Where and How to Report a Suspended Driver in Arizona
Report a driver with a suspended license to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) or to local law enforcement. You can file a report online through the DPS website, by phone to the local police non-emergency line, or in person at any police station. The online report goes directly to DPS; the phone or in-person report goes to your city or county police department, which may forward it to DPS depending on the circumstances.
If you witness the suspended driver actively operating a vehicle, you can also call 911 to report it as it happens. Provide the vehicle's license plate, the make and model, the location, and the direction of travel. Law enforcement can run the plate in real time and stop the vehicle if the driver is confirmed to be suspended.
For non-emergency reports of someone you know is driving on a suspended license, the DPS online reporting system is often faster than waiting on hold with a police department. You will need the driver's name, date of birth, and driver's license number if you have it, or the vehicle's license plate number.
Key Takeaways
- Report suspended drivers to Arizona DPS online, by phone to local police non-emergency, or by calling 911 if you witness active driving.
- Provide the driver's name and date of birth, or the vehicle's license plate number, to file a report.
- DPS will verify the suspension status before taking action; a report alone does not automatically result in arrest.
- Reporting a suspended driver is a way to notify law enforcement, but enforcement depends on police resources and whether the driver is stopped.
What Information You Need to Report
To file a report with DPS or local police, have as much of the following information ready as possible. The more details you provide, the easier it is for law enforcement to locate and verify the driver.
Driver information: Full name, date of birth, and Arizona driver's license number (if known). If you do not have the license number, the name and date of birth alone may be enough for DPS to search their records.
Vehicle information: License plate number, vehicle make and model, color, and any distinctive features (damage, decals, custom plates). The plate number is often the fastest way for police to identify the vehicle and run a check.
When and where: The date, time, and location where you saw the driver operating the vehicle. If it is an ongoing situation (the person drives regularly on a certain route), describe the pattern.
Using the Arizona DPS Online Reporting System
The Arizona Department of Public Safety operates an online tip line where you can report traffic violations and suspended drivers. Visit the DPS website and look for the "Report a Tip" or "Traffic Complaint" section. You will fill out a form with the driver's information and vehicle details.
Online reports are submitted to DPS directly and do not require you to speak with anyone. You can submit a report at any time, day or night. DPS will review the report and may cross-reference it with their suspension database to confirm the driver's status before forwarding it to local law enforcement for investigation.
Keep in mind that submitting a report does not may provide when ready action. DPS receives many reports, and officers prioritize based on severity and available resources. A report of a suspended driver is typically lower priority than an active traffic accident or dangerous driving incident.
Reporting Through Local Police Non-Emergency Lines
If you prefer to speak with someone directly, call your city or county police department's non-emergency number (not 911). The dispatcher will take your report and ask for the same information: driver name, date of birth, license plate, vehicle description, and where you saw the vehicle.
Local police can run the license plate through their system when ready and may dispatch an officer if the driver is confirmed suspended and spotted in the area. This route is useful if you have just seen the suspended driver and can provide a current location.
Non-emergency lines vary by jurisdiction. Search "[your city] police non-emergency number" or check your city's official website for the correct phone number. Do not use 911 unless the driver is actively driving and poses an when ready safety risk.
When to Call 911 for an Active Suspended Driver
Call 911 if you witness a suspended driver actively operating a vehicle and you believe there is an when ready safety concern. This includes reckless driving, driving under the influence, or any behavior that puts other drivers or pedestrians at risk. Provide dispatch with the vehicle's location, direction of travel, license plate, and a description of the vehicle.
911 is the appropriate channel for real-time incidents because dispatchers can send officers to intercept the vehicle. However, straightforward driving on a suspended license without additional dangerous behavior may not meet the threshold for 911 in all jurisdictions. If you are unsure, call the non-emergency line instead.
Do not follow or pursue the vehicle yourself. Provide information to dispatch and let law enforcement handle the stop.
What Happens After You Report
After you file a report, DPS or local police will verify the driver's suspension status in their database. If the suspension is confirmed, the report is logged and officers are notified. However, a report does not automatically result in an arrest or traffic stop.
Law enforcement must actually encounter the driver on the road to make a stop. If you reported a license plate, officers may watch for that vehicle in their patrol area, but there is no may provide they will locate it. If you reported a name and date of birth without a plate, the report is on file but less actionable in real time.
In some cases, DPS may send a notice to the driver's address on file, reminding them of the suspension and warning them against driving. Repeat reports of the same driver may increase the likelihood of enforcement action.
Reporting a Suspended Driver You Know Personally
If the suspended driver is someone you know — a family member, coworker, or acquaintance — you have the option to report them anonymously or by name. Anonymous reports are accepted by both DPS and local police, though they may be treated as lower priority because there is no way to follow up for additional details.
If you report by name, law enforcement will have a record of who filed the report. Some people choose to report anonymously to avoid personal conflict or safety concerns. Both methods are valid; the choice depends on your situation and comfort level.
If the person is a family member or household member and you are concerned about their safety or the safety of others, you may also consider speaking with them directly or contacting a counselor or social worker who can address the underlying issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report someone anonymously for driving on a suspended license?
Yes. Both the Arizona DPS online system and local police accept anonymous reports. You do not need to provide your name or contact information. Anonymous reports are processed the same way as named reports, though follow-up questions may not be possible.
What if I only have the license plate number and not the driver's name?
A license plate number is sufficient to file a report. Police can run the plate through their system to identify the registered owner and check whether that person's license is suspended. This is often faster than searching by name alone.
Will the suspended driver know who reported them?
Not unless you tell them or unless you file a named report and the driver later obtains police records. If you file an anonymous report through DPS or police, your identity is not shared with the driver. Anonymous reports are kept confidential.
What if I report the same person multiple times?
Multiple reports of the same suspended driver strengthen the case for enforcement and may increase police attention to that person's driving patterns. Each report is documented, and a pattern of violations may prompt more active monitoring or intervention.
Can I report a suspended driver if I only suspect their license is suspended?
You can file a report based on suspicion, but law enforcement will verify the suspension status before taking action. If the driver's license is not actually suspended, the report will not result in enforcement. Provide as much detail as you can so police can confirm the suspension themselves.