What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your Arizona License
To reinstate a suspended driver's license in Arizona, you must first contact the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division to find out why your license was suspended and what specific steps are required. The reinstatement process depends entirely on the reason for suspension — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI conviction, medical reasons, or failure to pay child support. ADOT will not reinstate your license until you have satisfied the underlying requirement that caused the suspension.
Once you know the reason, you will need to complete the required action (pay fines, resolve a court case, complete a DUI program, or provide medical clearance), then submit proof to ADOT along with a reinstatement fee. The fee is typically $100, though it may be higher if your suspension was related to a DUI. After ADOT processes your reinstatement request and confirms all requirements are met, your license will be restored.
Key Takeaways
- Contact ADOT Motor Vehicle Division first to learn the exact reason your license was suspended and what action you must take to resolve it.
- The reinstatement process differs by suspension type — traffic violations, DUI, medical suspension, and child support arrears each have different requirements.
- You must satisfy the underlying cause of suspension before ADOT will process a reinstatement request.
- A reinstatement fee of $100 or more is required; payment must be submitted along with proof that all conditions have been met.
- Processing time is typically two to four weeks after ADOT receives a complete reinstatement request.
How to Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
ADOT sends a suspension notice by mail to the address on file with your license, but that notice may not reach you if your address has changed. The fastest way to find out the reason is to contact ADOT Motor Vehicle Division directly by phone at 602-255-0072 (Phoenix area) or 1-800-251-5866 (statewide). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. ADOT staff can tell you when ready whether your license is suspended, why it was suspended, and what you must do to resolve it.
You can also check your suspension status online through the ADOT website by entering your driver's license number, though this will not always show the specific reason or the steps required to reinstate. If you prefer to visit in person, ADOT has Motor Vehicle Division offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, Tempe, and several other cities. Bring a photo ID and your driver's license number.
Reinstatement Requirements by Suspension Type
Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court require you to pay the outstanding balance in full or arrange a payment plan with the court that issued the citation. Contact the court directly — do not send payment to ADOT. Once the court confirms payment or a valid plan is in place, the court will notify ADOT, and your suspension will be lifted. This can take one to two weeks after the court receives payment.
Suspensions related to DUI convictions require completion of a DUI education program (usually a 16-hour course) and proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance). You must enroll in an ADOT-approved program and provide ADOT with a certificate of completion. Some suspensions also require an ignition interlock device to be installed in your vehicle before reinstatement is granted.
Medical suspensions occur when ADOT has concerns about your ability to drive safely due to a medical condition or medication. You will need to obtain a medical evaluation from a physician and submit it to ADOT on the required form. ADOT will review the evaluation and determine whether reinstatement is possible.
Suspensions for failure to pay child support are handled through the Arizona Department of Child Support Services. You must contact that agency to arrange payment or a payment plan. Once child support arrears are resolved, ADOT will be notified and your license will be reinstated.
Documents and Fees Required for Reinstatement
The documents you submit depend on the reason for suspension. For traffic violations, you need proof of payment from the court or a signed payment plan agreement. For DUI suspensions, you need a certificate of completion from an approved education program and proof of SR-22 insurance. For medical suspensions, you need a completed medical evaluation form signed by a licensed physician. For child support cases, you need written confirmation from the Department of Child Support Services that arrears have been paid or a plan is in place.
All reinstatement requests must include the $100 reinstatement fee, payable by check, money order, or credit card. Some suspension types carry additional fees — DUI-related suspensions may require a higher fee, and some require payment for the education program itself (typically $100 to $200). You can submit your reinstatement request by mail to ADOT Motor Vehicle Division, 1801 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85007, or in person at any ADOT office.
Processing Time and What Happens After Reinstatement
ADOT typically processes reinstatement requests within two to four weeks of receiving a complete process with all required documents and fees. If your process is incomplete, ADOT will contact you by mail to request missing information. Do not assume your license has been reinstated until you receive written confirmation from ADOT or can verify reinstatement status online.
Once your license is reinstated, you do not need to take a new written or driving test unless your suspension was for medical reasons and ADOT requires a retest as part of the reinstatement condition. Your license will be valid for the remainder of its original expiration date. If your license has expired during the suspension period, you will need to renew it separately through the standard renewal process.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
The most common error is paying fines or fees to ADOT instead of to the court or the agency that imposed the suspension. ADOT does not collect traffic fines — the court does. If you send payment to ADOT, it will be returned, and your suspension will remain in place. Always confirm with ADOT which agency or court should receive your payment before sending money.
Another frequent mistake is submitting an incomplete process. Missing documents, an unsigned form, or payment that does not match the required fee will cause ADOT to reject your request and send it back. Before mailing your reinstatement request, verify with ADOT that you have included everything required for your specific suspension type.
Some people attempt to drive on a suspended license before reinstatement is complete. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Arizona and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Do not drive until ADOT has confirmed in writing that your license has been reinstated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until ADOT sends written confirmation that reinstatement is complete. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and carries criminal penalties including fines up to $2,500 and possible jail time. Wait for written confirmation from ADOT before driving.
What if I cannot pay the full amount owed to the court right now?
Contact the court that issued the citation and ask about a payment plan. Many Arizona courts will set up a plan that allows you to pay in installments. Once the court approves the plan, notify ADOT and provide a copy of the agreement. ADOT may reinstate your license while the plan is active, though some courts require full payment before reinstatement.
How do I know if my reinstatement was approved?
ADOT will send you a letter confirming reinstatement. You can also check your status online through the ADOT website or call 602-255-0072. Do not assume your license is reinstated based on the passage of time — always verify with ADOT in writing or online before driving.
Do I need to take a driving test to get my license back?
Not for most suspension types. Traffic violations and DUI suspensions do not require a retest. Medical suspensions may require a retest or medical clearance depending on ADOT's assessment. Ask ADOT whether a test is required before you submit your reinstatement request.
What if ADOT denies my reinstatement request?
ADOT will explain the reason in writing. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, failure to meet all requirements, or outstanding issues with the court or another agency. Review the denial letter carefully, address the stated reason, and resubmit your request with the missing information or proof that the issue has been resolved.