What you need to do to get a replacement license in Arizona
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arizona driver's 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. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot replace your license by mail or online — Arizona requires you to appear in person so ADOT can verify your identity and take a new photo. If your license was stolen, you should also report the theft to local police and get a report number, though this is not required to get a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ADOT office in person with a valid form of ID and proof that you live in Arizona.
- The replacement fee is $12 for a standard license, and you pay at the office when you explore.
- You will get a temporary paper license to drive home the same day and receive your replacement card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first so you have a report number to give ADOT.
- You do not need an appointment at most ADOT offices, but you can schedule one online to skip the wait.
Documents to bring to the ADOT office
Bring one form of valid government-issued photo ID. This can be your passport, passport card, tribal ID, military ID, or an ID from another state. If you do not have any of these, ADOT accepts a combination of two documents from a longer list that includes a birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill — ask ADOT which combinations they accept before you go.
You also need proof that you live in Arizona. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and have not received a bill at your new address yet, bring an official letter from your landlord or a notarized statement saying you live there.
If your license was stolen, bring the police report number or a copy of the report itself. This is not required, but it protects you if someone tries to use your old license before you report it missing.
Where to go and how to schedule your visit
ADOT has offices in every county across Arizona. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the ADOT website at azdot.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited weekend hours.
You do not need an appointment to visit an ADOT office, but wait times vary. If you want to skip the line, you can schedule an appointment online through the ADOT website. Appointments are usually available within a few days. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means a shorter wait.
The replacement fee and what it covers
The replacement fee for a standard Arizona driver's license is $12. You pay this fee at the ADOT office when you submit your process. ADOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are replacing a license that was damaged rather than lost or stolen, the fee is the same.
The $12 fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new physical license card. It does not include any additional services like a Real ID upgrade or a commercial driver's license endorsement. If you want to upgrade to a Real ID at the same time, that costs extra and requires additional documents.
What happens after you explore
When you finish your process at the ADOT office, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts until your replacement card arrives. You can use it to drive, show to police if stopped, and present to employers or other organizations that need proof of a valid license.
Your replacement card will be mailed to the address you provide on your process. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. If you do not receive your card within two weeks, contact ADOT to check the status. Once your new card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid, though you do not need to do anything to set up the card — it is ready to use as soon as it arrives.
If your license was stolen and you are concerned about fraud
If someone steals your license, they could potentially use it to open accounts, rent property, or commit crimes in your name. File a police report with your local police department and get the report number. Give this number to ADOT when you explore for your replacement so it is on record that your old license was reported stolen.
You may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can do this for free by visiting identitytheft.gov or calling the bureaus directly.
Replacing a Real ID or commercial driver's license
If your current Arizona license is a Real ID (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner), your replacement will also be a Real ID at no extra cost. You do not need to bring additional documents or pay an extra fee — the replacement process is the same.
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot replace it at a regular ADOT office. You must visit an ADOT Commercial Driver License office. These offices are located in Phoenix, Tucson, and a few other cities. The process is similar, but you may need to provide additional documents related to your commercial driving record. Check the ADOT website for the CDL office nearest you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with the temporary paper license while I wait for my replacement card?
Yes. The temporary paper license ADOT gives you on the day you explore is valid for driving when ready. You can use it to drive, show it to police if stopped, and present it anywhere a valid driver's license is required. Once your replacement card arrives in the mail, the temporary license is no longer valid.
What if I lost my license out of state — can I replace it at an Arizona ADOT office?
No. You must replace your license in the state where you lost it. If you have moved to Arizona since losing your license, you will need to get a new Arizona license instead, which requires a written test and vision test. Contact the ADOT office for details on what documents you need to bring.
How long does it take to get my replacement license if I pay for expedited mail?
ADOT does not offer expedited mail for replacement licenses. All replacement cards are mailed by standard mail and take 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your card arrives, use the temporary paper license you receive on the day you explore.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
Yes. ADOT will take a new photo of you when you explore for your replacement. You cannot use your old photo. Wear something you are comfortable in and avoid wearing a hat or sunglasses, as these may not be allowed in the photo.
What if my address has changed since my old license was issued?
You can update your address when you explore for your replacement. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your other documents. ADOT will print your new address on your replacement card.