Where to go and what to bring

In Arizona, you replace a lost or damaged driver's license at an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, not at a local police station or courthouse. ADOT runs all driver's license services in the state. You can visit any ADOT office in person — there is no online replacement option, and you cannot mail in a replacement request.

Before you go, gather these documents: your current Arizona ID or passport (proof of identity), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Arizona address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your license was damaged rather than lost, bring the damaged card itself.

You do not need to bring your old license number — ADOT will look it up using your name and date of birth. If your address has changed since your last license, bring the address proof; if it has not, you can skip that step.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person; there is no mail-in or online replacement for a lost license in Arizona.
  • Bring a photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (if it has changed since your last license).
  • The replacement fee is $12 for a standard license, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the ADOT office, valid for 30 days.
  • ADOT offices are busiest mid-morning and mid-week; visiting early morning or late afternoon usually means a shorter wait.

Finding an ADOT office near you

ADOT has offices in most Arizona cities and towns. The easiest way to find the one closest to you is to visit the ADOT website and use their office locator tool, or call 602-255-0072 to ask for the nearest location and current wait times. Major cities like Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Chandler have multiple offices.

Each office has different hours — some open at 8 a.m., others at 9 a.m., and some close as early as 4:30 p.m. Check the hours for your chosen office before you go. Many offices do not take lunch breaks, but a few do, so confirm that too.

What happens at the ADOT office

When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine and wait to be called. The process itself is fast — usually 5 to 10 minutes once you reach the counter. The ADOT staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo (unless you request to use your old one), and ask you to sign a form confirming the license is lost or damaged.

You will pay the $12 replacement fee at the counter. ADOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. The staff member will give you a receipt and tell you when to expect your new license in the mail.

Getting a temporary license while you wait

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the ADOT staff member for a temporary paper license before you leave the office. This is a printed document valid for 30 days and counts as a legal license while you are driving. You do not need to request it in advance — just ask at the counter.

The temporary license has your name, date of birth, and license number on it. Keep it with you while driving. If your replacement license arrives before the 30 days are up, the temporary one becomes invalid.

When your new license arrives

Your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provided at the ADOT office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the day you applied. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call ADOT at 602-255-0072 to check the status.

Your new license will have a new expiration date — usually five years from the date of issue for a standard license, or eight years if you are over 65. The card itself will look identical to your old one, with the same format and security features.

If your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked (for unpaid traffic tickets, DUI, or other violations), ADOT will not issue a replacement until the suspension is lifted. When you arrive at the office, the staff member will check your driving record and tell you when ready if there is a hold on your license.

To lift a suspension, you usually need to pay outstanding fines, complete a required course, or wait out a suspension period. Contact ADOT or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you owe and how to resolve it. Once the hold is cleared, you can return to ADOT to get your replacement license.

Replacing a license if you have changed your name

If you have changed your name since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring proof of the name change along with your other documents. For marriage or divorce, bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate or divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order.

ADOT will issue a new license with your current legal name. The process is the same as a standard replacement, and the fee remains $12.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Arizona requires you to replace a lost or damaged license in person at an ADOT office. You cannot mail in a request or use an online system. You must visit an office with your documents.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still need to visit an Arizona ADOT office to replace it. If you are currently out of state and cannot return soon, you can request a temporary paper license by mail in some cases — call ADOT at 602-255-0072 to ask about your specific situation.

Do I need an appointment?

Most ADOT offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not take appointments. A few offices in larger cities may offer online appointment scheduling through the ADOT website. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.

What if I do not have proof of my Social Security number?

You must bring one of the documents ADOT accepts: a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form. If you do not have any of these, contact ADOT before you visit to ask what alternatives they will accept.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A standard Arizona driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for eight years. Your replacement will have the same validity period as a new license would.