What the Arizona MVD Can Do When Your License Is Suspended

The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) does not lift a suspension on its own — you have to take specific steps to show the reason for the suspension has been resolved. The MVD will tell you exactly what you need to do, but you have to contact them first and find out why your license was suspended. Once you know the reason, you can address it (pay a fine, complete a program, resolve a court case) and then ask the MVD to reinstate your license.

The MVD operates through the Arizona Department of Transportation. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person at a local office. They will not reinstate your license until they receive proof that the suspension reason no longer applies.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Arizona MVD first to learn the exact reason your license was suspended and what you must do to resolve it.
  • Different suspension reasons require different actions — paying a fine, completing a DUI program, resolving a medical issue, or clearing a court hold.
  • You can reach the MVD by phone at 602-255-0072, by mail, or in person at any local office to request reinstatement.
  • The MVD charges a reinstatement fee (amount varies by suspension type) that you must pay along with proof that the suspension reason is resolved.
  • Reinstating your license can take one to four weeks depending on how quickly you submit required documents and whether the MVD needs to verify information with courts or other agencies.

How to Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended

Call the Arizona MVD at 602-255-0072 (Phoenix area) or 1-888-373-4828 (toll-free from anywhere in Arizona). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The MVD representative will tell you the suspension reason, the date it took effect, and what you must do to resolve it.

You can also visit an MVD office in person. Arizona has offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, Tempe, Flagstaff, Prescott, and other cities. Bring your ID and be prepared to wait. If you prefer written confirmation, you can mail a request to the MVD with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number, though this takes longer.

Write down the suspension reason and the exact steps the MVD tells you to take. Do not assume you know what to do — different reasons have different requirements, and missing a step will delay reinstatement.

Common Suspension Reasons and What You Must Do

Administrative suspensions for unpaid traffic fines or court costs: You must pay the full amount owed to the court or traffic violations bureau. The MVD will not reinstate until the court notifies them that payment was received. After you pay, ask the court for written confirmation and provide it to the MVD.

DUI or alcohol-related suspensions: You must complete an alcohol education or treatment program (depending on the offense), pay reinstatement fees, and sometimes install an ignition interlock device. The MVD will tell you which program to attend. You cannot skip this step or attend any program — it must be one approved by Arizona.

Medical suspensions: You must see a doctor, have them complete an MVD medical form, and submit it to the MVD. The doctor must clear you to drive. You cannot reinstate without this form.

Suspensions from a court order or criminal case: The court must dismiss the case or lift the suspension order. Contact the court that issued the suspension and ask what you need to do. Once the court lifts it, the MVD will receive notice, but you may need to submit a reinstatement request to speed up the process.

Suspensions for failure to appear in court: You must resolve the underlying case by appearing in court or working with an attorney. The court will notify the MVD once the case is resolved.

Reinstatement Fees and How to Pay Them

The Arizona MVD charges a reinstatement fee that varies by suspension type. Administrative suspensions typically cost $100 to $200. DUI-related suspensions cost more — often $250 to $500 depending on whether you need an ignition interlock device. Medical suspensions may have a smaller fee or none at all.

You can pay the reinstatement fee by phone, mail, or in person at an MVD office. If you pay by phone, call 602-255-0072. If you mail payment, include a check or money order made out to the Arizona Department of Transportation, along with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. If you pay in person, bring cash, check, or debit/credit card.

Do not pay the fee until you have resolved the suspension reason. Paying the fee alone will not reinstate your license — the MVD must also receive proof that the underlying issue is resolved.

Submitting Proof and Requesting Reinstatement

Once you have resolved the suspension reason, gather all required documents. For a fine, this is a receipt or court confirmation of payment. For a DUI program, this is a completion certificate from the program provider. For a medical suspension, this is the signed medical form from your doctor. For a court case, this is written confirmation from the court that the case is resolved.

Mail these documents to the Arizona MVD at the address they provide, or bring them in person to a local office. Include a letter stating your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the suspension reason, and a request for reinstatement. Include the reinstatement fee (check or money order) with your mailed request.

Keep copies of everything you send. The MVD will process your request and mail you a new license or a reinstatement notice. This usually takes one to four weeks. If you do not hear back within four weeks, call the MVD to confirm they received your documents.

What Happens If You Drive on a Suspended License

Driving on a suspended license in Arizona is a criminal offense. A first offense is a class 1 misdemeanor, which can result in jail time, fines up to $2,500, and a longer suspension. A second offense within five years is a class 6 felony. Do not drive until your license is reinstated.

If you need to drive before reinstatement is complete, ask the MVD whether a temporary driving permit is available for your suspension type. Some suspensions allow a permit for work or medical purposes, but not all. Call 602-255-0072 to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license in Arizona?

Reinstatement usually takes one to four weeks after the MVD receives your completed request and proof that the suspension reason is resolved. If you submit documents by mail, add time for postal delivery. If the MVD needs to verify information with a court or program provider, it may take longer.

Can I get a temporary driving permit while my license is suspended?

Some suspension types allow a temporary permit for work, school, or medical purposes, but not all. Call the MVD at 602-255-0072 to ask whether a permit is available for your specific suspension. If approved, you must explore for it separately and pay an additional fee.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?

The MVD does not waive reinstatement fees, but you may be able to set up a payment plan. Call 602-255-0072 to ask about payment options. Some courts also offer fee reductions or payment plans for traffic fines — contact the court that issued the fine to inquire.

Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?

You do not need a lawyer for most administrative reinstatements. However, if your suspension is tied to a criminal case or court order, an attorney can help you resolve the underlying issue faster. If you cannot afford one, contact the State Bar of Arizona for referrals to low-cost or free legal services.

What if the MVD says I do not meet the requirements to reinstate?

Ask the MVD representative to explain in writing what requirements you have not met and what you must do to meet them. If you disagree with the suspension or the requirements, you have the right to request a hearing. Contact the MVD to ask how to file a hearing request.