What you need to do to replace your Arizona license
To replace a lost or damaged Arizona driver's license, you must visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person with proof of identity and residency. ADOT does not process replacements by mail or online. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent replacement card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but missing even one can delay you. Most people complete the transaction in under 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at an ADOT office with a valid form of ID and proof of your current Arizona address.
- The replacement fee is $12 for a standard license and $17 for an enhanced license, paid at the time of your visit.
- ADOT issues a temporary paper license when ready; your permanent card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to law enforcement first, though it is not required to get a replacement.
- You can find your nearest ADOT office and check current wait times on the ADOT website before you go.
Documents you must bring to the ADOT office
Bring one form of valid photo ID — a passport, tribal ID, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you do not have a photo ID, ADOT accepts a combination of non-photo documents such as a birth certificate and Social Security card, but the process takes longer and you may be asked to return with additional paperwork.
You also need proof that you currently live in Arizona. An Arizona utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address dated within the last 60 days satisfies this requirement. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you recently moved and your documents show an old address, bring both the old document and a new one to show the transition.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. ADOT staff will ask for it during the transaction. If you do not know your number, you can look it up on a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form before you leave home.
Where to go and how to find wait times
ADOT operates driver license offices in every Arizona county. The main office is in Phoenix, but you can visit any location regardless of where you live. Smaller towns often have shorter waits than major cities, and mid-morning on a weekday is usually faster than late afternoon or Saturday.
Before you go, check the ADOT website for your nearest office address and hours. ADOT also posts current wait times for most locations, updated throughout the day. If your local office shows a long wait, you can drive to a less busy location instead. Some offices close for lunch, so confirm hours before you leave.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Bring all your documents to the window. The staff member will verify your identity and residency, ask you to confirm your address and any other details on file, and collect the replacement fee. You will not need to take a new photo unless your current license photo is damaged or unreadable.
The staff member will hand you a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a regular license does — for driving, identification at banks, and age verification. Keep it with you until your permanent card arrives. Your permanent replacement card is mailed to the address you provide and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though processing can take up to two weeks during busy periods.
Cost and payment methods
A standard five-year Arizona driver's license replacement costs $12. An enhanced license, which can be used for border crossing into Mexico or Canada by land, costs $17. ADOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all offices. Some smaller locations may have ATMs nearby if you need cash.
If you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen, the fee is the same. There is no additional charge for a replacement due to damage or loss.
If your license was stolen or used fraudulently
If your license was stolen, you can report it to local law enforcement, though this is not required to get a replacement. A police report can be useful if someone uses your license fraudulently, but ADOT will issue a replacement without one. If you suspect your license has been used for identity theft — such as traffic citations in your name or accounts opened in your name — contact the police non-emergency line and file a report before or after you visit ADOT.
When you receive your replacement license, check the number. If your old license is later found or recovered, do not use it; it will be invalid once your replacement is issued.
What to do if you cannot visit an office in person
ADOT does not offer mail-in or online replacements for lost or damaged licenses. If you are unable to visit an office due to disability or medical hardship, contact the ADOT office directly to ask about accommodation options. Some offices may be able to arrange an appointment or discuss alternatives, but you will still need to appear in person or have an authorized representative visit on your behalf.
If you are out of state temporarily, you can wait until you return to Arizona to replace your license. Your expired or lost license does not prevent you from driving legally in Arizona if you can show other forms of ID, though you should not drive without a valid license. If you have moved out of Arizona permanently, contact ADOT to learn about surrendering your Arizona license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my replacement license in the mail?
Your permanent replacement card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days under normal conditions. During peak periods, such as summer or after a holiday, processing may take up to two weeks. You receive a temporary paper license when ready at your visit, which is valid for 30 days and works for all purposes a regular license does.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must visit the ADOT office in person to receive your temporary license. Your permanent card is mailed to the address you provide, so no one needs to pick it up — it arrives at your home automatically.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can visit any Arizona ADOT office when you return to the state. If you need to drive before then, check the rules in the state where you are located; many states allow you to drive with other forms of ID if your license is lost. Once you return to Arizona, bring your documents to any ADOT office to get your replacement.
Do I need a new photo for my replacement license?
No, unless your current license photo is damaged or unreadable. ADOT uses the photo from your existing license for your replacement card. If the photo is unclear, staff will ask you to take a new one at the office.
What if my address changed since I got my current license?
Bring proof of your new address to the ADOT office. Your replacement license will show your current address. If you have not yet updated your address with ADOT, you can do that at the same time you request your replacement.