Check your suspension status through the Arizona Department of Transportation

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) maintains a public lookup tool where you can see whether your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You do not need to visit an office or call — you can check from your computer or phone in minutes by entering your driver's license number and date of birth.

Go to the ADOT website and find the "License Status" lookup page. Enter your Arizona driver's license number (the number on the front of your card) and your date of birth exactly as it appears on your license. The system will return your current status when ready. If your license is suspended, the results will show the reason and the date the suspension ends or the action you need to take.

If you do not have internet access, you can call the ADOT Customer Service line at 602-255-0072. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. Wait times vary, but this route takes longer than the online lookup.

Key Takeaways

  • The ADOT online lookup tool shows your license status in seconds using your license number and date of birth.
  • A suspension means you cannot legally drive; the lookup will show why and when it ends or what you must do to restore it.
  • Common reasons for suspension in Arizona include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical suspension, or administrative suspension after a DUI arrest.
  • If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, appear in court, complete a program) before you can request reinstatement.

Understanding the difference between suspension, revocation, and cancellation

Arizona uses three different terms, and they mean different things. A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period or until you complete a requirement, then you can get it back. A revocation is permanent or long-term and usually follows serious violations like multiple DUIs; you may be able to request reinstatement after a waiting period, but it is not automatic. A cancellation means your license is no longer valid, usually because you did not renew it or because you moved out of state.

The ADOT lookup will tell you which one applies to you. If you see "suspended," the results should also show the suspension end date or the condition you must meet to lift it. If you see "revoked," you will need to contact ADOT or an attorney to understand your reinstatement options, as the process is more complex.

Common reasons your Arizona license might be suspended

The most frequent cause is unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered restitution. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine or did not appear in court, the court can request that ADOT suspend your license. Another common reason is failure to appear in court on a traffic or criminal charge — the court issues a warrant, and ADOT suspends your license until you resolve it.

Medical suspensions happen when ADOT receives a report from a doctor or hospital that you have a condition affecting your ability to drive safely. Administrative suspensions follow a DUI arrest; your license is suspended when ready, even before any conviction, and the suspension lasts at least 90 days. Other reasons include accumulating too many points on your driving record, not maintaining required insurance, or child support arrears.

The lookup results will specify which reason applies to you. If the reason is unclear or you believe it is an error, write down the exact wording and contact ADOT to request an explanation.

What to do if your license is suspended

First, determine what action ADOT or the court requires. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, you must pay the fine to the court that issued the ticket. If it is due to failure to appear, you must appear in court or contact the court to resolve the warrant. If it is a medical suspension, you may need to provide a doctor's clearance. If it is an administrative suspension from a DUI arrest, you have the right to request a hearing within 15 days of the arrest, though many people wait to see how the criminal case proceeds.

Once you have completed the required action, contact ADOT to request reinstatement. For most suspensions, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee (typically $100 to $200, depending on the reason) and provide proof that you have resolved the underlying issue. ADOT processes reinstatement requests within a few business days. Your license will be mailed to you or you can pick it up at an ADOT office.

Do not drive while your license is suspended. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Arizona and carries fines, jail time, and further license suspension.

How to request a hearing if you disagree with the suspension

If you believe your license was suspended in error or you want to challenge the suspension, you have the right to request a hearing. For administrative suspensions (DUI-related), you must request a hearing within 15 days of the arrest. For other suspensions, contact ADOT to ask about your hearing rights and important date.

Submit your hearing request in writing to ADOT. Include your name, license number, the reason for the suspension, and why you believe the suspension is wrong. Send it to the address listed on ADOT's website or submit it through their online portal if available. ADOT will schedule a hearing, usually within 30 to 60 days, and notify you by mail.

At the hearing, you will have the chance to present your side of the case. You can represent yourself or bring an attorney. If you win, ADOT will lift the suspension. If you lose, you can appeal to the Arizona Court of Appeals, though this is a longer process and usually requires an attorney.

Reinstating your license after suspension ends

When the suspension period ends or you have completed the required action, your license does not automatically come back. You must request reinstatement from ADOT. Go to the ADOT website, call 602-255-0072, or visit an ADOT office in person.

Have your driver's license number, date of birth, and proof of the required action ready (for example, a receipt showing you paid the fine, a court document showing you appeared, or a medical clearance). You will also need to pay the reinstatement fee. ADOT will process your request and mail your reinstated license within a few business days, or you can pick it up at an office the same day if you explore in person.

If you have multiple suspensions on your record, you must resolve all of them before you can reinstate your license. The lookup tool will show whether you have more than one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a work permit?

No. Arizona does not issue work permits or hardship licenses for most suspensions. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive, even to work. The only exception is a restricted license for DUI cases, which is rare and requires a separate request to the court.

How long does a suspension usually last?

It depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines last until you pay. Administrative suspensions for DUI arrests last at least 90 days. Suspensions for accumulating points or failure to appear vary by case. The lookup tool will show your specific end date or condition.

Will my suspension show up on a background check?

Yes. A suspended license is part of your driving record and will appear on background checks run by employers, insurance companies, and others. Once your license is reinstated, the suspension remains on your record but is marked as resolved.

What if I moved out of Arizona and got a license in another state?

You still need to resolve the Arizona suspension. If you do not, the suspension can follow you through the Interstate Compact, a system states use to share driving records. You may not be able to renew your new license or you may face suspension there as well. Contact ADOT to resolve the original issue.

Can I check someone else's license status?

No. The ADOT lookup tool requires the license number and date of birth of the person whose status you are checking. You cannot look up another person's status without their permission and information.