What you need to do to get your Arizona license back
To reinstate your Arizona driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended or revoked, then complete the specific steps the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) requires for that reason. Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee, resolve the underlying issue (such as paying traffic fines or completing a DUI program), and submit proof to ADOT. You cannot straightforward renew your license — reinstatement is a separate process that restores your driving privilege after it has been taken away.
The reason your license was suspended matters enormously, because different violations have different reinstatement paths. A suspension for unpaid traffic tickets looks nothing like a suspension for a DUI conviction or a medical condition. ADOT will not reinstate you until you have completed every requirement for your specific situation.
Key Takeaways
- Contact ADOT's Suspension and Revocation Unit to learn the exact reason your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it.
- You must resolve the underlying cause — paying fines, completing a DUI program, obtaining a medical clearance, or providing proof of insurance — before ADOT will consider reinstatement.
- A reinstatement fee of $100 to $300 (depending on the reason) must be paid to ADOT before your license is restored.
- After you complete all requirements and pay the fee, ADOT processes reinstatement requests within one to two weeks, though you should verify your status before driving.
- If your license was suspended for a serious violation like a DUI, you may need an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle before you can drive legally.
Finding out why your Arizona license was suspended
Your first step is to contact ADOT directly to learn the exact reason for your suspension. Call the Suspension and Revocation Unit at 602-255-0072 or visit an ADOT office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. ADOT will tell you whether your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled — these are different statuses with different paths forward.
Common reasons for suspension in Arizona include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, driving with a suspended license, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, failure to maintain auto insurance, DUI or DWI conviction, and medical conditions that make you unsafe to drive. Some suspensions are mandatory (meaning ADOT must suspend you by law), while others are administrative (meaning ADOT chose to suspend you based on your driving record).
Write down everything ADOT tells you: the suspension reason, the date it began, the reinstatement fee amount, and every requirement you must complete. Ask whether you can reinstate online, by mail, or only in person. This information is your roadmap.
Resolving the underlying cause of your suspension
Before ADOT will reinstate your license, you must fix whatever caused the suspension in the first place. If you were suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay them — contact the court that issued the ticket or the collection agency handling the debt. If you were suspended for failure to appear, you must resolve that court case, which may mean appearing in court or hiring an attorney. ADOT will not reinstate you until the court confirms the case is resolved.
If your suspension was due to a DUI or DWI conviction, you must complete an alcohol education program (usually 16 hours for a first offense) and may need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. The court or ADOT will specify which program you must attend and how long the interlock must stay in your car. You cannot remove it early, and tampering with it is a separate crime.
If you were suspended for driving without insurance, you must obtain an Arizona auto insurance policy and provide proof to ADOT. If you were suspended for medical reasons, you must obtain a medical clearance from your doctor and submit it to ADOT's Medical Review Unit. If you accumulated too many points, you may need to complete a defensive driving course, though this does not always reduce points — ask ADOT whether it applies to your situation.
Paying the reinstatement fee
Once you have resolved the underlying cause, you must pay ADOT's reinstatement fee. The fee ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the reason for suspension. A suspension for unpaid fines typically costs $100 to reinstate. A DUI suspension costs more — usually $250 to $300. ADOT will tell you the exact amount when you call the Suspension and Revocation Unit.
You can pay by check, money order, credit card, or debit card. If you are reinstating by mail, include a check or money order with your reinstatement request. If you are reinstating in person at an ADOT office, you can pay at the counter. Some suspensions allow online payment through ADOT's website, though not all do — ask when you call.
Keep your payment receipt. ADOT will use it to confirm you have paid when processing your reinstatement.
Submitting your reinstatement request to ADOT
After you have resolved the underlying cause and paid the fee, you must formally request reinstatement from ADOT. You can do this by mail, in person at an ADOT office, or online if your suspension type allows it. Call the Suspension and Revocation Unit to confirm which method applies to you.
If you are reinstating by mail, send a letter to ADOT's Suspension and Revocation Unit (address available on ADOT's website) that includes your name, driver's license number, date of birth, the reason for suspension, proof that you have resolved the underlying cause, and your reinstatement fee payment. Include copies of any documents ADOT requires — court paperwork, proof of insurance, DUI program completion certificate, or medical clearance.
If you are reinstating in person, bring your identification, proof of resolution, and payment to an ADOT office. An employee will review your documents and tell you whether your reinstatement is approved on the spot or whether ADOT needs additional information.
What happens after ADOT receives your reinstatement request
ADOT typically processes reinstatement requests within one to two weeks of receiving them. During this time, ADOT verifies that you have completed all requirements and that your fee has been received. If everything is in order, your license status changes from suspended to valid, and you can legally drive again.
ADOT will send you written confirmation of reinstatement by mail. Do not assume your license is reinstated until you receive this letter or confirm your status online through ADOT's website. Some people receive verbal confirmation but then discover their license is still showing as suspended in the system — this creates a dangerous gap where you think you can drive but legally cannot.
If ADOT denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, unpaid fines that you thought were resolved, or failure to complete a required program. The letter will tell you what additional steps you must take.
Special requirements for DUI suspensions in Arizona
Arizona treats DUI suspensions more strictly than most other suspensions. If your license was suspended for a DUI conviction, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before you can drive legally, even after reinstatement. An ignition interlock is a breathalyzer connected to your car's engine that prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.
The length of time you must use an interlock depends on your offense. A first DUI conviction typically requires an interlock for one year. A second or subsequent DUI requires two to three years. You must have the device installed by a certified vendor, and you must pay for installation and monthly monitoring fees (usually $60 to $100 per month).
You cannot remove the interlock early, and you cannot drive a vehicle without one during your required period. If you are caught driving a vehicle without an interlock when you are required to have one, your license will be suspended again, and you may face criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until ADOT officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is a separate crime in Arizona, even if your reinstatement request is pending. Wait for written confirmation from ADOT before you drive.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
ADOT does not waive reinstatement fees, but some courts allow payment plans for traffic fines that led to suspension. Contact the court that issued your ticket to ask about a payment plan. You must still pay the reinstatement fee to ADOT, but spreading out the fine payment may help you manage the total cost.
How long does reinstatement take if I do everything correctly?
If you resolve the underlying cause, pay the fee, and submit all required documents, reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks. If documents are missing or incomplete, it can take longer. Confirm your status online or by phone before assuming your license is active.
Do I need a new physical license card after reinstatement?
No. Your existing license card remains valid after reinstatement — only the status in ADOT's system changes. You do not need to visit an office or pay for a replacement card unless your license is expiring soon anyway.
What if my suspension was for a medical condition and I have recovered?
You must obtain a written medical clearance from your doctor stating that you are safe to drive, then submit it to ADOT's Medical Review Unit. ADOT will review the clearance and decide whether to reinstate you. The process can take several weeks because ADOT may request additional medical records or a second opinion.