What You Need to Do to Reinstate in Arizona
To reinstate your Arizona driver's license, you must contact the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division, pay any outstanding fees and fines, and submit proof that the reason for suspension or revocation has been resolved. The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended or revoked — the most common reasons are unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, unpaid court fines, DUI conviction, or accumulation of points from traffic violations.
Arizona does not allow online reinstatement for most suspension types. You will need to visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person, call the office to confirm what documents you need, or work through a third-party service center. The process typically takes one to three weeks after you submit all required documents, though some cases take longer if ADOT must verify information with another agency (such as the court system or child support enforcement).
Your license will remain suspended until ADOT receives confirmation that the suspension has been lifted. You cannot legally drive during this period, even with a paper permit or temporary license.
Key Takeaways
- Contact ADOT Motor Vehicle Division before visiting an office to learn the exact reason for your suspension and what documents you must bring.
- You must resolve the underlying cause of suspension — pay fines, clear child support arrears, complete a DUI program, or satisfy court requirements — before reinstatement can happen.
- Reinstatement fees in Arizona range from $50 to $100 depending on the suspension type, and you must pay these fees in addition to any outstanding fines or restitution.
- ADOT will send written confirmation once your license is reinstated; you do not receive a new physical license card unless your current one has expired.
Why Your License Was Suspended or Revoked
Arizona suspends or revokes licenses for different reasons, and the reinstatement process changes based on the cause. The most common suspension reasons are: unpaid traffic citations or court fines (Administrative License Suspension); accumulation of eight or more points within a 12-month period (Point Suspension); unpaid child support (Family Support Suspension); or a DUI or reckless driving conviction (DUI Revocation). Each type has its own resolution requirements.
If you do not know why your license was suspended, call the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 (Phoenix area) or your local Motor Vehicle office. Have your driver's license number or date of birth ready. The staff member will tell you the suspension type, the date it began, and what you must do to resolve it. This call is essential because attempting reinstatement without addressing the underlying cause will result in rejection.
Some suspensions are temporary and lift automatically after a set period (for example, a point suspension may lift after 12 months of clean driving). However, you still must contact ADOT to confirm the suspension has been removed and to receive written notice.
Documents and Fees Required for Reinstatement
The documents you need depend on the suspension type. For an Administrative License Suspension (unpaid tickets or fines), bring proof of payment or a court document showing the fine has been satisfied. For a Point Suspension, you may need to show proof of completing a defensive driving course if the court ordered one. For a Family Support Suspension, you need written confirmation from the child support enforcement agency that arrears have been paid or a payment plan is in place. For a DUI Revocation, you must provide proof of completing a DUI education program and proof of insurance (SR-22 form).
Reinstatement fees are non-refundable and vary by suspension type. Administrative License Suspension reinstatement costs $50. Point Suspension reinstatement costs $50. Family Support Suspension reinstatement costs $100. DUI Revocation reinstatement costs $100, plus you must carry an SR-22 insurance certificate for three years. These fees are separate from any fines, restitution, or court costs you owe.
Bring a valid form of identification (passport, state ID, or birth certificate) and proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Payment must be made by cash, check, money order, or debit/credit card at the Motor Vehicle office. Some offices accept online payment before your visit.
Step-by-Step Reinstatement Process
- Call ADOT Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 (Phoenix) or your local office. Confirm the suspension reason, what documents you need, and whether any underlying issues (fines, court orders, child support) have been resolved.
- Resolve the underlying cause. Pay any outstanding fines, complete required programs (DUI education, defensive driving), obtain child support clearance, or satisfy court requirements. Keep all receipts and documentation.
- Gather required documents. Collect proof of resolution (payment receipt, program completion certificate, court document, child support clearance letter), valid ID, proof of residency, and the reinstatement fee.
- Visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Bring all documents and the reinstatement fee. You cannot mail in a reinstatement request for most suspension types.
- Submit your request and payment. The staff member will review your documents, process the reinstatement fee, and submit your case to ADOT's system.
- Wait for written confirmation. ADOT will mail you a letter confirming reinstatement within one to three weeks. Do not drive until you receive this letter.
- Receive your reinstated license. If your physical license card has not expired, you do not need a new one. If it has expired, you must renew it separately.
Arizona Motor Vehicle Division Office Locations and Hours
ADOT operates Motor Vehicle Division offices throughout Arizona. The main Phoenix office is located at 1801 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Regional offices are in Tucson, Mesa, Flagstaff, Yuma, and other cities. Hours vary by location, and some offices have reduced hours on certain days.
Before visiting any office, call ahead to confirm hours and to ask whether you should bring additional documents specific to your case. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can range from 30 minutes to two hours. You can find the full list of office locations and phone numbers on the ADOT website (azdot.gov) under Motor Vehicle Division.
If you cannot visit an office in person, you may be able to use a third-party service center (such as an authorized driver's license service office) in some cases, though not all suspension types can be handled this way. Call your local Motor Vehicle office to ask whether a service center can process your reinstatement.
DUI Revocation and SR-22 Insurance Requirements
If your license was revoked due to a DUI or reckless driving conviction, reinstatement requires more than paying a fee. You must complete an approved DUI education program (usually 12 to 16 hours of classroom instruction), provide proof of completion to ADOT, and obtain an SR-22 insurance certificate from your insurance company.
An SR-22 is a form that proves you carry the minimum required auto insurance. In Arizona, you must maintain SR-22 coverage for three years from the date of reinstatement. If your insurance lapses during this period, your license will be suspended again automatically. The SR-22 itself does not cost extra — it is straightforward a form your insurance company files with the state — but your insurance premiums will likely increase.
You cannot reinstate a DUI revocation until you have completed the education program and obtained the SR-22. Once you have both, visit a Motor Vehicle office with proof of program completion, your SR-22 certificate, valid ID, proof of residency, and the $100 reinstatement fee. Processing typically takes two to three weeks.
What Happens If Your Reinstatement Request Is Denied
ADOT may deny your reinstatement request if you have not fully resolved the underlying cause of suspension, if you submitted incomplete documentation, or if another suspension or revocation is active on your record. For example, if you paid one fine but another unpaid ticket remains on file, your reinstatement will be denied until all fines are satisfied.
If your request is denied, ADOT will send you a letter explaining the reason and what additional steps you must take. Review the letter carefully and contact the Motor Vehicle Division to clarify what is still required. Common reasons for denial include: incomplete proof of payment, missing program completion certificate, child support arrears still outstanding, or an active warrant or court hold.
Once you have addressed the issue noted in the denial letter, you can resubmit your reinstatement request. There is no additional fee for resubmission if you are correcting documentation; however, if new fines or fees have accrued, you must pay those as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a reinstatement request pending?
No. Your license remains suspended until ADOT sends written confirmation of reinstatement. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Arizona and can result in additional fines, jail time, and further license suspension. You must wait for the written letter from ADOT before driving.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit all my documents?
Most reinstatements are processed within one to three weeks. However, if ADOT must verify information with another agency (such as the court system, child support enforcement, or your insurance company), processing may take four to six weeks. Call the Motor Vehicle Division after two weeks to ask about the status of your case.
Do I need a new driver's license card after reinstatement?
No, unless your current license has expired. Reinstatement does not require a new card. If your license expired while it was suspended, you must renew it separately at a Motor Vehicle office. Renewal costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for a ten-year license.
What if I cannot afford to pay all my fines and the reinstatement fee at once?
Contact the court that issued the fine or the agency that suspended your license (such as child support enforcement) to ask about payment plans. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have a payment plan in place, bring documentation of the plan to the Motor Vehicle office. Some suspensions can be lifted while you are making payments under an approved plan.
Can I reinstate my license if I have an active warrant or outstanding court order?
No. If you have an active warrant or an unresolved court order, ADOT will not reinstate your license until the warrant is resolved or the court order is satisfied. Contact the court listed on your suspension notice to learn what must be done. Once the warrant or order is resolved, you can proceed with reinstatement.