Where to go and what to bring
You replace an Arizona driver's license at an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, not at your local DMV — Arizona does not have a DMV. ADOT handles all driver's licenses and vehicle registration in the state. You can visit any ADOT office in person, and most locations accept walk-ins, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring your current driver's license if you still have it, or a state ID card. You will also need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of your current Arizona address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last license (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you have one — it is not required, but it can speed up the process.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any ADOT office in person with your Social Security proof, address proof, and current ID or state ID card.
- A standard replacement license costs $25 and takes about 10 business days to arrive by mail.
- You can request an expedited license for an extra fee if you need it faster, though availability varies by office.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue before ADOT will issue a replacement.
- ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours; check the ADOT website for your nearest location and current hours.
The cost and processing time
A standard replacement Arizona driver's license costs $25. ADOT mails the new license to your address on file, and delivery typically takes 10 business days from the date you explore. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the permanent card to arrive.
If you need the license sooner, some ADOT offices offer expedited service for an additional fee. The cost and availability of expedited processing vary by location, so ask at the office when you visit. Not all locations offer this option, and it may not be available during high-volume periods.
What happens if your license was suspended or revoked
If your Arizona driver's license was suspended or revoked — for unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, medical reasons, or other violations — ADOT will not issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You need to resolve the underlying issue first.
Contact ADOT's Driver Services section to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you must take. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, you will need to pay or set up a payment plan with the court that issued the ticket. If it is due to a medical condition, you may need to provide a doctor's statement. The process and timeline depend on the reason for the suspension.
Replacing a license that was lost or stolen
If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report to get a replacement, but filing one is a good idea for your own records. Bring the same documents you would for a standard replacement — proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and your state ID card if you have one. The cost and processing time are the same as a regular replacement.
If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at no cost. This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.
Replacing a license with a name change
If your legal name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. ADOT will issue a new license with your current legal name. The cost is still $25, and processing time is the same.
You do not need to change your name with Social Security or the IRS before getting a new driver's license, though you may want to do that separately to keep your records consistent across government agencies.
Finding an ADOT office near you
ADOT has offices in most Arizona cities and towns. You can find the nearest location, hours, and current wait times on the ADOT website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer waits, while smaller towns may have shorter lines. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week often means less waiting.
A few ADOT offices offer online appointment scheduling, which lets you reserve a time slot instead of waiting in line. Check the ADOT website to see if your nearest office offers this option.
What to do if you need to drive before your new license arrives
The temporary paper license ADOT gives you at the office is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent card. Keep it with you when you drive — it serves the same purpose as your old license until the new one arrives. If you lose the temporary license before the permanent one arrives, contact ADOT to request a replacement.
If you were driving with an expired license and need to replace it, the temporary license is still valid for the 10 business days it takes for your new card to arrive. After that, you must have the permanent license in hand to continue driving legally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail or online?
No. Arizona requires you to appear in person at an ADOT office to replace a driver's license. You cannot do it by mail or through the ADOT website. You must bring original documents and have your identity verified in person.
What if I do not have proof of my address?
ADOT requires a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, ask ADOT staff what other documents they accept — options may include a mortgage statement, insurance bill, or government mail. Call your local ADOT office before you visit to confirm what they will take.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Most ADOT offices accept walk-ins, but some locations now use appointment scheduling. Check the ADOT website for your specific office to see if appointments are available or required. Walk-in wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week.
What if my license expired more than a year ago?
If your license has been expired for more than a year, ADOT may require you to pass a written test and vision test in addition to paying the replacement fee. Call your local ADOT office to ask what tests you will need to take before you visit.
Can I get a Real ID compliant license when I replace mine?
Yes. A Real ID compliant Arizona driver's license costs more than a standard license and requires additional documentation, but you can request one when you replace your current license. Ask the ADOT staff at your office about Real ID requirements and fees if you need one for federal purposes like air travel.