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. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must appear in person with proof of identity and proof of Arizona residency.

Bring one document from each category. For identity, ADOT accepts a passport, tribal ID, military ID, or birth certificate. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Arizona address. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report, though having one can speed the process.

You will also need to pay a replacement fee. As of now, a standard replacement license costs around $25 to $30, though the exact amount varies slightly by ADOT office location. Bring cash, debit, or credit card — all ADOT offices accept these payment methods.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity and Arizona residency; there is no online or mail replacement option.
  • Bring one document proving who you are (passport, birth certificate, military ID, or tribal ID) and one showing your current Arizona address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • The replacement fee is approximately $25 to $30 and varies by location; bring cash or a card.
  • ADOT offices are open during standard business hours, and wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the location and time of day.

Finding the nearest ADOT office

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 hours.

Larger cities like Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Chandler have multiple offices. If you live in a rural area, the nearest office may be 30 to 60 minutes away. Some smaller towns do not have a dedicated ADOT office, so check the locator before making the trip.

Many offices do not take appointments — you arrive and take a number. A few high-traffic locations in Phoenix and Tucson do offer appointment scheduling through the ADOT website, which can cut your wait time significantly. Check whether your local office offers this before you go.

What happens when you arrive

When you walk in, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You wait until your number is called, then hand your documents to the clerk. They will verify your identity and residency, take your payment, and ask you to sit for a new photo.

The photo is taken on the spot using ADOT's camera system. You cannot bring a photo from home or use an old one. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in, and avoid hats or sunglasses unless required for religious or medical reasons.

After the photo, the clerk will tell you when your new license will arrive. Standard replacement licenses are mailed to your address and typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, ask about expedited options when you pay — some offices offer rush processing for an additional fee.

If your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the process is the same, but you should consider whether to report it to local police. A police report is not required by ADOT, but it creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently.

When you replace a stolen license, ADOT will issue you a new license number. This means your old number is no longer valid, which protects you if someone finds or steals the old one. You do not need to do anything extra to trigger this — it happens automatically when you report the theft to ADOT.

Temporary driving while you wait

When you complete your replacement at the ADOT office, you will receive a temporary paper permit that is valid for 30 days. This temporary permit allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is in the mail. Keep it with you whenever you drive.

If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact ADOT at 602-255-0072 to check the status. Occasionally licenses are delayed in the mail, and ADOT can reissue or investigate.

Special situations and exceptions

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany you to the ADOT office. Bring the same identity and residency documents, plus the minor's birth certificate.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the replacement process is the same, but you must go to an ADOT office that handles CDL transactions — not all offices do. Call ahead to confirm your local office handles CDLs before you visit.

If your license was damaged but not lost — for example, it is cracked, faded, or the magnetic strip no longer works — you still replace it the same way. Bring the damaged license along with your identity and residency documents.

Costs and payment methods

The replacement fee for a standard Arizona driver's license is set by state law and does not vary by reason for replacement. You pay the same amount whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. Some ADOT offices charge a small additional fee for expedited processing, usually $5 to $10 extra.

All ADOT offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. A few offices in rural areas may accept checks, but this is rare — call ahead if you plan to pay by check. No office accepts payment over the phone or online for a replacement license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?

No. ADOT does not issue licenses on the spot. You receive a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Some offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which may reduce the wait to 3 to 5 business days, but same-day replacement is not available.

What if I moved to Arizona from another state and lost my Arizona license?

You replace it the same way as any other lost license. Bring proof of identity and proof of your current Arizona address. Your old out-of-state license does not matter — ADOT only needs to verify who you are and where you live now.

Do I need to bring my old license if I lost it?

No. If your license is lost, you cannot bring it. ADOT will issue a new license number and send the new card to your address. Bring your other identity documents instead — a passport, birth certificate, military ID, or tribal ID.

What if the ADOT office is closed when I try to go?

Most ADOT offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the ADOT website or call 602-255-0072 to confirm hours before you visit. If you cannot make it during regular hours, ask whether your local office offers evening or weekend appointments.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. ADOT mails the replacement license to the address you provide at the time of replacement. You cannot have someone else pick it up in person. If you are moving soon, update your address with ADOT before you explore, or wait until after you move to request the replacement.