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 the reinstatement fee, and resolve whatever caused the suspension or revocation in the first place. The specific steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI conviction, medical reasons, or another violation. ADOT will not reinstate your license until the underlying issue is cleared.
You cannot straightforward walk into an office and hand over money. ADOT requires you to first determine the reason for the suspension, then follow the correct process for that reason. Some suspensions require court action; others require payment to a specific agency. Skipping this step will result in rejection of your reinstatement request.
Key Takeaways
- Contact ADOT Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 or visit a local office to find out exactly why your license was suspended.
- The reinstatement fee is $50, but you cannot pay it until you have resolved the underlying cause of the suspension.
- Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines require payment to the court or collection agency; DUI suspensions require completion of an alcohol education program and proof of insurance.
- After you resolve the cause, submit your reinstatement request to ADOT with proof of resolution and the $50 fee.
- Processing takes 1 to 3 business days once ADOT receives your complete request.
Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you do anything else, you must know the reason for the suspension. ADOT suspends licenses for different reasons, and each has a different path to reinstatement. Call ADOT Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arizona time) and have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you the suspension reason and what you must do to clear it.
You can also visit an ADOT office in person. Locations are listed on the ADOT website under "Motor Vehicle Division Offices." Bring your driver's license or identification card. If you cannot reach ADOT by phone or visit in person, you can submit a written request to ADOT Motor Vehicle Division, 1801 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85007, but this will take longer.
Write down the suspension reason and the date it took effect. This information is critical for the next step.
Resolve the Cause of Suspension
The action you take depends entirely on why your license was suspended. Below are the most common suspension reasons and what you must do:
| Suspension Reason | What You Must Do |
|---|---|
| Unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court | Pay the fine in full to the court or collection agency listed on your suspension notice. Obtain a receipt or proof of payment. |
| DUI conviction | Complete an alcohol education program (DUI school), obtain proof of completion, and provide proof of insurance (SR-22 form) to ADOT. |
| Failure to maintain insurance | Obtain an SR-22 form from your insurance company and submit it to ADOT. |
| Medical suspension | Obtain medical clearance from your doctor and submit it to ADOT on the form they provide. |
| Child support arrears | Contact the Arizona Department of Child Support Services and make arrangements to pay or establish a payment plan. |
| Habitual traffic offender status | Contact the court that issued the suspension for specific requirements; this suspension is the most restrictive and may require a hearing. |
Keep all receipts, certificates, and proof documents. You will need to show these to ADOT when you request reinstatement.
Submit Your Reinstatement Request
Once you have resolved the cause of suspension, you are ready to request reinstatement. You have three options: by mail, in person at an ADOT office, or online through the ADOT website if your suspension reason allows it.
By mail: Send a letter to ADOT Motor Vehicle Division, 1801 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85007. Include your name, driver's license number, the reason for suspension, proof that you have resolved the cause, and a check or money order for $50 made payable to "Arizona Department of Transportation." Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want confirmation of receipt. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days.
In person: Visit any ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office with your driver's license, proof of resolution, and $50 (cash, check, or debit/credit card). Processing is when ready, and you will receive confirmation on the spot. This is the fastest option.
Online: Some suspension reasons allow online reinstatement through the ADOT website. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. Not all suspension types are available online; if yours is not, you must use mail or in-person.
What Happens After You Submit
ADOT processes reinstatement requests within 1 to 3 business days. If you submitted by mail, you will receive a letter confirming reinstatement or explaining any issues. If you submitted in person, your license is reinstated when ready and you can drive that day.
Your physical license card does not change. You do not need to get a new one unless it is damaged or expired. Your driving record will show that the suspension has been lifted, and law enforcement will see this if they run your license.
If ADOT denies your reinstatement request, the letter will explain why. Common reasons include incomplete proof of resolution or failure to pay the full reinstatement fee. You can resubmit once you have corrected the issue.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
The most frequent error is paying the reinstatement fee without first resolving the underlying cause. ADOT will return your payment and your request. The fee is only accepted after the suspension reason is cleared.
Another common mistake is submitting incomplete proof. If your suspension was for unpaid fines, a receipt showing partial payment is not enough — the fine must be paid in full. If it was for DUI, a certificate of enrollment in alcohol education is not enough — you must submit proof of completion. Read ADOT's requirements carefully before you submit.
A third mistake is waiting too long to resolve the cause. Some suspension reasons have time limits. For example, if your license was suspended for failure to appear in court, the court may issue a warrant if you do not resolve it within a certain period. Contact the relevant court or agency when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until ADOT officially lifts the suspension. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Arizona. If you submitted by mail, you cannot drive until you receive confirmation from ADOT. If you submitted in person, you can drive when ready after processing.
What if I cannot pay the full fine right now?
Contact the court or collection agency that holds your fine and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will set up a schedule for you to pay over time. Once you have a written agreement, send a copy to ADOT with your reinstatement request. ADOT may reinstate your license while you are paying under the plan, depending on the court's approval.
Do I need a new physical license card after reinstatement?
No. Your existing license card remains valid. ADOT updates your record in the system, and that is all that is needed. You only need a replacement card if your current one is damaged, lost, or expired.
How long does reinstatement take if I submit by mail?
ADOT processes the request within 1 to 3 business days, but mail delivery adds 7 to 10 days each way. Total time is usually 2 to 3 weeks. In-person submission is much faster — usually the same day.
What if ADOT says my proof of resolution is not acceptable?
ADOT will send you a letter explaining what is missing. Common issues include a receipt that does not show the full amount paid, or a certificate that shows enrollment but not completion. Contact the agency that issued the proof (the court, your DUI school, your insurance company) and ask for the correct document. Resubmit with the corrected proof.