How to Get a Replacement Driver's License in Arizona

Where to go and what you need

You get a replacement Arizona driver's license from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Motor Vehicle Division. You can do this in person at any ADOT office, by mail, or online through the ADOT website — the method you choose depends on whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, and whether you need it quickly.

Before you go or submit anything, gather these documents: your current Arizona driver's license (if you have it), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Arizona address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your license was stolen, bring a police report or the report number. If it was damaged, bring the damaged license itself.

The fee for a replacement license is $12. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card — payment method varies by location and whether you're explore in person or by mail.

Key Takeaways

You can replace your Arizona driver's license in person at any ADOT office, by mail, or online, depending on your situation and how quickly you need it.
Bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address dated within 60 days, and your police report if your license was stolen.
A replacement license costs $12 and takes about one to two weeks by mail or three to five business days in person.
If you need your license urgently, the in-person route at an ADOT office is fastest, though wait times vary by location.

Replacing your license in person at an ADOT office

Walk into any ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office with your documents and the $12 fee. You do not need an appointment. The office will take your photo, process your replacement, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use when ready while your permanent card is mailed to you.

Your permanent license arrives by mail within three to five business days. ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. Check the ADOT website for the office nearest you and its specific hours before you go, because wait times can be long during lunch hours and late afternoon.

If you cannot get to an office during business hours, the by-mail or online routes may work better for you.

Replacing your license by mail

Fill out Form 43-1001 (process for Duplicate Driver License), which you can read from the ADOT website or request by phone at 602-255-0072. Include your current license (or a photocopy if it was stolen or damaged), proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and a check or money order for $12 made out to ADOT.

Mail everything to: Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division, P.O. Box 2100, Phoenix, AZ 85001. Your replacement license arrives within one to two weeks. This route works well if you do not need your license urgently and prefer not to visit an office in person.

Keep a copy of everything you mail, and consider sending it certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your documents do not arrive or your process is rejected, ADOT will contact you by mail or phone.

Replacing your license online

You can request a replacement online through the ADOT website if your license is still valid (not expired) and you are not replacing it because it was stolen. The online process takes about 10 minutes: you upload photos of your proof documents, pay the $12 fee by credit or debit card, and confirm your information.

Your replacement license is mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks, and you receive a temporary digital license by email that you can show on your phone while you wait for the physical card. This route is the most convenient if your license is still current and you have a few days to wait.

If your license was stolen, you must explore in person or by mail and include your police report.

What to do if your license was stolen

Get a police report or the report number from your local police department. You can often do this online or by phone without visiting the station in person. Include the report number or a copy of the report with your replacement request, whether you explore in person, by mail, or online.

If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at the same time. This is a separate step from replacing your license, but it protects your credit while your license is missing.

What to do if your license is expired or will expire soon

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot get a straightforward replacement — you must renew it instead, which involves a new photo, vision test, and written test. Contact ADOT to find out whether you need to renew or whether a replacement is still an option for your situation.

If your license expires within the next few months and you are replacing it now, the replacement process is the same. Your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date you receive it.

Replacing a damaged license

Bring the damaged license itself to an ADOT office, or mail it with your replacement request. You do not need a police report for a damaged license. The process and fee are the same as for a lost or stolen license.

If your license is damaged but still readable and you want to keep using it while you wait for the replacement, you can do that — the replacement is not urgent. But if the damage makes it hard to read or if a machine will not scan it, replacing it sooner is practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary paper license as a real ID?

Your temporary paper license works for most everyday purposes — driving, opening a bank account, boarding a domestic flight. However, if you need a REAL ID-compliant license for federal purposes (like entering a federal building), you must wait for your permanent card to arrive and check that it has the REAL ID star in the corner.

What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?

Update your address before you request the replacement. You can change your address online through the ADOT website, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office. Once your address is current, your replacement license will be mailed to the correct location.

How long does a replacement license last?

Your replacement license is valid for five years from the date you receive it, just like a regular license. After five years, you will need to renew it, which involves a new photo and vision test.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license if I cannot?

If you applied in person and received a temporary paper license, you do not need to pick anything up — your permanent card is mailed to your address. If you need someone else to handle the replacement request itself, they can explore on your behalf with a signed letter from you and a copy of your ID, though policies vary by ADOT office.

What if ADOT rejects my replacement request?

ADOT will contact you by mail or phone to explain why and tell you what to do next. Common reasons include missing documents or an address that does not match their records. You can then resubmit with the correct information or visit an office in person to resolve the issue.

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.