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 on a specific date if you meet certain 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 and requirements depend 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 situation has different steps and timelines.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona suspensions are temporary and may lift automatically on a set date, but revocations require you to request reinstatement through ADOT.
- You must resolve the underlying issue — paying fines, completing a DUI program, or serving a waiting period — before ADOT will reinstate your license.
- You can check your license status and suspension reason on the ADOT website or by calling their customer service line.
- Reinstatement fees range from $100 to $300 depending on the reason for suspension, and you may need to provide proof of insurance or completion of required programs.
- Some suspensions require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before driving legally again.
Check your suspension or revocation status with ADOT
Before you can move forward, you need to know exactly why your license was suspended or revoked and what you must do to fix it. ADOT provides this information through their online license status tool and by phone.
Visit the ADOT website and use the License Status Check tool. You will need your driver's license number or date of birth and last name. The tool shows whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid, and it lists the reason for any suspension or revocation.
If you prefer to speak with someone, call ADOT Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072. They can tell you the exact reason for your suspension, what you must complete before reinstatement, and the reinstatement fee you will owe. Have your license number ready when you call.
Common reasons for suspension and what you must do
Arizona suspends licenses for different reasons, and each has its own path to reinstatement. Understanding your specific situation is the first step.
Unpaid traffic tickets or fines: If you owe money to the court, you must pay the full amount or set up a payment plan. Once paid, contact the court that issued the ticket and ask them to notify ADOT. Some courts do this automatically, but it can take several weeks. You may also need to pay ADOT's reinstatement fee.
DUI conviction: A DUI suspension or revocation requires multiple steps. You must complete a DUI education program (usually 16 hours for a first offense), maintain proof of insurance, and install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for a set period — typically six months to one year depending on your offense. You cannot drive without the device installed. After completing all requirements, you request reinstatement from ADOT and pay the reinstatement fee.
Too many points: Arizona uses a point system for traffic violations. If you accumulate 8 points in 12 months, 12 points in 24 months, or 18 points in 36 months, your license is suspended. You must wait out a suspension period (usually 30 days for the first suspension) before requesting reinstatement. After the waiting period ends, you can request reinstatement and pay the fee.
Failure to appear in court or pay child support: Your license is suspended until you resolve the court case or make arrangements with the child support agency. Contact the court or agency listed on your suspension notice and follow their instructions. Once resolved, request reinstatement from ADOT.
The reinstatement process step by step
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you are ready to request reinstatement. The process is straightforward but requires you to follow specific steps in order.
Step 1: Confirm all requirements are met. Before contacting ADOT, make sure you have completed everything required — paid fines, finished a DUI program, installed an ignition interlock device, or waited out a suspension period. If you are unsure, call ADOT at 602-255-0072 to confirm.
Step 2: Gather required documents. Most reinstatements require proof of insurance (an insurance card or letter from your insurance company showing current coverage). For DUI reinstatements, you will also need proof of program completion and proof that an ignition interlock device is installed. Have these documents ready before you contact ADOT.
Step 3: Request reinstatement. You can request reinstatement online through the ADOT website, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office. The online method is fastest. You will need to pay the reinstatement fee, which ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the reason for suspension. ADOT accepts credit cards, debit cards, and checks.
Step 4: Wait for processing. After you submit your request and fee, ADOT typically processes reinstatement within 5 to 10 business days. You will receive a letter confirming your license is reinstated. You can then drive legally again.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
Arizona charges a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges. The fee amount depends on the reason your license was suspended or revoked.
| Reason for Suspension | Reinstatement Fee |
|---|---|
| Unpaid traffic tickets or fines | $100 |
| Too many points | $100 |
| DUI conviction | $250 |
| Failure to appear in court | $100 |
| Child support non-payment | $100 |
The reinstatement fee is separate from any fines you owe to the court, DUI program costs, or ignition interlock device fees. These are additional expenses you may encounter depending on your situation. ADOT does not refund reinstatement fees if your request is denied.
Ignition interlock devices for DUI reinstatement
If your suspension or revocation was due to a DUI conviction, Arizona law requires you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle before you can drive legally again. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.
You must install the device before requesting reinstatement from ADOT. The device stays in your vehicle for a set period — typically six months for a first DUI offense, one year for a second offense within seven years, and longer for additional offenses. You pay for the installation and monthly monitoring fees, which usually total $60 to $100 per month.
To install an IID, contact an Arizona-certified interlock provider. ADOT maintains a list of approved providers on their website. Once installed, the provider sends proof of installation to ADOT. You then use this proof when you request reinstatement.
Where to request reinstatement
You have three options for requesting reinstatement: online, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office.
Online: Visit the ADOT website and use the License Reinstatement Request form. This is the fastest method. You will upload required documents, pay the reinstatement fee by credit or debit card, and receive confirmation within 5 to 10 business days.
By mail: read the License Reinstatement Request form from the ADOT website, fill it out, include copies of required documents and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In person: Visit an ADOT office with your completed form, required documents, and payment. You can pay by cash, check, or card. An ADOT employee will process your request on the spot, though your license status may not update when ready in their system.
ADOT offices are located throughout Arizona. Find the office nearest you on the ADOT website by entering your city or zip code.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate my license after I submit my request?
Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days if you request reinstatement online. Mail requests take 2 to 3 weeks. In-person requests are processed when ready, though your status may take a few days to update in ADOT's system. You can check your status online or call ADOT to confirm reinstatement.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot drive legally until ADOT confirms your license is reinstated. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Arizona and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from ADOT before driving.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
Contact ADOT at 602-255-0072 to discuss your situation. Some courts allow payment plans for fines, and ADOT may work with you on timing. However, ADOT does not waive reinstatement fees. You must pay the full amount to restore your license.
Do I need to retake the written or road test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake any tests. You only need to resolve the underlying issue, pay the reinstatement fee, and submit required documents. Your license will be restored with the same class and restrictions you had before suspension.
What happens if my reinstatement request is denied?
ADOT will send you a letter explaining why your request was denied. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, unpaid fines still outstanding, or failure to complete a required program. Review the letter, address the issue, and submit a new request. You do not pay another reinstatement fee if you resubmit within a certain timeframe — ask ADOT for details.