Where to get a replacement Arizona driver license
You can get a replacement Arizona driver license at any Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office. ADOT runs all driver license issuance in the state — there is no separate DMV. You have three ways to replace your license: in person at an ADOT office, by mail if your license is not expired, or through a third-party service office in some locations.
The in-person route is fastest and most straightforward. ADOT has offices in most Arizona cities and towns. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the ADOT website. Walk-ins are accepted, though you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and location. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment online, which typically reduces wait time to 15 to 30 minutes.
If your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, you can mail in a replacement request. This takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but you avoid the office visit. You will need to send a completed form DL 44 (process for Arizona Driver License), proof of identity, and the replacement fee to the ADOT address listed on their website.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ADOT office in person if your license is expired, you have changed your name, or you need the replacement when ready.
- The replacement fee is $12 for a standard license and $17 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you must pay by cash, check, or debit card at the office.
- Bring your current or expired Arizona license, proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate, and proof of Arizona residency such as a utility bill or lease.
- You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, which takes one to two weeks.
- If you are replacing a license lost or stolen out of state, you may need to provide an affidavit or police report depending on the circumstances.
Documents you need to bring
Bring three categories of documents: your current or expired Arizona license, proof of identity, and proof of Arizona residency. If you have your old license, bring it — ADOT will take it and destroy it. If you do not have it, you still need proof of identity.
For proof of identity, ADOT accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, tribal ID, military ID, or a license from another state. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
For proof of Arizona residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name. The document must show your current Arizona address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask the ADOT staff about alternative documentation — they have procedures for this situation.
What happens at the ADOT office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. When you reach the counter, the staff member will verify your identity and residency documents, take your photograph, and collect the replacement fee.
The photograph is taken at the office — you cannot bring your own. Wear something you would normally wear; there are no special requirements. The staff member will ask you to confirm your address, signature, and any restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses or hearing aid). Review this information carefully before signing, because mistakes require a return visit to correct.
Once you sign, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic license — you can drive with it, use it for identification, and present it to police. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact ADOT to check the status.
Fees and payment methods
A standard Arizona driver license replacement costs $12. If you want a Real ID-compliant license — which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025 — the fee is $17. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and require the same documents plus proof of Social Security number.
ADOT offices accept cash, checks, and debit cards only. They do not accept credit cards or mobile payment apps. If you are paying by check, make it out to "Arizona Department of Transportation." If you are paying by debit card, bring the physical card; you cannot pay over the phone.
If your license was lost or stolen out of state
If you lost your Arizona license while traveling or living outside Arizona, you can still replace it by mail or in person at an ADOT office when you return. You do not need a police report unless your license was stolen and you want to report the theft to law enforcement for identity protection purposes.
If you are concerned about identity theft — for example, if your wallet was stolen along with other documents — you can file a police report in the state where the theft occurred and bring a copy to ADOT. This is optional but recommended if you want documentation of the theft for your records. ADOT will not require it to issue a replacement.
If you lost your license and cannot remember your driver license number, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. ADOT can look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Real ID versus standard license
An Arizona Real ID license looks like a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
Real ID requires the same documents as a standard license plus proof of your Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement. The process takes the same amount of time and costs $5 more ($17 instead of $12).
If you already have a standard Arizona license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at any ADOT office. You do not need to wait for your license to expire. Bring the same documents as you would for a replacement, and the staff will issue a Real ID license on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my Arizona license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Arizona issues driver licenses to non-citizens with valid visa status or work authorization. You will need to bring your passport and visa or work permit along with the other required documents. Real ID is not available to non-citizens, but a standard license is.
What if I have changed my name since my last license?
Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change. ADOT will update your record and issue a new license with your current legal name. The process is the same as a replacement, and the fee is the same.
How long does the plastic license take to arrive in the mail?
One to two weeks is typical. ADOT mails licenses from a central facility, not from the office where you applied. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, call ADOT or visit the website to check the status using your driver license number.
Can I use the temporary paper license to drive out of state?
Yes. The temporary paper license is valid in all 50 states and is recognized by law enforcement. You can drive across state lines with it. However, some rental car companies may not accept a paper license, so call ahead if you plan to rent a car.
What if I lost my license and do not remember my driver license number?
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, along with your proof of identity and residency. ADOT can look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number and will issue a replacement with the same number.