What you need to do to replace your Arizona driver license
To replace a lost or stolen Arizona driver license, you will visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your temporary license is issued on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Arizona does not issue replacements by mail or online, so you cannot avoid the in-person visit. However, you can check wait times at your nearest ADOT office before you go, and you do not need an appointment — offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity and proof of Arizona residency to replace your license.
- The replacement fee is $12 for a standard license, and you pay at the office when you explore.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent license by mail.
- Your permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days; ADOT does not expedite replacements.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and monitor your credit, since a stolen ID can be used for fraud.
Documents you need to bring to the ADOT office
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Arizona. For identity, ADOT accepts a passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter with your current address — the document must be dated within the last 60 days.
If your name has changed since your original license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need your Social Security number, which you can provide verbally — you do not need to bring a card.
If you are replacing a license that was stolen, bring a police report if you have one. ADOT does not require it, but having one on file can help if someone tries to use your stolen ID fraudulently.
Where to find an ADOT office near you
ADOT operates driver license offices in most Arizona cities. You can find the office closest to you and check current wait times on the ADOT website at azdot.gov. Search for "driver license office" and enter your city or ZIP code. The website shows hours of operation, which vary by location — some offices are open Monday through Friday, while others have Saturday hours.
Busier offices (in Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa) often have longer waits during midday and early afternoon. If you have flexibility, visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon typically means a shorter wait. You can also call the office directly to ask about current wait times before you go.
What happens at the office and what to expect
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. A staff member will call you when it is your turn. Bring all your documents to the window. The staff member will verify your identity and residency, confirm your Social Security number, and ask you to sit for a new photo. The photo is taken at the office — you cannot submit your own.
After your photo is taken, you will pay the $12 replacement fee. You can pay with cash, debit, or credit card. The staff member will then print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving in Arizona and nationwide while you wait for your permanent license. Keep it with you — it serves as your license until the permanent one arrives.
The entire process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a receipt showing your process number. Keep this receipt in case you need to contact ADOT about your replacement.
When your permanent license arrives in the mail
Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. ADOT does not offer expedited or overnight shipping for replacements, so there is no way to speed up the process.
Once your permanent license arrives, you can throw away the temporary paper license. Your new license will have the same number as your old one and will be valid for five years from the date it was issued (or until your next birthday if you are over 65).
If your permanent license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact ADOT at 602-255-0072 to check the status. Have your process receipt number ready when you call.
If your license was stolen and you are concerned about fraud
A stolen driver license can be used to open accounts, explore for credit, or commit other fraud in your name. If your license was stolen rather than lost, consider reporting the theft to your local police department. You do not need a police report to replace your license with ADOT, but having one on file can help if you later discover fraudulent activity.
You should also monitor your credit by checking your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can view your reports free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. Look for accounts or inquiries you did not open. If you find fraud, contact the credit bureau and the company that opened the fraudulent account to report it.
You may also want to place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a free fraud alert by calling any of the three credit bureaus; they will notify the other two automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail or online?
No. Arizona requires you to replace a lost or stolen license in person at an ADOT office. You cannot mail in an process or use an online service. You must visit an office with your documents, have a new photo taken, and pay the fee in person.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
You must bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Arizona address. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, ask ADOT what other documents they accept — options vary slightly by office. Call ahead before you visit.
Can I get a replacement the same day?
You receive a temporary paper license the same day you explore, which is valid for driving when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. ADOT does not offer same-day permanent licenses or expedited mail delivery.
Do I need to report my stolen license to the police?
You do not need a police report to replace your license with ADOT. However, if you are concerned about fraud, filing a report creates a record and can help if someone uses your ID fraudulently. You can file a report online or in person at your local police department.
What if my name changed since my last license?
Bring the document that proves your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. ADOT will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. The staff member at the office will tell you if they need the original document or a certified copy.