What You Need to Do to Get Your Arizona License Back
To reinstate a suspended license in Arizona, you must first contact the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicles Division to find out why your license was suspended and what specific steps are required. The reinstatement process depends entirely on the reason for suspension — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical reasons, or a DUI conviction. You cannot straightforward reapply; you must satisfy the underlying cause before ADOT will restore your driving privileges.
Once you have resolved the issue that caused the suspension, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee to ADOT and submit any required documentation. The fee and documentation vary by suspension type. After ADOT processes your reinstatement request and confirms everything is in order, your license will be restored, though some suspensions come with additional requirements like an ignition interlock device or a mandatory waiting period.
Key Takeaways
- Contact ADOT Motor Vehicles Division first to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what must be done to resolve it.
- Different suspension types require different actions — paying fines, attending court, obtaining a medical clearance, or completing a DUI program.
- You must pay ADOT's reinstatement fee, which is separate from any fines or court costs you owe.
- Some suspensions require proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance) or installation of an ignition interlock device before reinstatement.
How to Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Call ADOT Motor Vehicles Division at 602-255-0072 or visit an ADOT office in person. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The representative will tell you the exact reason for suspension and provide a list of what you must do to resolve it. This is the most important step because you cannot move forward without knowing what ADOT requires.
You can also check your suspension status online through the ADOT website, though calling is faster if you need when ready answers. Write down everything the representative tells you, including any case numbers, court information, or agency contacts. If your suspension is tied to a court case, the court may have additional requirements beyond what ADOT lists.
Common Reasons for Suspension and How to Resolve Each
Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: Pay the full amount owed to the court or collection agency handling your case. Contact the court listed on your ticket or suspension notice to confirm the exact amount and payment methods. Once the court confirms payment, they notify ADOT automatically, though this can take one to two weeks.
Failure to appear in court: Contact the court when ready and resolve the underlying case. You may need to appear before a judge, pay a failure-to-appear fee, and resolve the original traffic charge. The court will then notify ADOT that the suspension can be lifted.
Medical suspension: Obtain medical clearance from a doctor stating you are safe to drive. Submit this clearance to ADOT along with your reinstatement request. ADOT may require an eye exam or other specific medical documentation depending on why you were suspended.
DUI-related suspension: Complete a DUI education program (usually 16 hours for a first offense), obtain SR-22 insurance, and pay all fines and court costs. You may also need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. Some DUI suspensions have a mandatory waiting period before reinstatement is possible, even after all requirements are met.
Suspension for points or moving violations: If your license was suspended for accumulating too many points, you must wait out the suspension period (usually 30 days for a first suspension). After the waiting period, you can request reinstatement by paying the reinstatement fee.
The Reinstatement Fee and How to Pay It
Arizona charges a reinstatement fee of $100 for most suspensions. This fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or other payments you owe. You can pay the reinstatement fee to ADOT by mail, in person at an ADOT office, or online through the ADOT website if your suspension type allows online payment.
To pay by mail, send a check or money order made out to "Arizona Department of Transportation" along with a completed reinstatement request form (available on the ADOT website) to the address listed on your suspension notice. Include your driver's license number and the reason for suspension so ADOT can match your payment to your record. Payment by mail typically takes two to three weeks to process.
Paying in person at an ADOT office is the fastest method — your reinstatement can be processed the same day if all other requirements are met. Bring your driver's license, proof that you have resolved the underlying issue (court receipt, proof of insurance, program completion certificate), and payment for the reinstatement fee.
SR-22 Insurance and Other Requirements Before Reinstatement
If your suspension was DUI-related or involved a serious violation, ADOT will require you to file an SR-22 form with your insurance company. This form proves you carry the minimum liability insurance required by Arizona law. Your insurance company files the SR-22 directly with ADOT; you do not submit it yourself. You must maintain SR-22 coverage for the period ADOT specifies, usually three years for a DUI suspension.
Some suspensions also require an ignition interlock device (IID) to be installed in your vehicle before you can drive. An IID is a breathalyzer connected to your car's ignition that prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected. You must arrange installation through an approved vendor and provide proof of installation to ADOT. The cost of installation and monthly monitoring is your responsibility, typically $60 to $100 per month.
If your suspension was medical-related, you may need to pass a vision test or medical exam administered by ADOT before reinstatement. Schedule this appointment when you contact ADOT about reinstatement.
Submitting Your Reinstatement Request to ADOT
Once you have resolved the underlying cause of suspension and gathered all required documents, submit your reinstatement request to ADOT. You can do this by mail, in person, or online depending on your suspension type. Include your driver's license number, the reason for suspension, proof that you have met all requirements (court receipt, proof of insurance, program completion letter, medical clearance, or IID installation proof), and payment for the $100 reinstatement fee.
ADOT processes reinstatement requests within five to ten business days if submitted by mail or online. If you submit in person at an ADOT office, processing is often when ready. After ADOT approves your reinstatement, your license status is updated in their system, and you can drive legally. You do not receive a new physical license card unless your current one has expired.
What Happens If Your Reinstatement Is Denied
ADOT will deny reinstatement if you have not fully resolved the underlying issue. For example, if you still owe court costs, have not completed a required DUI program, or have not obtained SR-22 insurance, your request will be rejected. ADOT will send you a letter explaining what is still missing and what you must do next.
If you believe ADOT's decision is incorrect, you can request a hearing before an ADOT administrative law judge. The request must be submitted within 30 days of the denial letter. Contact ADOT for the hearing request form and instructions. A hearing gives you the chance to present evidence and argue your case before an impartial judge who can overturn ADOT's decision if warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate my license?
If you submit in person with all required documents and payment, reinstatement can happen the same day. By mail or online, expect five to ten business days. If your suspension is DUI-related or requires an ignition interlock, the timeline depends on how quickly you complete those requirements, which can add weeks or months.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Arizona and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and further suspension. Wait until ADOT confirms your reinstatement before driving.
Do I have to take a written or road test to reinstate my license?
Not for most suspensions. You do not retake the written or road test unless your suspension was medical-related and ADOT requires a vision or medical exam to confirm you are safe to drive. DUI suspensions do not require a new driving test.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
ADOT does not waive the $100 reinstatement fee. If you are facing financial hardship, contact ADOT to ask about payment plan options, though availability varies. You may also contact a local legal aid organization to discuss your situation.
Will my reinstatement show up on my driving record?
Yes. Your driving record will show that your license was suspended and later reinstated. This information is visible to insurance companies and law enforcement. The suspension remains on your record for a set period depending on the reason — typically three to ten years for serious violations like DUI.