What happens when your Arizona license is suspended or revoked
When your Arizona driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive in Arizona or most other states. A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored automatically on a specific date if you meet all conditions. A revocation is more serious and permanent until you take action to have it reinstated.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division handles reinstatement. The process depends on why your license was suspended or revoked — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, DUI conviction, accumulating too many points, or another reason. Each path has different requirements and timelines.
You cannot drive legally during a suspension or revocation, even with an out-of-state license. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a separate criminal offense in Arizona and carries its own penalties.
Key Takeaways
- Contact ADOT Motor Vehicle Division directly to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what you must do to reinstate it.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay any outstanding fines, fees, or restitution owed to the court or ADOT before your license can be restored.
- If your suspension was for a DUI or serious violation, you may need to complete a defensive driving course, substance abuse counseling, or install an ignition interlock device.
- Reinstating a revoked license usually takes longer than a suspension and may require a new written test or road test depending on the reason for revocation.
- You can check your license status and suspension reason online through the ADOT website or by calling their customer service line.
Find out why your license was suspended or revoked
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the specific reason. ADOT suspends or revokes licenses for many reasons: unpaid traffic fines, accumulating 8 or more points in 12 months, DUI conviction, failing to appear in court, not maintaining auto insurance, or failing to pay child support.
Check your status online through the ADOT website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. You can also call ADOT Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 (Phoenix area) or 1-800-304-0072 (statewide). Have your license number and date of birth ready. The representative will tell you the reason for suspension or revocation and what steps you must take.
Write down everything they tell you: the suspension or revocation date, the reason, any fees owed, and any required courses or documents. This information is your roadmap for reinstatement.
Pay all fines, fees, and outstanding obligations
Almost every reinstatement requires you to pay money owed to the court or ADOT. This includes unpaid traffic fines, court costs, restitution, and the reinstatement fee itself. The reinstatement fee in Arizona is typically $100 to $150, but varies depending on the reason for suspension or revocation.
Ask ADOT for an itemized list of everything you owe. Some fees go to the court, some to ADOT, and some to other agencies. You cannot pay ADOT and assume you are done — you must settle all debts. If you cannot pay the full amount, ask the court about payment plans. Many courts allow you to pay in installments.
Keep receipts and proof of payment. You will need to show that you paid before ADOT will process your reinstatement.
Complete required courses or programs
Depending on why your license was suspended or revoked, Arizona may require you to complete specific courses before reinstatement is possible.
For DUI-related suspensions: You must complete a substance abuse screening and education program. ADOT maintains a list of approved providers. The program length depends on whether it is your first offense and the severity of the DUI. First-time offenders typically complete an 8-hour course; repeat offenders may need 16 hours or more. You pay the provider directly, and they report completion to ADOT.
For point-based suspensions: You may be required to take a defensive driving course. This is a 4-hour course offered by approved providers throughout Arizona. Completing it can also remove up to 3 points from your driving record. Again, you pay the provider and they report to ADOT.
For ignition interlock requirements: If your suspension involved a DUI, you may need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before you can drive. This device prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You arrange installation through an approved vendor and pay for the device and monthly monitoring fees.
Decide between suspension reinstatement and revocation reinstatement
A suspension reinstatement is simpler. If your license was suspended and the suspension period has ended, you may only need to pay fees and fines. Some suspensions lift automatically on the end date without any action from you — check with ADOT to confirm. Others require you to submit proof of payment or course completion before ADOT will restore your license.
A revocation reinstatement is more involved. You cannot straightforward wait for a date to pass. You must request reinstatement from ADOT, and they may require you to pass a new written test, a road test, or both. The test requirement depends on the reason for revocation. For example, a revocation for medical reasons might require a doctor's clearance and a road test. A revocation for a serious criminal offense might require a written test to show you understand traffic laws.
Contact ADOT to learn whether you are dealing with a suspension or revocation and what tests, if any, you will need to pass.
Submit your reinstatement request to ADOT
Once you have paid all fines and completed all required courses, you are ready to request reinstatement. You can do this in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation.
In person: Visit an ADOT office with proof of payment, course completion certificates, and your driver's license (if you still have it). Bring a photo ID. Staff will verify that all requirements are met and process your reinstatement on the spot. You will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your new license is mailed to you.
By mail: Send copies of proof of payment and course completion to ADOT Motor Vehicle Division, along with a letter requesting reinstatement. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason your license was suspended or revoked. Mail to: ADOT Motor Vehicle Division, 1801 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85007. Processing by mail takes longer — typically 2 to 4 weeks.
Online: Some reinstatements can be started online through the ADOT website, though you may still need to visit an office or mail documents to complete the process.
What to expect after you request reinstatement
If you submitted your request in person at an ADOT office and all requirements were met, your license is reinstated when ready. You receive a temporary permit and your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you submitted by mail or online, ADOT will review your documents. If everything is in order, they will mail you a temporary permit and your new license. If documents are missing or incomplete, they will contact you by mail or phone to request what you need. This back-and-forth can add weeks to the process.
Do not drive until you have received your temporary permit or new license. Driving before reinstatement is complete is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license to drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
Yes. If you complete reinstatement in person at an ADOT office, you receive a temporary permit when ready. If you submit by mail, ADOT will mail a temporary permit once your documents are approved. The temporary permit is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed.
What if I cannot afford to pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court that issued the fines and ask about a payment plan. Many Arizona courts allow you to pay in installments over several months. You may also ask ADOT whether any fees can be waived or reduced based on financial hardship, though this is not may provide.
Do I have to retake the written test or road test to get my license back?
It depends on whether your license was suspended or revoked and the reason. Suspensions usually do not require a new test. Revocations often do. ADOT will tell you when you call whether a test is required in your case.
How long does reinstatement take?
In-person reinstatement at an ADOT office takes minutes if all requirements are met. By mail, expect 2 to 4 weeks for processing, plus mailing time. If documents are missing, the timeline extends. Your temporary permit is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license.
What happens if I drive before my license is reinstated?
Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Arizona separate from the original suspension or revocation. You can be arrested, fined, and face jail time. Your license suspension may be extended, and you may face additional penalties.