What you need to do to get your Arizona license back
To reinstate your Arizona driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), you must first find out why your license was suspended or revoked — the reason determines what steps you take and what documents you'll need. Once you know the cause, you'll contact the MVD, pay any required fees, and submit proof that you've met the conditions for reinstatement. The whole process typically takes two to four weeks, though some cases move faster.
Arizona suspends or revokes licenses for different reasons: unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support. Each path back to a valid license is different, so the first thing you do is contact the MVD to learn exactly what you owe and what evidence they need from you.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Arizona MVD directly to find out why your license was suspended or revoked, because the reason determines what you must do to reinstate it.
- You will need to pay reinstatement fees to the MVD, and the amount depends on whether your license was suspended or revoked and how long it has been inactive.
- For DUI-related suspensions, you may need to show proof of an alcohol education program or an ignition interlock device before the MVD will reinstate you.
- For point-based suspensions, you may need to pass a written test or attend a defensive driving course to prove you understand traffic laws.
- Once the MVD approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new license in the mail or can pick it up at an MVD office.
How to find out why your license was suspended or revoked
The MVD will not reinstate your license until you know the exact reason it was taken away. Call the MVD at 602-255-0072 (Phoenix area) or 1-888-373-4828 (statewide), or visit an MVD office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The MVD representative will tell you the suspension or revocation reason, the date it took effect, and what you must do to get it back.
You can also check your license status online through the MVD website by entering your driver's license number. This will show you whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid, but it may not explain the reason in detail — a phone call or office visit usually gives you clearer information about what steps come next.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
Arizona charges a reinstatement fee to the MVD when you restore your license. The fee is typically $50 to $100, depending on whether your license was suspended or revoked and how long the suspension has been in effect. Some suspensions carry additional fees — for example, a suspension for unpaid traffic fines includes the original fine amount plus the reinstatement fee.
You pay the reinstatement fee when you submit your reinstatement request to the MVD, either by mail, online, or in person at an MVD office. The MVD will not process your request until the fee is received. If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the MVD to ask whether a payment plan is available for your situation.
Reinstatement requirements for DUI-related suspensions
If your license was suspended or revoked because of a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction, you must meet additional requirements before the MVD will reinstate you. These typically include completing an alcohol education or treatment program approved by the Arizona Department of Health Services, and installing an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for a set period.
The length of the suspension and the specific requirements depend on whether it was your first DUI offense and whether anyone was injured. A first DUI suspension usually lasts 90 days to one year, while a second or subsequent DUI carries a longer suspension. You must provide the MVD with proof that you completed the required program — usually a certificate from the program provider — before they will process your reinstatement.
If an ignition interlock device is required, you must have it installed before you drive and keep it installed for the full period ordered by the court. The MVD will ask for proof of installation before reinstatement. Once the required time has passed and you have submitted all proof, the MVD will reinstate your license.
Reinstatement requirements for point-based suspensions
Arizona suspends your license if you accumulate too many points from traffic violations within a set time period. The point threshold depends on your age and driving history: drivers under 18 are suspended at 8 points in 12 months, drivers 18 and older are suspended at 12 points in 12 months, and drivers with a commercial license face different thresholds.
To reinstate a license suspended for points, you may need to pass a written test on Arizona traffic laws or complete a defensive driving course. The MVD will tell you which requirement applies to your case. If a test is required, you take it at an MVD office — it covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. If a course is required, you complete it through a provider approved by the MVD, then submit a certificate of completion.
Reinstatement for unpaid fines and failure to appear
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or did not appear in court for a traffic ticket, you must resolve both issues before the MVD will reinstate you. Contact the court listed on your ticket or suspension notice to find out the exact amount owed and whether a payment plan is available. Once you pay the fine or arrange a payment plan, ask the court to notify the MVD that the matter is resolved.
The MVD typically receives notice from the court within one to two weeks. After that, you can contact the MVD to request reinstatement and pay the reinstatement fee. Some courts allow you to pay online, by phone, or by mail, which speeds up the process. If you cannot pay the full amount, many courts will work with you on a payment plan — ask about this option when you contact them.
How to submit your reinstatement request
Once you have met all the requirements for your specific suspension or revocation, you submit your reinstatement request to the MVD. You can do this in three ways: by mail, online through the MVD website, or in person at an MVD office. By mail is the slowest option (two to four weeks), while in-person submission at an office is usually the fastest (same day or next business day).
Include your reinstatement fee, proof that you have met all requirements (such as a certificate from an alcohol program or defensive driving course), and any other documents the MVD told you to submit. If you are mailing your request, send it to the address provided by the MVD when you called. If you submit in person, bring your original documents — do not send originals by mail unless the MVD specifically asks you to.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
After the MVD receives your reinstatement request and verifies that you have met all requirements, they will process your reinstatement. If everything is in order, your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks, or you can pick it up at an MVD office if you submitted in person. The MVD will send you a confirmation letter when your license is approved.
If the MVD finds that you have not met all requirements or that your documents are incomplete, they will contact you to explain what is missing. You will have a set time to provide the missing information or documents. Once you do, they will complete the reinstatement process. If you do not respond within the given time, your reinstatement request may be denied and you will have to start over.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate my Arizona license?
If you submit in person at an MVD office with all required documents and fees, reinstatement can be approved the same day. If you mail your request, allow two to four weeks for processing. Online submission typically takes one to two weeks. The exact time depends on how quickly the MVD receives and verifies your documents.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended or revoked until the MVD officially approves your reinstatement and issues a new license. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is illegal and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Wait until you receive your new license before driving.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended?
Call the MVD at 602-255-0072 or 1-888-373-4828 and provide your driver's license number or Social Security number. The MVD representative will explain the reason, the date the suspension took effect, and what you must do to reinstate your license. You can also visit an MVD office in person to get this information.
Do I have to take a new written test to get my license back?
Not always. A written test is required only for certain suspensions, such as those based on accumulating too many traffic points. For other suspensions (such as those for unpaid fines or DUI), you may only need to pay fees and submit proof of completing a required program. The MVD will tell you whether a test is required for your situation.
What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee right away?
Contact the MVD to ask whether a payment plan is available. Some offices may work with you to spread the cost over time. If your suspension was for unpaid fines, contact the court about a payment plan for the original fine — once the fine is paid, you only owe the MVD reinstatement fee.