What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back After a DUI in Arizona
Reinstating your Arizona driver's license after a DUI conviction requires you to complete several steps in a specific order, and the timeline depends on whether this is your first offense and whether you served a hard suspension or received a restricted license. You cannot straightforward wait out the suspension period — the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will not restore your license until you submit proof that you have met every requirement, including an alcohol screening, completion of a DUI education program, and payment of reinstatement fees.
The process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from the time you submit your reinstatement packet, but only if all documents are complete and correct. Missing a single form or submitting an outdated document will delay your case and push your reinstatement date back by weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona requires an alcohol screening and a DUI education program before ADOT will consider reinstatement, regardless of whether you had a hard suspension or restricted license.
- You must submit a reinstatement packet to ADOT that includes your screening results, proof of program completion, the reinstatement fee, and a signed affidavit — missing any item delays approval.
- First-time DUI offenders typically face a 90-day hard suspension followed by a 60-day restricted license period, but you can explore for reinstatement once you have completed the required programs.
- If you were convicted of an extreme or super extreme DUI, your suspension is longer and you may be required to install an ignition interlock device before reinstatement is granted.
- You submit your reinstatement packet by mail to ADOT's Compliance and Enforcement Bureau, not at a local MVD office.
Understanding Arizona's DUI Suspension Timeline
Arizona law imposes different suspension lengths depending on the type of DUI conviction. For a standard DUI (blood alcohol content of 0.08 to 0.149), the first offense carries a 90-day hard suspension, meaning you cannot drive at all. After those 90 days, you become may be able to access for a 60-day restricted license that allows you to drive only to work, school, medical appointments, and DUI-related programs.
An extreme DUI (BAC 0.15 to 0.199) results in a 30-day hard suspension followed by a 60-day restricted license, but you must install an ignition interlock device before you can use the restricted license. A super extreme DUI (BAC 0.20 or higher) requires a 60-day hard suspension, then a 60-day restricted license with an interlock device mandatory.
The suspension clock starts on the date of your arrest, not the date of conviction. If you were arrested on January 15, your 90-day hard suspension ends on April 15, even if your case does not go to trial until May. This is important because you can begin the reinstatement process before your conviction is final, as long as you have been formally charged.
The Alcohol Screening and DUI Education Requirements
Before ADOT will reinstate your license, you must complete an alcohol screening conducted by a licensed substance abuse counselor. This is not a test you pass or fail — it is an assessment that determines whether you need additional treatment beyond the standard DUI education program. The screening typically costs $50 to $150 and takes 30 to 60 minutes.
You must then complete a DUI education program approved by the Arizona Department of Health Services. The standard program is 16 hours long and covers topics like the effects of alcohol on driving, decision-making, and relapse prevention. Some courts order an extended 36-hour program instead, depending on your BAC level and prior record. You cannot start this program until after your conviction is entered, though some providers allow you to register in advance.
Both the screening and the education program must be completed by a provider on Arizona's approved list. You can find approved providers on the ADOT website or by calling the Compliance and Enforcement Bureau at 602-255-0072. The program provider will give you a certificate of completion, which you will need for your reinstatement packet.
Submitting Your Reinstatement Packet to ADOT
Once you have completed the alcohol screening and DUI education program, you must assemble a reinstatement packet and mail it to ADOT's Compliance and Enforcement Bureau. The packet must include the following documents in this order:
- A completed process for License Reinstatement form (available on the ADOT website or by phone)
- The original certificate of completion from your DUI education program
- The original alcohol screening report
- A signed Affidavit of Compliance stating that you have completed all court-ordered requirements
- The reinstatement fee (currently $100 for a standard DUI, but varies for extreme and super extreme convictions)
- A copy of your driver's license (front and back)
- Proof of insurance (if required by the court)
Mail the complete packet to: Arizona Department of Transportation, Compliance and Enforcement Bureau, 1801 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85007. Do not submit the packet in person at an MVD office — it will be rejected and returned to you.
ADOT will send you a letter within 4 to 8 weeks confirming receipt and either approving your reinstatement or requesting additional documents. If documents are missing or incomplete, the letter will specify what is needed and give you 30 days to resubmit. Once approved, your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Ignition Interlock Device Requirements
If you were convicted of an extreme or super extreme DUI, Arizona law requires you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) before your restricted license takes effect. An IID is a breathalyzer connected to your vehicle's ignition that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.
You must have the device installed by a certified provider before you submit your reinstatement packet. The installation costs $100 to $200, and monthly monitoring fees range from $60 to $100. You are responsible for all costs. When you submit your reinstatement packet, you must include proof of installation from the IID provider.
The device must remain installed for the duration of your restricted license period and, in some cases, longer. If you remove it early or tamper with it, your license will be suspended again and you will face additional criminal charges. ADOT will notify you when you are may be able to access to have it removed.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
The most frequent reason for reinstatement denial is submitting documents from a non-approved provider. If your alcohol screening or DUI education program was conducted by someone not on the ADOT approved list, ADOT will reject the entire packet. Always verify the provider's status before paying for the program.
Another common error is submitting a photocopy of the certificate of completion instead of the original. ADOT requires original documents with original signatures. Faxed or scanned copies will be rejected. If your provider lost your original certificate, request a certified duplicate in writing and have them mail it directly to you.
Submitting the packet before your conviction is final can also cause delays. ADOT will not process a reinstatement packet until the court has entered a judgment of conviction. If you submit early, the packet will be returned and you will have to resubmit after sentencing.
Finally, failing to include the correct reinstatement fee will hold up your case. The fee varies depending on the type of DUI and whether you are reinstating after a hard suspension or a restricted license period. Call ADOT before mailing your packet to confirm the exact amount.
What Happens After Your License Is Reinstated
Once ADOT approves your reinstatement, your license will be mailed to your address on file. If you had a restricted license, your new license will show no restrictions. However, if you were ordered to install an ignition interlock device, that requirement remains in effect even after reinstatement, and you must continue to have the device monitored.
If you received a restricted license and your reinstatement was approved, you can now drive without the restrictions that were in place. You do not need to visit an MVD office or take a new driving test. Your license is valid when ready upon receipt.
Keep in mind that a second DUI conviction within seven years will result in a much longer suspension and more stringent requirements. If you are arrested again, contact a DUI attorney when ready — the reinstatement process becomes significantly more complex after a second offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive during my hard suspension if I have an ignition interlock device installed?
No. A hard suspension means you cannot drive at all, regardless of whether an interlock device is installed. The interlock device becomes relevant only during the restricted license period that follows the hard suspension. You must wait until the hard suspension ends and your restricted license is approved before you can drive with an interlock device.
What if I move out of state before my reinstatement is approved?
You must update your address with ADOT before submitting your reinstatement packet. If you move after submitting, contact the Compliance and Enforcement Bureau when ready with your new address so your approval letter and license are mailed to the correct location. Some states will not issue a license to someone with an active Arizona suspension, so reinstatement is important even if you relocate.
How long does the entire reinstatement process take from arrest to driving again?
For a first-time standard DUI, the timeline is typically 150 to 180 days: 90 days for the hard suspension, 60 days for the restricted license period (during which you complete the screening and education program), plus 4 to 8 weeks for ADOT to process your reinstatement packet. Extreme and super extreme DUIs have different timelines and may take longer if an interlock device is required.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if ADOT denies my packet?
No. If ADOT rejects your packet due to missing or incorrect documents, the fee will be returned to you. You will need to resubmit the fee when you send the corrected packet. If ADOT approves your reinstatement and then you fail to pick up your license within a certain period, the fee is not refunded.
Can I request a hearing if ADOT denies my reinstatement?
Yes. If ADOT denies your reinstatement packet, the denial letter will explain the reason and your right to request an administrative hearing. You have 30 days from the date of the denial letter to request a hearing in writing. The hearing is conducted by an administrative law judge who will review whether ADOT correctly applied the law to your case.