How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Driver's License in Arizona

Where to Replace Your Arizona Driver's License

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arizona driver's license at any Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, by mail, or online through the ADOT website. The fastest route is usually an in-person visit to your nearest ADOT location, which takes about 15 minutes once you're called to the window. Mail and online options take longer — typically 7 to 10 business days for processing, plus shipping time.

If you choose to go in person, ADOT has offices in most Arizona cities and towns. You can find your nearest location and check current wait times on the ADOT website before you go. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to skip the line. The online option is worth using if your local office shows a long wait.

The online replacement process works only if your license is not suspended or revoked, your address hasn't changed, and you're renewing within a certain timeframe of your current license's expiration. If any of those conditions don't explore, you'll need to visit an office in person or mail in your request.

Key Takeaways

You can replace your license in person at an ADOT office, by mail, or online through the ADOT website, with in-person being the fastest option.
You'll need your Social Security number, proof of Arizona residency, and payment (currently $12 for a replacement card) no matter which method you choose.
If your address has changed since your license was issued, you must visit an ADOT office in person — mail and online options won't work.
A replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you go in person; mail-in requests take longer and should include a prepaid return envelope.

Documents and Information You'll Need

Bring your Social Security number and one form of proof that you live in Arizona. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have a recent document, an ADOT employee can help you figure out what else might work.

You'll also need to bring payment. A replacement driver's license card costs $12 in Arizona. ADOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at in-person locations. If you're mailing in your request, include a check or money order payable to ADOT.

If you're replacing a license because it was damaged, bring the damaged card with you if you still have it. If it was lost or stolen, you don't need to bring anything — just tell the ADOT employee what happened. If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it's not required to get a replacement.

Replacing Your License in Person at an ADOT Office

Walk into any ADOT office during business hours with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and $12. Tell the employee at the counter that you need a replacement license. They'll ask you a few questions about why you need the replacement and verify your information in their system. You'll have your photo taken (unless your current license photo is recent enough to reuse, which the employee will decide). The whole process takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. ADOT does not issue licenses on the spot — even in-person replacements arrive by mail. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the ADOT employee for a temporary paper license. This temporary document is valid for 30 days and shows you've applied for a replacement.

ADOT offices are typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some locations have extended hours. Check the ADOT website for your specific office's hours before you go. If you're scheduling an appointment online, you can pick a time that works for you and skip the walk-in line.

Replacing Your License by Mail

To replace your license by mail, read the process for Duplicate Driver License form from the ADOT website (form DL 44D). Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, current address, and the reason for the replacement. Sign and date the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency and a check or money order for $12 payable to ADOT.

Mail everything to the address listed on the form — this is the ADOT central office in Phoenix. Include a prepaid return envelope (USPS Priority Mail or similar) so ADOT can mail your new license back to you. Without a return envelope, ADOT will mail it back at no charge, but it may take longer. Mail-in requests typically take 2 to 3 weeks total, including processing time and shipping both ways.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your replacement doesn't arrive within 3 weeks, contact ADOT to check the status. You can call their customer service line or visit an office in person with your receipt or a copy of your mailed form.

Replacing Your License Online

The ADOT online replacement process is the simplest if you're may be able to access. Go to the ADOT website and select the option to replace your license online. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. You'll also need to pay $12 using a credit or debit card. The system will ask you to confirm that your address hasn't changed and that your license is not suspended or revoked.

If the system approves your request, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a confirmation number — save this in case you need to check on your order later. If the system rejects your request, it will tell you why and direct you to visit an office in person or call ADOT customer service.

Online replacement does not work if your address has changed, if your license is suspended or revoked, or if you're replacing a license that expired more than a certain number of years ago. In those cases, you must go in person or mail in your request.

What to Do If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you can still replace it using any of the three methods above. However, consider filing a police report first. A police report creates an official record that your license was stolen, which protects you if someone tries to use it fraudulently. You don't need the police report to get a replacement license, but it's worth having if identity theft becomes a concern later.

When you explore for your replacement, tell the ADOT employee or note on your mail-in form that the license was stolen. This information goes into your file and may help if someone later tries to use your old license number. ADOT does not issue a new license number for a stolen license — your replacement will have the same number as your original.

Temporary License While You Wait

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask for a temporary paper license when you explore in person. This temporary document is valid for 30 days and proves you've applied for a replacement. It's not a full driver's license, but most police officers will accept it as proof that you're a licensed driver in the process of getting a replacement card.

If you applied by mail or online, you won't receive a temporary license automatically. In that case, you have two options: visit an ADOT office in person to get a temporary while you wait for your mailed replacement, or wait for your new license to arrive. If you need to drive urgently, the in-person visit is worth the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license in Arizona?

In-person and online replacements take 7 to 10 business days for ADOT to process and mail your new license. Mail-in requests take 2 to 3 weeks total, including the time for your form to reach ADOT and for your new license to be mailed back. If you need to drive when ready, ask for a temporary paper license at an ADOT office.

Can I replace my license if I don't have proof of residency?

You need one document showing your name and current Arizona address dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, ask an ADOT employee what other documents might work — options vary. If you truly have nothing, you may need to bring a witness who can verify your residency, though this is uncommon.

What if my address changed since I got my current license?

You must visit an ADOT office in person if your address has changed. Online and mail-in replacements won't work because the system requires your address to match what's on file. At the office, bring your new proof of residency and the ADOT employee will update your address and issue your replacement.

Do I need a new photo for my replacement license?

ADOT will take a new photo when you explore in person, unless your current license photo is recent enough to reuse — the employee decides this. If you explore by mail or online, ADOT uses your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must visit an office in person.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail or online using the same process. If you're out of state and need to drive, you can visit any ADOT office when you return to Arizona, or you can mail in your request from wherever you are. A temporary paper license is only available in person at an ADOT office in Arizona.

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.