADOT to report it. They can check the status of your replacement and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. There is no additional fee for a reissue if the license was lost in transit.

Real ID licenses and when you might need one

A standard Arizona driver license will not be accepted as identification for federal facilities (such as military bases or federal courthouses) or for domestic airline flights after May 7, 2025. If you need to fly or enter a federal building, you will need either a Real ID-compliant driver license, a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a military ID.

A Real ID license costs $27 instead of $12 and requires additional documents beyond the standard identity and residency proof. You must also bring proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card or W-2 form) and proof of your legal name change if your name has changed since birth (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The process is otherwise the same: you visit an ADOT office, have your photo taken, and receive a temporary license on the spot.

If you are replacing a lost or damaged license and want a Real ID license instead of a standard one, tell the ADOT staff member when you arrive. They will collect the extra documents and process the Real ID replacement. Your new Real ID license will arrive by mail in the same 7 to 10 business days.

Replacing a suspended or revoked license

If your Arizona license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation — usually by paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or serving a waiting period. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can replace your license at an ADOT office.

Contact ADOT or the Arizona Department of Public Safety to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take. You can call 602-255-0072 or visit the ADOT website. If you are unsure whether your license is currently suspended, ADOT can tell you during your visit to the office; the staff member will check your record before processing your replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. ADOT mails all replacement licenses to the address you provide — they do not hold licenses at the office for pickup. If you move before your license arrives, contact ADOT to update your mailing address so it is sent to the correct location.

What if I lost my license and do not have a second form of ID?

You can bring a certified birth certificate and a Social Security card together as proof of identity. If you do not have a birth certificate, contact the Arizona Department of Health Services or the state where you were born to order one. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead if possible.

Do I need a Real ID license if I only drive in Arizona?

Not for driving. A standard Arizona license is valid for driving anywhere in the United States. You only need a Real ID license if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you are unsure, a Real ID license is safer and costs only $15 more.

Can I replace my license if I owe child support or have unpaid court fines?

Arizona may suspend your license if you owe child support or have unpaid court fines. You will need to resolve these issues first. Contact the court or the Arizona Department of Child Support Enforcement to find out what you owe and how to pay it. Once resolved, ADOT can issue your replacement.

What if my temporary paper license is damaged before my physical license arrives?

Return to an ADOT office and explain what happened. They can issue you a new temporary license at no charge. Bring your documents again so they can verify your identity. This process is quick and takes about 10 minutes.