What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your Arizona License
To reinstate an Arizona driver's license, you must first resolve whatever caused the suspension or revocation, then submit a reinstatement request to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division. The specific steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, failure to appear in court, or another reason. ADOT will not reinstate your license until the underlying issue is cleared.
The reinstatement process typically involves paying any outstanding fines or fees, completing required programs (such as a DUI education course), and submitting the correct form with proof that the suspension cause has been resolved. Processing times vary, but ADOT usually takes 5 to 10 business days to review a reinstatement request once received. You cannot legally drive until your license is reinstated.
Key Takeaways
- You must identify the reason your license was suspended or revoked before you can reinstate it, because each reason has different requirements.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay outstanding fines, court costs, or reinstatement fees directly to ADOT or the court that issued the suspension.
- Some suspensions require completion of a program — such as a DUI education course or defensive driving school — before ADOT will process your reinstatement.
- You can check your license status and suspension reason on the ADOT website or by calling the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072.
- Reinstatement requests are submitted by mail, in person at an ADOT office, or through the ADOT website, depending on the suspension type.
Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the exact reason it was suspended. ADOT suspends licenses for many different reasons, and each one has its own reinstatement path. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear for a court date, DUI or DWI conviction, reckless driving, accumulation of points on your driving record, failure to maintain insurance, or child support arrears.
You can check your suspension status and reason on the ADOT website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. Alternatively, call the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arizona time). Have your license number and date of birth ready. The ADOT representative will tell you the suspension reason and what you must do to clear it.
If your suspension was issued by a court rather than ADOT, you may also need to contact that court directly. The court's records will show what action is required — for example, paying a fine or completing a program — before the court will notify ADOT that the suspension can be lifted.
Pay All Outstanding Fines, Fees, and Court Costs
Most suspensions require you to pay money before reinstatement. This may include the original traffic fine, court costs, a reinstatement fee charged by ADOT, and any late fees that have accumulated. The total amount owed varies widely depending on the violation and how long the suspension has been in place.
If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the exact amount owed and where to send payment. If the suspension was issued by ADOT directly (for example, for failure to maintain insurance), you will pay the reinstatement fee to ADOT. ADOT's reinstatement fee is currently $100, though this may change. Confirm the current fee when you contact ADOT.
You can pay fines and fees by mail, online through the court or ADOT website, or in person at an ADOT office or court. Ask for a receipt or confirmation number when you pay, and keep it with your reinstatement request. ADOT needs proof that payment was received before it will process your reinstatement.
Complete Required Programs or Courses
Certain suspension reasons require you to complete an educational or treatment program before reinstatement is possible. The most common is a DUI suspension, which requires completion of an alcohol education program approved by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Other suspensions may require a defensive driving course or a substance abuse treatment program.
If a program is required, ADOT or the court will tell you which programs are approved in your area. You must enroll in and complete the program before submitting your reinstatement request. The program provider will issue you a certificate of completion, which you will need to include with your reinstatement paperwork. Do not submit your reinstatement request until you have the certificate in hand.
Program costs vary. Alcohol education programs typically cost between $300 and $600. Defensive driving courses may cost $50 to $150. Some programs offer payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount upfront. Ask the program provider about options when you enroll.
Submit Your Reinstatement Request to ADOT
Once you have resolved the underlying cause of your suspension — paid all fines, completed required programs, or cleared the court issue — you can submit your reinstatement request to ADOT. You have three options: mail, in-person at an ADOT office, or online through the ADOT website.
If you are submitting by mail, send your request to the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division, P.O. Box 2100, Phoenix, AZ 85001. Include a completed reinstatement form (available on the ADOT website), proof of payment for any fines or fees, and a copy of any certificate of completion for required programs. Include your name, date of birth, and driver's license number on all documents.
If you submit in person, visit any ADOT office with the same documents. Bring your identification and be prepared to pay any remaining fees at that time. If you submit online through the ADOT website, follow the prompts to upload copies of your proof documents. Online submission is the fastest option and typically results in processing within 5 to 7 business days.
Processing Time and What Happens Next
After ADOT receives your reinstatement request, processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days. During this time, ADOT verifies that all suspension causes have been resolved and that you have submitted the correct documentation. If anything is missing or incomplete, ADOT will contact you by mail or phone to request additional information.
Once your reinstatement is approved, ADOT will mail you a new physical license card if your previous license has expired or been suspended for more than a year. If your license is still valid, ADOT will straightforward remove the suspension from your record, and you can resume driving when ready. You will receive written confirmation of the reinstatement.
If ADOT denies your reinstatement request, you will receive a written explanation of why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, unpaid fines still outstanding, or failure to complete a required program. You can resubmit your request once you have addressed the issue.
Special Situations: Hardship Licenses and Restricted Driving
If your license is suspended and you need to drive for work, school, or medical reasons, Arizona may issue a hardship license that allows limited driving while your suspension is in place. A hardship license does not reinstate your full license — it is a temporary measure that lets you drive to specific locations for specific purposes.
To request a hardship license, contact ADOT or the court that issued your suspension and ask about the process. You will need to show that you have a genuine hardship and that you have taken steps toward reinstatement (such as enrolling in a required program or making a payment plan for fines). Hardship licenses are not granted in all suspension cases — for example, they are rarely issued for DUI suspensions.
If you are denied a hardship license or if you want to restore your full driving privileges, continue with the standard reinstatement process described above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have submitted a reinstatement request?
No. Your license remains suspended until ADOT officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Arizona and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation of reinstatement before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court or ADOT that issued the suspension and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments over several months. You may also be able to request a fee waiver if you demonstrate financial hardship, though this is not may provide. Start the conversation before your reinstatement request.
How long does a suspension stay on my driving record?
Suspension records remain on your driving record indefinitely, but the suspension itself is removed once you reinstate your license. However, the fact that you were suspended may still appear on your record for insurance and employment purposes. Your actual driving privileges are restored once reinstatement is complete.
Do I need a new driver's license photo after reinstatement?
Not necessarily. If your license is still valid and not expired, ADOT will straightforward remove the suspension and return your existing license to active status. If your license has expired or been suspended for more than a year, ADOT will issue a new card with a new photo. You will be notified which applies to you when your reinstatement is processed.
What if my reinstatement request is denied?
ADOT will send you a written explanation of the denial. Common reasons include missing documents, unpaid fines, or incomplete program requirements. Review the denial letter, address the issue, and resubmit your request. You can also contact ADOT at 602-255-0072 to ask for clarification on what is needed.