What You Need to Do to Reinstate in Arizona
To reinstate your Arizona driver's license, you must first resolve the reason it was suspended or revoked, then submit a reinstatement request to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The specific steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether for unpaid traffic tickets, DUI conviction, medical reasons, or failure to maintain insurance. ADOT will not process your reinstatement until the underlying issue is cleared.
The reinstatement process itself involves submitting Form DL 44 (process for Arizona Driver License) or Form DL 43 (process for Instruction Permit) along with proof that you have resolved the suspension cause. You will also pay a reinstatement fee, which varies by suspension type. Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days once ADOT receives your complete request.
Key Takeaways
- You must resolve the reason for suspension before ADOT will reinstate your license — this might mean paying fines, completing a DUI program, or providing medical clearance.
- Reinstatement fees range from $50 to $100 depending on the suspension type, and you pay this fee when you submit your reinstatement request.
- You can submit your reinstatement request by mail, in person at an ADOT office, or online through the ADOT website if your suspension reason qualifies.
- If your license expired while suspended, you will need to renew it at the same time you reinstate, which requires a new photo and may add processing time.
Identifying Why Your License Was Suspended
Arizona suspends licenses for different reasons, and each has its own reinstatement path. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered suspensions, DUI or DWI convictions, failure to maintain auto insurance (often called a "financial responsibility" suspension), medical conditions reported by a physician, and failure to pay child support or court-ordered restitution.
You can find out the exact reason by checking your ADOT record online through the ADOT website, calling the ADOT Customer Service line at 602-255-0072, or visiting an ADOT office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. ADOT will tell you the suspension date, the reason, and what you must do to clear it.
Resolving the Suspension Before Reinstatement
The suspension will not lift until you complete the required action. For traffic fines or court fines, you must pay the full amount owed to the court or traffic ticket vendor. Contact the court listed on your citation or suspension notice to confirm the exact amount and payment method — some courts accept online payment, others require mail or in-person payment.
For DUI suspensions, you must complete an alcohol education program (usually a 16-hour or 36-hour course depending on your offense) and provide proof of completion to ADOT. For insurance-related suspensions, you must obtain an SR-22 form from your insurance company and file it with ADOT. For medical suspensions, your doctor must submit a medical clearance form to ADOT stating you are safe to drive. For child support or restitution suspensions, contact the agency listed on your suspension notice to arrange payment or a payment plan.
Keep all receipts, completion certificates, and confirmation documents. You will need to submit these with your reinstatement request.
Submitting Your Reinstatement Request
Once the suspension cause is resolved, complete Form DL 44 (process for Arizona Driver License) or Form DL 43 if you need an instruction permit. You can read these forms from the ADOT website or pick them up at any ADOT office. Fill out the form completely and sign it in front of a notary public or ADOT staff member — a notarized signature is required.
Attach copies of all documents proving you resolved the suspension: paid receipt from the court, alcohol education completion certificate, SR-22 filing confirmation, medical clearance letter, or child support payment proof. Include the reinstatement fee, which is $50 for most suspensions but may be $100 for certain DUI-related reinstatements. Check the ADOT website or call customer service to confirm the exact fee for your suspension type.
You can submit your request by mail to ADOT, in person at an ADOT office, or online if your suspension qualifies for online reinstatement. Mail submissions should be sent to the address listed on the ADOT website. Processing by mail typically takes 5 to 10 business days after ADOT receives your packet. In-person submissions are often processed the same day if all documents are complete.
What to Do If Your License Also Expired
If your license expired while it was suspended, you cannot straightforward reinstate it — you must renew it at the same time. This means you will need to provide a new photo, which requires an in-person visit to an ADOT office. You cannot renew by mail if your license is expired.
Bring your reinstatement documents, your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). You will also pay both the reinstatement fee and the renewal fee. The renewal fee for a standard five-year license is $25; for a ten-year license it is $45. Plan for an in-person visit of 15 to 30 minutes.
Timeline and What to Expect After Submission
After ADOT receives your complete reinstatement request, processing takes 5 to 10 business days. You will receive a notice in the mail confirming whether your reinstatement was approved or if ADOT needs additional documents. If approved, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of the approval notice.
If ADOT requests additional information, respond within 30 days or your request may be denied. Once your new license arrives, it is valid when ready — you do not need to wait for any other confirmation. If you submitted your request in person and all documents were complete, you may receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent license is being printed.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
The most frequent error is submitting an incomplete packet. Missing documents — such as a court receipt, completion certificate, or notarized signature — will cause ADOT to send your request back. Always make copies of everything and keep originals for your records.
Another common mistake is paying the wrong amount or paying the fine to the wrong entity. If you owe a court fine, paying the traffic ticket vendor will not clear the suspension. Contact the court directly to confirm where payment should go. Similarly, if you have an insurance suspension, filing an SR-22 is not enough — you must also provide proof that the filing was accepted by ADOT.
Do not assume your suspension is cleared just because you completed the required action. ADOT may take several days to receive and process the completion notice. Check your ADOT record online or call customer service before submitting your reinstatement request to confirm the suspension status has changed to "cleared" or "may be able to access for reinstatement."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until ADOT approves your reinstatement request. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Arizona. If you received a temporary license during an in-person submission, that temporary license is valid while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
What if I cannot afford to pay my court fine all at once?
Contact the court that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Many Arizona courts will set up installment payments or reduce the fine if you demonstrate financial hardship. Once you have a payment plan in place, ask the court to provide written confirmation to ADOT that you are in compliance. Some suspensions will lift once a payment plan is approved, even if the full amount is not yet paid.
Do I need to take a written test or driving test to reinstate?
No. Reinstatement does not require a written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than five years or ADOT has specific medical concerns. A standard reinstatement is a paperwork process only.
How long does it take to get my license in the mail after approval?
Your new license typically arrives 7 to 10 business days after ADOT sends your approval notice. If you do not receive it within two weeks of approval, contact ADOT customer service to verify the mailing address on file.
What if my reinstatement request is denied?
ADOT will send you a written notice explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, failure to resolve the suspension cause, or a new suspension placed on your record while your request was pending. You can resubmit once you address the issue noted in the denial letter.