Where to Get Your Replacement License

You can get a replacement Arizona driver's license at any Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office. ADOT runs the Motor Vehicle Division, which handles all driver's license replacements. You have two main routes: visit a physical office in person, or order by mail if you meet certain conditions.

The in-person route is faster and works for everyone. You walk in, complete the paperwork, pay the fee, and usually leave with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes longer but works if your license was lost or stolen and you have not had any violations or address changes since it was issued.

To find the ADOT office nearest you, go to the Motor Vehicle Division section of the ADOT website and search by city or county. Hours vary by location, and some offices take appointments while others operate first-come, first-served. Calling ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment saves a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your Arizona driver's license in person at any ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office or by mail if your license was lost or stolen and your record is clean.
  • Bring your current Arizona ID or passport, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any in-person visit.
  • The replacement fee is $12 for a standard license and $27 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you receive a temporary license on the spot.
  • Processing by mail takes two to three weeks, while in-person replacement is usually complete within minutes.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

What You Need to Bring In Person

Bring one form of current identification: your passport, tribal ID, military ID, or another state's driver's license. If you do not have any of these, bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.

You also need proof of your current Arizona address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A government check or tax return also counts. The document must show your name and current street address.

Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready. You will need it to fill out the process form. If you are replacing a license because it was damaged, bring the damaged license with you.

The In-Person Process and Timeline

When you arrive at the ADOT office, take a number or check in at the counter. You will fill out form DL 44 (process for Arizona Driver License). The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and whether you want a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license. Real ID licenses cost more but are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025.

After you submit the form and your documents, an ADOT employee will verify your information, take your payment, and process your replacement. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed. The permanent license arrives in about two weeks.

The entire in-person visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning typically means shorter wait times than afternoons or Saturdays.

Replacement by Mail

You can order a replacement by mail only if your license was lost or stolen, you have not had any violations or address changes since your license was issued, and your license is not suspended or revoked. You cannot renew by mail — that is a different process for licenses that are expiring.

To order by mail, read form DL 44 from the ADOT website, fill it out completely, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a copy of your proof of address and a check or money order for the replacement fee. Do not send cash. Include a note stating that your license was lost or stolen.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date ADOT receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you will be without a valid license during this time. For that reason, most people choose to go in person instead.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard Arizona driver's license replacement costs $12. A Real ID-compliant license costs $27. These are one-time fees; you do not pay extra if processing takes longer than expected.

At an ADOT office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you are ordering by mail, send a check or money order only — ADOT does not accept card payments by mail. Make the check payable to "Arizona Department of Transportation."

What to Do If Your License Was Suspended or Revoked

If your license is currently suspended or revoked, ADOT will not issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You can check your license status on the ADOT website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth.

If your license is suspended, you must complete whatever requirement caused the suspension — this might be paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving a child support issue. Once you have completed the requirement, contact ADOT to confirm the suspension has been removed. Then you can proceed with your replacement.

If you are unsure why your license is suspended or revoked, call the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division at the phone number listed on their website for your region. They can tell you exactly what needs to happen before you can get a replacement.

Getting a Real ID-Compliant License

A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards. Starting in 2025, you will need a Real ID license or passport to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings.

When you replace your license in person, you can choose standard or Real ID at the counter. Real ID costs $15 more ($27 total instead of $12). You do not need any extra documents — your current ID and proof of address are sufficient.

If you are ordering by mail, note on your form whether you want Real ID. The fee difference applies the same way. Real ID licenses are mailed to you just like standard licenses, arriving in about two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?

Unpaid traffic tickets do not automatically prevent you from getting a replacement. However, if a court has suspended your license because of unpaid tickets, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension is lifted. Check your license status on the ADOT website to see if a suspension is in place.

What if I moved and my address on my license is outdated?

Bring proof of your new address to the ADOT office along with your old license. The ADOT employee will update your address in the system and issue a replacement license with the new address. You do not need to pay an extra fee for the address change when you are already replacing the license.

How long does the temporary license last?

The temporary paper license you receive in person is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in about two weeks, so you will have overlap. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary one is no longer needed.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must be present in person to receive your replacement license. ADOT does not mail temporary licenses or allow third parties to collect them on your behalf. You must visit an ADOT office yourself.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

Bring documentation of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current ID and proof of address. ADOT will update your name in the system and issue a replacement license with the new name. This counts as a replacement, so you pay the standard replacement fee.