What you need to do to get a replacement Arizona driver's license
To get a replacement Arizona driver's license, you visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a fee, and have your photo taken. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You leave with a temporary paper license that day and receive your plastic card by mail within two to three weeks. You cannot do this online or by mail — Arizona requires you to appear in person.
The reason for the in-person requirement is that ADOT needs to photograph you and verify your identity documents on the spot. This protects against fraud and ensures the license matches the person who will use it.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity and proof of Arizona residency to get a replacement license.
- The fee for a replacement license is $25 for a standard five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license, paid at the time of your visit.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent plastic card arrives by mail in two to three weeks.
- ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some locations offer extended hours or Saturday appointments.
- If your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you may need to resolve that issue before you can get a replacement.
Documents you need to bring to the ADOT office
Bring one document that proves your identity and one document that proves you live in Arizona. For identity, ADOT accepts a passport, a birth certificate, a tribal ID card, a military ID, or a certificate of naturalization. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a property tax bill — the document must show your current Arizona address and be dated within the last 60 days.
If your name has changed since your original license was issued, bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen, you do not need to bring the old license — just tell the ADOT staff that it is missing.
Bring your Social Security number or a document with it on it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
Finding an ADOT office and scheduling your visit
ADOT operates driver license offices throughout Arizona. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the ADOT website at azdot.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some close for lunch. A few locations offer Saturday hours or extended weekday hours.
You do not need an appointment at most ADOT offices — you can walk in during business hours and wait your turn. However, some offices in busy areas now use an online reservation system. Check your local office's page on the ADOT website to see if reservations are required or recommended. If your office uses reservations, you can book a time slot online to reduce your wait time.
If you cannot visit during regular business hours, call the office directly to ask about extended hours or Saturday availability. The phone number for your local office is listed on the ADOT website.
What happens during your visit and what you pay
When you arrive, tell the staff member that you need a replacement license. They will ask you to fill out a form — usually the process for Arizona Driver License or Identification Card (Form 40-1001). You will answer questions about your name, address, date of birth, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. Be honest on this form; false information can result in your license being cancelled.
The staff member will examine your identity and residency documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. A five-year standard license costs $25. A ten-year license costs $45. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at most offices. Before you leave, the staff member will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card.
When your permanent license arrives and what to do if it does not
Your plastic driver's license card is mailed to the Arizona address you provided at the ADOT office. It typically arrives within two to three weeks, though it can take up to four weeks during busy periods. The temporary paper license is valid during this time, so you can drive legally while you wait.
If your license does not arrive within four weeks, contact ADOT to report it. You can call the ADOT Driver License Services line or visit an ADOT office in person. Have your temporary paper license or your driver's license number ready when you call. ADOT can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
Special situations: suspended, revoked, or cancelled licenses
If your Arizona license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot straightforward get a replacement. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, a DUI conviction, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.
Contact ADOT or the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division to find out why your license was suspended or revoked. They will tell you what steps you must take to restore it — this might mean paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Only after you have resolved the issue can you get a replacement license.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, you can check your status on the ADOT website or by calling ADOT directly. Attempting to drive on a suspended or revoked license is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
Replacing a license that was lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, the replacement process is the same as for any other replacement — you visit an ADOT office with your identity and residency documents and pay the fee. You do not need to file a police report or provide proof that the license was lost or stolen, though you should tell the ADOT staff member what happened so they can note it in their system.
If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you may want to place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus or monitor your credit report. This is separate from getting a replacement license, but it is a wise precaution if your license included sensitive information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. ADOT will process your replacement license using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or another identifier instead.
What if I moved to Arizona from another state and my old license is still valid?
You do not need a replacement — you need a new Arizona license. The process is similar, but you will surrender your out-of-state license at the ADOT office. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, and proof of Arizona residency. The fee and timeline are the same as for a replacement.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your replacement license is mailed to you at the address you provided. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the ADOT office. If you move before your license arrives, contact ADOT to update your mailing address.
How much does a replacement license cost if I want it faster?
ADOT does not offer expedited mail service for replacement licenses. The standard two- to three-week timeline is the only option. The fee remains $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license regardless of how long you are willing to wait.
What if my name changed after I got my current license?
Bring a document that proves the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The ADOT staff member will update your name in the system and issue a replacement license with your new name. The fee and process are the same.