How to Reinstate Your Arizona Driver's License

What you need to do to get your Arizona license back

To reinstate your Arizona driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended or revoked, then complete the specific steps the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) requires for that reason. Most suspensions require you to clear the underlying cause — paying a traffic fine, completing a DUI program, or resolving a medical issue — before ADOT will process your reinstatement. You cannot straightforward pay a reinstatement fee and get your license back; the fee comes last, after the cause is resolved.

The reinstatement process takes different paths depending on whether your license was suspended for a traffic violation, DUI, medical reasons, or unpaid child support. Each path has its own timeline and documents. You can check your suspension reason by visiting the ADOT website, calling their Customer Services line, or visiting a local Motor Vehicle Division office in person.

Key Takeaways

Your suspension reason determines what you must do before reinstatement — paying a fine, completing a program, or providing medical clearance — not just paying a fee.
You can find your suspension reason through ADOT's online system, by phone, or at a Motor Vehicle Division office before you take any action.
DUI suspensions require an alcohol education program and an SR22 insurance form before ADOT will process reinstatement.
Medical suspensions require a doctor's statement confirming you are safe to drive before you can move forward.
The reinstatement fee itself is $100 in Arizona, but you cannot pay it until the underlying cause is resolved.

How to find out why your license was suspended

ADOT sends a notice to the address on file when your license is suspended, but that notice can take time to arrive or get lost. The fastest way to learn the reason is to check online through the ADOT website using your driver's license number and date of birth. The online system shows the suspension date, the reason code, and sometimes the specific violation or cause.

If you cannot access the online system or need more detail, call ADOT Customer Services at 602-255-0072. Have your driver's license number ready. They can tell you the suspension reason and what steps you need to take. You can also visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person — staff there can print out your record and explain what you owe or what documents you need.

Reinstatement for traffic violations and unpaid fines

If your license was suspended for an unpaid traffic fine, you must pay the fine in full before ADOT will reinstate it. Contact the court that issued the ticket — the notice you received should list the court name and case number. You can often pay online through the court's website, by phone, or in person at the courthouse.

Once the fine is paid, the court sends confirmation to ADOT. ADOT then processes your reinstatement, which usually takes 5 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit ADOT or submit anything yourself; the court handles the notification. After reinstatement is complete, you can drive legally again, though you may want to confirm by checking your status online or calling ADOT.

Reinstatement after a DUI suspension

A DUI suspension in Arizona is more complex than a traffic fine. You must complete an alcohol education program — either a 16-hour course for a first offense or a longer program for repeat offenses — before ADOT will consider reinstatement. The program must be approved by ADOT; not all providers may have access to. You can find approved programs through the ADOT website or by calling their DUI program coordinator.

After you finish the program, you must obtain an SR22 insurance form from your insurance company. This form proves you carry the minimum required liability coverage and that your insurer will notify ADOT if your policy lapses. Without SR22, ADOT will not reinstate your license even if you completed the program. Once you have the program completion certificate and the SR22 form, submit both to ADOT along with the $100 reinstatement fee. Processing typically takes 10 to 15 business days.

Reinstatement for medical suspensions

If ADOT suspended your license for a medical reason — a seizure disorder, vision loss, or a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — you must obtain medical clearance before reinstatement. ADOT will specify which type of doctor must evaluate you: your primary care physician, an eye specialist, a neurologist, or another specialist depending on the condition.

The doctor must complete an ADOT Medical Evaluation Form, which you can read from the ADOT website or request from your doctor's office. The form asks the doctor to confirm that your condition is controlled or resolved and that you are safe to drive. Once signed and dated, submit the form to ADOT along with the $100 reinstatement fee. ADOT reviews the form and typically approves reinstatement within 10 business days if the doctor's assessment is clear.

Reinstatement for child support arrears

Arizona suspends licenses for unpaid child support obligations. To reinstate, you must contact the Arizona Department of Child Support Services (DCS) and either pay the full amount owed or set up a payment plan. DCS will not release the suspension hold until you are current on payments or have an approved arrangement in place.

Once DCS confirms you have resolved the arrears or established a payment plan, they notify ADOT electronically. ADOT then processes your reinstatement, usually within 5 to 10 business days. You do not pay ADOT a reinstatement fee in this case; the suspension is lifted once the child support issue is resolved.

The reinstatement fee and how to pay it

Arizona charges a $100 reinstatement fee for most suspensions (child support suspensions are an exception). You pay this fee only after you have resolved the underlying cause — paid the fine, completed the DUI program and obtained SR22, or provided medical clearance. You cannot pay the fee early to speed up the process.

You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the ADOT website, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. If you pay online or by mail, include your driver's license number and the reason code for your suspension so ADOT can match the payment to your record. Payment by check or money order should be mailed to the address listed on the ADOT website. In-person payment at a Motor Vehicle Division office is processed when ready, and you receive a receipt.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit everything

The time from submission to reinstatement varies by suspension type. Traffic fine suspensions usually clear within 5 to 10 business days once the fine is paid. DUI suspensions take 10 to 15 business days after ADOT receives your program completion certificate, SR22 form, and fee. Medical suspensions take 10 business days after ADOT receives the signed medical form and fee. Child support suspensions are lifted within 5 to 10 business days after DCS notifies ADOT that the arrears are resolved.

During this waiting period, your license remains suspended and you cannot drive legally. Once ADOT processes your reinstatement, you do not receive a new physical license card in the mail — your existing license is straightforward reactivated in the system. You can verify reinstatement by checking your status online, calling ADOT, or visiting a Motor Vehicle Division office. If you need a replacement card for any reason, you can request one at that time for a separate fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until ADOT completes the reinstatement process. Driving on 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 that your license is reinstated before you drive.

What if I cannot afford the full fine or child support amount right now?

For traffic fines, contact the court and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay in installments. For child support, contact the Arizona Department of Child Support Services to discuss a payment arrangement. ADOT will not reinstate until the underlying obligation is addressed, but a court-approved plan may satisfy the requirement.

Do I need to take a written or driving test to get my license back?

No. Reinstatement does not require a new test. You straightforward resolve the cause of the suspension and pay the fee. Your original license remains valid once it is reinstated.

What happens if I move out of Arizona while my license is suspended?

Your Arizona suspension remains in effect even if you move. If you obtain a license in another state, Arizona's suspension may prevent you from driving in Arizona or cause issues if you return. Resolve the suspension before moving, or contact ADOT to understand how your move affects the process.

Can I get a temporary driving permit while waiting for reinstatement?

Arizona does not issue temporary permits during a suspension. You must wait for full reinstatement. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, discuss your situation with the court (for traffic fines) or ADOT directly to see if any exceptions exist for your specific case.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.