How to Get a Replacement Arizona Driver's License

Where to get a replacement license and what you'll need

You can get a replacement Arizona driver's license through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division. You have three main routes: visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person, order online through the ADOT website if you're renewing or replacing a standard license, or use the mail if you meet specific requirements. The fastest option is usually in-person, which takes about 15 minutes at the office itself, though you may wait in line.

Before you go, gather these documents: your current Arizona driver's license (if you still have it), proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate, and proof of Arizona residency such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you have one — it's not required, but it can speed things up. If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The replacement fee is $12 for a standard license valid for five years. Payment methods vary by location, so check the ADOT website for your nearest office to confirm whether they accept cash, card, or both. Some offices are appointment-only, while others operate on a walk-in basis; calling ahead or checking online saves a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

You can replace your Arizona driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Division office, by mail if you meet residency and renewal requirements, or online for certain renewal situations.
Bring your current license, proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), and proof of Arizona residency dated within 60 days.
The replacement fee is $12 for a standard five-year license, and processing takes about 15 minutes at the office plus any wait time.
Some Motor Vehicle Division offices require appointments while others accept walk-ins; check the ADOT website for your location's hours and policy before you go.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your license was lost or stolen, the replacement process is the same as for any other replacement — you don't need a police report to get a new one. However, filing a police report creates a record that can help if someone uses your license number fraudulently. You can file a report with the local police department in the city where you lost it, or with the Arizona Department of Public Safety if the loss occurred outside city limits.

When you arrive at the Motor Vehicle Division office, tell the staff member that your license was lost or stolen. They will note this in the system, which flags your old license as invalid. Your new license will have a different number, so update your information with your bank, insurance company, and employer if they have your license number on file.

Ordering a replacement online

The ADOT website allows you to order a replacement license online in limited situations. You can order online if you are renewing a standard driver's license that has not yet expired, or if it expired within the last five years. You cannot order online if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you need to change your address, name, or other information on the license itself.

To order online, visit the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division website, log in or create an account, and follow the prompts. You will need to provide your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is $12, paid by credit or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your old license remains valid for identification purposes.

Replacing a license by mail

You can request a replacement license by mail if you are renewing a license that has not yet expired or expired within the last five years, and you do not need to change your address, name, or other information. Mail your completed process form (DL 44, available on the ADOT website), a check or money order for $12 payable to ADOT, a copy of your proof of identity, and a copy of your proof of residency to the address listed on the ADOT website.

Processing by mail takes longer than in-person or online — typically 4 to 6 weeks from the date ADOT receives your materials. Include a return envelope with postage if you want ADOT to mail your old license back to you; otherwise, they will destroy it. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Arizona driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. A suspension is temporary and is usually lifted after you meet certain conditions, such as paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or serving a waiting period. A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process with ADOT.

Before you visit a Motor Vehicle Division office, check your license status on the ADOT website or call the Motor Vehicle Division to find out whether your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take. If it is suspended, ask what conditions must be met before you can drive again. If it is revoked, ask about the reinstatement process, which may involve a written test, a driving test, or both.

Getting a real ID compliant replacement license

Arizona offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025, though you can still use it for driving and state identification.

If you want to replace your license with a REAL ID compliant version, you will need to provide additional documents: your original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and two proofs of Arizona residency. The fee for a REAL ID compliant license is $24 for a five-year license, compared to $12 for a standard license. You must explore in person; you cannot order a REAL ID license online or by mail.

Updating your information on a replacement license

If you need to change your address, name, or other information on your license, you cannot straightforward order a replacement online or by mail. You must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Bring the documents that support the change: a marriage certificate for a name change, a utility bill or lease for an address change, or a court order for other changes.

The fee for a replacement license with updated information is the same as for a standard replacement — $12. Processing at the office takes about 15 minutes. If you are changing to a REAL ID compliant license at the same time, the fee increases to $24 and you will need the additional documents listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement Arizona driver's license?

In person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, processing takes about 15 minutes, though you may wait in line. By mail, it takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date ADOT receives your materials. Online ordering takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail.

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?

If you ordered your replacement online or by mail, your old license remains valid for driving until it expires or is cancelled. If you lost or had your license stolen and are replacing it in person, you can drive home from the Motor Vehicle Division office with your receipt, which serves as a temporary license for 30 days.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have a utility bill or lease, other documents that work include a bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail addressed to you at your Arizona address. Call your local Motor Vehicle Division office to ask what documents they accept.

Do I need an appointment at the Motor Vehicle Division office?

Some offices require appointments while others accept walk-ins. Check the ADOT website for your nearest office to see its hours and whether appointments are required. You can book an appointment online or by phone through the ADOT website.

What if my replacement license arrives with an error?

If your new license has incorrect information, return to the Motor Vehicle Division office with the incorrect license and the document that shows what the correct information should be. ADOT will issue a corrected license at no charge if the error was made by ADOT.

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.