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 — the reason determines what you have to do and how much it costs. You'll contact the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), pay any required reinstatement fee, and resolve the underlying issue (such as unpaid traffic fines, a failed drug test, or unpaid child support). Only after ADOT confirms the issue is resolved will your license become active again.

The reinstatement process is not automatic. You cannot straightforward walk into an office and hand over money. ADOT must verify that you have met every condition tied to your suspension or revocation before they will restore your driving privileges.

Key Takeaways

You must contact ADOT or check your case online to learn the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked, because different reasons have different requirements.
Most reinstatements require you to pay a fee to ADOT, resolve the underlying issue (such as paying fines or completing a DUI program), and sometimes pass a written or road test.
You can check your license status and suspension reason through the ADOT website or by calling their Customer Service line at 602-255-0072.
Once ADOT confirms all conditions are met, your license is reinstated when ready in most cases, though you may need to visit an office to receive a new physical license card.

Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended or Revoked

Your first step is to learn the exact reason. ADOT suspends or revokes licenses for different violations, and each has its own reinstatement path. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or medical reasons.

You can check your status online through the ADOT website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. If you prefer to speak with someone, call ADOT Customer Service at 602-255-0072. Have your license number ready. They will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you must do to resolve it.

Write down or take a screenshot of everything they tell you — the reason, any fees owed, any programs you must complete, and any important date. This information is your roadmap.

Pay the Reinstatement Fee

ADOT charges a reinstatement fee for most suspensions and revocations. The fee varies depending on the reason for the suspension. For example, a suspension due to unpaid traffic fines carries one fee, while a DUI-related suspension carries a different fee. The fee is typically between $100 and $300, but you should confirm the exact amount when you contact ADOT.

You can pay online through the ADOT website, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office. If you pay online, you will receive when ready confirmation. If you mail a check, include your driver's license number and the reason for the suspension so ADOT can explore the payment to the correct case. Keep proof of payment.

Paying the fee alone does not reinstate your license. You must also resolve whatever caused the suspension in the first place.

Resolve the Underlying Issue

After you pay the reinstatement fee, you must address the reason your license was suspended. The steps depend on what that reason was.

For unpaid traffic fines: Pay the outstanding balance to the court or traffic violations bureau that issued the citation. Contact the court listed on your ticket or citation to confirm the amount owed and payment methods. Once paid, the court will notify ADOT automatically in most cases, though you may need to request written confirmation.

For DUI-related suspensions: You must complete a DUI education or treatment program approved by ADOT. The program length depends on whether it was a first, second, or subsequent offense. You will also need to provide proof of completion to ADOT. Some people are also required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle before reinstatement.

For accumulating too many points: Points expire over time (typically three years from the violation date), but you cannot speed up this process. You can only wait for the points to age off your record. However, you can take a defensive driving course to reduce points by up to three.

For failure to appear in court: Contact the court when ready and resolve the outstanding case. This may mean appearing in court, paying a fine, or both. Once the case is resolved, notify ADOT.

For unpaid child support: Contact the Arizona Department of Child Support Services or the court handling your case. You will need to bring your account current or arrange a payment plan. Once the agency confirms the issue is resolved, they will notify ADOT.

Submit Proof of Completion to ADOT

Depending on your situation, you may need to submit documents to ADOT showing that you have met the requirements. For example, if you completed a DUI program, you will need a certificate of completion. If you paid fines, you may need a receipt or court confirmation. If you installed an ignition interlock device, you will need proof of installation.

You can submit documents online through the ADOT website, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office. Include your driver's license number with everything you send. Keep copies for your records.

ADOT will review your documents and confirm that all conditions have been met. This typically takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer if documents are incomplete or if ADOT is verifying information with other agencies.

Receive Your Reinstated License

Once ADOT confirms that all reinstatement conditions are met, your driving privileges are restored. You can usually drive when ready, even before you receive a new physical license card in the mail.

If you need a new license card right away, you can visit an ADOT office to have one issued on the spot. Bring your identification and be prepared to pay a replacement fee (usually around $20). If you can wait, ADOT will mail your new card to the address on file, which typically takes one to two weeks.

Check your license status online or by phone before you drive to confirm that reinstatement is complete. Do not assume your license is active until ADOT has confirmed it.

What Happens If You Cannot Meet the Requirements Right Away

If you cannot pay fines, complete a program, or resolve the underlying issue when ready, contact ADOT or the relevant agency (court, child support office, etc.) to discuss your options. Many courts offer payment plans for fines. Some DUI programs offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Child support agencies can work with you on payment arrangements.

Ignoring the suspension does not make it go away. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a separate criminal offense in Arizona and carries serious penalties, including jail time, additional fines, and a longer suspension. It is better to contact the agencies involved and explain your situation than to drive illegally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does reinstatement take?

If all conditions are met and documents are in order, reinstatement usually takes one to two weeks after ADOT receives your final documents. If documents are incomplete or ADOT must verify information with other agencies, it can take longer. You can check your status online or by phone during this time.

Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. You cannot drive until ADOT confirms that your license has been reinstated. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is illegal, even if you have paid fees and completed programs. Wait for written or online confirmation from ADOT before you drive.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?

Contact ADOT to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some situations may may have access to for a reduced fee or extended payment timeline. You can also ask about community resources or legal aid organizations that may help. However, the fee must be paid before reinstatement can occur.

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

Not in most cases. Reinstatement does not usually require a new test unless your license was revoked for medical reasons or a serious violation. ADOT will tell you if a test is required when you contact them about your specific case.

What if I moved and my address changed?

Update your address with ADOT before you submit reinstatement documents. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office. Use your current address so that your new license card is mailed to the right place and so ADOT can contact you if needed.

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.