Arizona reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended

Arizona charges different reinstatement fees based on the reason your license was suspended. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic tickets or child support, you'll pay one fee. If you were suspended for a DUI conviction, you'll pay a different amount. The state also charges a base reinstatement fee that applies no matter what caused the suspension.

The total cost to reinstate your license typically ranges from around $100 to $500, depending on the suspension reason and whether you have multiple suspensions on your record. Some suspensions require additional fees beyond the reinstatement cost itself — for example, a DUI suspension includes a separate license reinstatement fee plus an alcohol screening fee.

You cannot reinstate your license until you've met all the conditions that led to the suspension. This means paying fines, completing required programs, or resolving the underlying issue. The reinstatement fee is what you pay after those conditions are met, to get your driving privileges back.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona's base reinstatement fee is set by the state, but the total cost varies based on whether your suspension was for unpaid fines, child support, DUI, or another reason.
  • You must resolve the reason for your suspension — paying fines, completing a DUI program, or settling child support — before you can pay the reinstatement fee.
  • DUI suspensions carry additional costs beyond the reinstatement fee, including an alcohol screening fee and possible substance abuse treatment costs.
  • The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) processes reinstatement requests and can tell you the exact fee amount for your specific suspension when you contact them.

Reinstatement fees for traffic violations and unpaid fines

If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic tickets or moving violations, you'll need to pay those fines first. Once the fines are paid, you then pay Arizona's reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges. The reinstatement fee itself is a separate charge from the original traffic fine.

Contact the court that issued the ticket to confirm the fine amount and whether it has been paid. You can often pay traffic fines online through the court's website or by phone. Once the court confirms payment, you can then proceed with the reinstatement process through ADOT.

DUI suspension reinstatement costs

A DUI suspension in Arizona involves multiple costs beyond the standard reinstatement fee. You must complete an alcohol screening evaluation, which costs money and is required before reinstatement. Depending on the screening results, you may also be ordered to complete a substance abuse treatment program, which carries its own cost.

The alcohol screening fee is separate from the reinstatement fee. After you complete the screening and any required treatment, you then pay the reinstatement fee to ADOT. The total out-of-pocket cost for a DUI suspension can be significantly higher than other suspension types because of these additional program requirements.

You will also need to show proof of completion of the screening and any treatment programs when you submit your reinstatement request. ADOT will not process your reinstatement until these documents are on file.

Child support suspension reinstatement fees

If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, you must resolve the arrears or set up a payment plan with the child support enforcement agency before reinstatement is possible. Once the agency confirms that you are current on payments or have an approved plan in place, you can then pay the reinstatement fee.

Contact the Arizona Department of Child Support Enforcement to find out the exact amount owed and your options for payment. They will provide documentation showing that the suspension reason has been resolved, which you'll need when you contact ADOT for reinstatement.

How to find out your exact reinstatement fee

The fastest way to learn your exact reinstatement cost is to contact ADOT directly. You can call their Customer Services Bureau or visit an ADOT office in person with your driver's license number and the reason for your suspension. They will tell you the base reinstatement fee plus any additional fees specific to your case.

When you contact ADOT, have ready the following information: your driver's license number, your date of birth, and the reason your license was suspended. If your suspension was for unpaid fines or child support, also have the case or ticket number if you know it. ADOT can then look up your record and give you a complete cost breakdown.

You can also check your suspension status and some fee information through the ADOT website, though calling is usually faster for getting a complete picture of what you owe.

Payment methods and where to pay

ADOT accepts payment for reinstatement fees in multiple ways: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office. Online and phone payments are processed when ready, while mail payments take longer to process.

When you pay your reinstatement fee, keep your receipt or confirmation number. You will need proof of payment when you submit your reinstatement request. If you pay online or by phone, ADOT typically has a record of the payment in their system within one business day.

Some reinstatement fees can be paid to the court or the agency that caused the suspension (such as child support enforcement), while others go directly to ADOT. ADOT will clarify which payments go where when you contact them about your specific suspension.

Multiple suspensions and stacked fees

If you have more than one active suspension on your record, you will need to resolve all of them before your license can be reinstated. This means paying multiple reinstatement fees — one for each suspension reason. For example, if you have both an unpaid ticket suspension and a child support suspension, you'll pay a reinstatement fee for each one.

The total cost in this situation can add up quickly. Contact ADOT and ask them to review your entire driving record so you know about all active suspensions before you start paying fees. This prevents the frustration of paying one reinstatement fee only to discover another suspension is still in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reinstate my license online in Arizona?

You can pay your reinstatement fee online through ADOT's website, but the full reinstatement process requires submitting documents and proof that you've met all suspension conditions. Some steps must be done by mail, phone, or in person. ADOT's website will guide you through which parts can be done online for your specific suspension type.

What happens if I drive with a suspended license in Arizona?

Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Arizona and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension period. It also makes reinstatement more difficult and expensive. Do not drive until your license is officially reinstated by ADOT.

How long does reinstatement take after I pay the fee?

Processing time varies, but ADOT typically reinstates your license within one to five business days after receiving your complete reinstatement request and payment. If you submit documents by mail, add time for postal delivery. Online submissions are usually processed faster than mail submissions.

Do I need to take a driving test to reinstate my license?

For most suspensions, you do not need to retake the written or road test. However, some DUI suspensions may require an additional written test or proof of completion of a DUI education program. ADOT will tell you if a test is required when you contact them about your reinstatement.

What if I can't afford the reinstatement fee right now?

Contact ADOT to ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some situations may allow you to pay in installments rather than a lump sum. You must resolve the underlying suspension reason first — the reinstatement fee itself cannot be waived, but ADOT may work with you on timing.