How to Reinstate Your Arizona Driver's License

What happens when your Arizona license is suspended or revoked

When your Arizona driver's license is suspended or revoked, you lose the legal right to drive in Arizona and most other states. A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored automatically on a specific date, or after you complete certain requirements. A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).

The reason your license was suspended or revoked matters, because it determines what you have to do to get it back. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets or fines, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support. Each path to reinstatement is different.

You cannot legally drive during a suspension or revocation, even if you have a physical license card in your wallet. Driving with a suspended or revoked license carries serious penalties, including criminal charges, additional fines, and a longer suspension period.

Key Takeaways

Arizona suspensions are temporary and may lift automatically on a set date, while revocations require you to file a formal reinstatement request with ADOT.
You must resolve the underlying reason for the suspension or revocation — paying fines, completing a DUI program, or clearing a court hold — before ADOT will restore your license.
The reinstatement fee in Arizona is $100, plus any other fines or program costs tied to your specific case.
You can check your license status and the reason for suspension or revocation on the ADOT website or by calling their Customer Services Bureau.
If your suspension is due to unpaid child support, you must work with the Arizona Department of Child Support Services, not ADOT directly.

Check your license status and suspension reason

Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know exactly why it was suspended or revoked. ADOT maintains records of every suspension and the date it will end (if it is a suspension rather than a revocation). You can look this up yourself online or by phone.

Visit the ADOT website and use their License Status Inquiry tool. You will need your driver's license number or your date of birth and last name. The system will tell you whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid, and it will list the reason. If you do not have internet access, call the ADOT Customer Services Bureau at 602-255-0072. They can tell you the same information over the phone.

Write down the reason code and the suspension end date if one is listed. This information tells you what your next step is. If your license is suspended and a date is listed, your license may restore automatically on that date without any action from you — but you should still verify this with ADOT before assuming you can drive again.

Resolve the underlying reason for your suspension

Your license will not be reinstated until you have addressed whatever caused the suspension or revocation in the first place. The steps differ depending on the reason.

For unpaid fines or traffic tickets: Contact the court or traffic violations bureau listed on your ticket or suspension notice. Pay the full amount owed, including any late fees or collection costs. Once the court confirms payment, they will notify ADOT, and your suspension will be lifted. This can take a few days to process.

For DUI convictions: You must complete an alcohol or drug education program approved by ADOT. The program length depends on whether this is your first offense and the specifics of your case. You will also need an SR-22 insurance certificate (proof of financial responsibility) from your insurance company before you can reinstate. Some DUI suspensions also require an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.

For accumulating too many points: Points from traffic violations stay on your record for three years. If you have reached the point threshold that triggered a suspension, you cannot remove those points — you can only wait out the suspension period or request a hearing with ADOT to contest the suspension.

For failure to appear in court: Contact the court when ready and resolve the underlying case. Once the case is closed or you appear as required, the court will lift the failure-to-appear hold, and ADOT will be notified.

For unpaid child support: This suspension is handled by the Arizona Department of Child Support Services, not ADOT. You must contact them, arrange a payment plan, or resolve the arrears. Once child support is current, they will notify ADOT to lift the suspension.

File for reinstatement if your license was revoked

If your license was revoked rather than suspended, you cannot straightforward wait for it to expire. You must file a formal reinstatement request with ADOT. Revocations typically result from serious violations like multiple DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status.

To request reinstatement, contact the ADOT Customer Services Bureau at 602-255-0072 or visit an ADOT office in person. You will need to provide your driver's license number, proof that you have resolved the underlying issue (such as completion of a DUI program or proof of payment), and the $100 reinstatement fee. Some revocations require a hearing before ADOT will consider reinstatement — the bureau will tell you if yours does.

If a hearing is required, ADOT will schedule one and send you notice by mail. At the hearing, you will present evidence that you have met all requirements and that it is safe to restore your driving privileges. The hearing officer will make a decision, usually within a few weeks.

Pay the reinstatement fee and any other costs

Arizona charges a $100 reinstatement fee to restore a suspended or revoked license. This fee is separate from any fines you owe for the original violation. You pay it when you request reinstatement, either online, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office.

Depending on your situation, you may also owe other costs: court fines, DUI program fees (typically $300 to $1,500 depending on the program), SR-22 insurance fees, or ignition interlock device installation and monthly monitoring fees. These are in addition to the $100 reinstatement fee.

ADOT will not process your reinstatement until all fees and fines are paid. If cost is a barrier, contact the court or the agency that imposed the fine to ask about payment plans or hardship waivers — some courts will work with you if you cannot pay in full at once.

Receive your reinstated license

Once ADOT approves your reinstatement and receives payment, they will mail you a new driver's license card to the address on file. This usually takes 7 to 10 business days. Your license will be valid for the standard renewal period (typically 12 years for adults in Arizona).

If you need to drive before your new card arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit from ADOT. This is a paper document that proves your license has been reinstated and is valid for a limited time while you wait for the physical card.

Once you receive your new license, keep it with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by law enforcement, your license status will show as valid in their system, and you will not face charges for driving with a suspended or revoked license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license in Arizona?

If your suspension is automatic (the date has passed), ADOT may lift it within a few days once they are notified that the underlying issue is resolved. If you must file a formal reinstatement request, the process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, longer if a hearing is required. The timeline depends on how quickly you resolve the underlying reason for the suspension.

Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a work permit?

Arizona does not issue work permits that override a suspension or revocation. You cannot legally drive during a suspension, even for work purposes. Your only option is to request a temporary driving permit from ADOT while you wait for your reinstatement to be processed, and only if ADOT approves one.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee and other costs?

Contact the court or agency that imposed the original fine and ask about payment plans or fee reductions. Some courts will waive or reduce fees for people with financial hardship. ADOT's reinstatement fee itself is not negotiable, but the underlying fines may be. You can also ask ADOT about a temporary driving permit while you arrange payment.

Do I need to retake the written or road test to reinstate my license?

No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake any tests. You only need to resolve the underlying reason for the suspension, pay the reinstatement fee, and submit your request to ADOT. Your driving knowledge and skills are not re-tested.

What happens if I drive while my license is suspended?

Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Arizona. You can be arrested, charged with a misdemeanor, fined up to $2,500, and sentenced to jail time. Your license suspension will be extended, and you may face additional penalties. If this happens, contact a criminal defense attorney when ready.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.