Where to get a replacement Arizona driver's license
You can replace your Arizona driver's license at any Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office. ADOT runs the Motor Vehicle Division, which handles all driver's license replacements. You have three ways to do this: in person at a local office, by mail, or through a third-party service provider.
The in-person route is fastest — you can walk in, complete the process, and receive a temporary license the same day. By mail takes longer but works if you cannot reach an office. Third-party providers (usually title and tag services) can process replacements, though they charge a service fee on top of the state fee.
Before you choose a method, check whether you need a standard replacement or a Real ID-compliant license. Arizona issues both, and the documents you bring differ between them.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace your license in person at any ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office, by mail, or through a third-party service provider.
- A standard replacement costs $12 and takes about 10 business days by mail; in-person processing gives you a temporary license when ready.
- You need your Social Security number, proof of Arizona residency, and your current or expired license to replace it.
- Real ID-compliant licenses require additional documents (birth certificate, proof of legal presence) and cost $24 instead of $12.
- If your license was stolen, you should report it to ADOT and may need to file a police report depending on your situation.
What documents you need to bring
For a standard replacement, bring your Social Security number (memorized or on a card), proof of your current Arizona address, and your current or expired license. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the residency document must match your name on the license process.
If you are replacing a Real ID-compliant license, you need everything above plus your birth certificate (original or certified copy) and proof of legal presence in the United States. Proof of legal presence means your U.S. passport, passport card, certificate of naturalization, or permanent resident card. A Real ID license costs $24 instead of $12 and takes the same amount of time to process.
If your license was stolen rather than lost, bring a police report or the report number. ADOT may ask for it, though a report is not always required for a replacement.
Replacing your license in person at an ADOT office
Find your nearest ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office on the ADOT website. Walk in during business hours — most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. Bring all required documents listed above. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices accept appointments online to reduce wait time.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you need a replacement license. They will verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect the $12 fee (or $24 for Real ID). You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed. The permanent license arrives in about 10 business days.
Bring cash or a debit card — not all offices accept credit cards. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them for your photo. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order).
Replacing your license by mail
read the process for Duplicate Driver License form (DL 44) from the ADOT website or pick one up at any Motor Vehicle Division office. Fill it out completely, including your current license number and the reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged).
Make copies of your required documents — your proof of residency and proof of legal presence if you are getting Real ID. Do not send originals. Include a check or money order for $12 (or $24 for Real ID) made payable to "Arizona Department of Transportation." Mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes about 10 to 15 business days from the date ADOT receives your packet. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot drive legally during this time. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must go in person to an ADOT office to get a temporary license when ready.
Using a third-party service provider
Arizona allows certain title and tag service offices to process driver's license replacements. These are private businesses, not ADOT offices, but they submit your paperwork to ADOT on your behalf. You can find a list of authorized providers on the ADOT website.
Bring the same documents you would bring to an ADOT office. The provider will charge you the $12 or $24 state fee plus their own service fee, which varies by location but typically ranges from $10 to $30. Processing time is the same as in-person at ADOT — you receive a temporary license when ready and the permanent card in about 10 business days.
Third-party providers are useful if an ADOT office is far from you or if you prefer shorter wait times. Call ahead to confirm they handle replacements and what their service fee is.
If your license was stolen
If your license was stolen (not just lost), you can still replace it using the same process above. The difference is whether you file a police report. A police report is not required by ADOT to issue a replacement, but it is a good idea if you are concerned about identity theft or if someone might use your stolen license fraudulently.
If you file a report, bring the report number or a copy of the report when you replace your license. ADOT will note it in their system. You do not need to wait for a police report to be filed before requesting your replacement — you can do both at the same time.
If you are worried about fraud, also contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This is separate from replacing your license but protects you if someone tries to open accounts in your name.
What happens after you receive your new license
Your new license will arrive in the mail within 10 to 15 business days. It has the same expiration date as your previous license — ADOT does not extend your license term when you replace it. If your license was already expired or is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time instead of replacing it, though that requires a separate transaction and different documents.
Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it for your records — you do not need to return it to ADOT. Your new license is valid for driving when ready upon arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a replacement license cost in Arizona?
A standard replacement costs $12. A Real ID-compliant replacement costs $24. If you use a third-party service provider, you pay the state fee plus the provider's service fee, which typically ranges from $10 to $30 depending on the location.
Can I drive with the temporary license while I wait for my permanent one?
Yes. The temporary paper license you receive in person at an ADOT office or through a third-party provider is valid for 30 days. If you replace by mail, you do not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally until your permanent card arrives.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. ADOT will update your name on your new license at no extra cost.
Do I need a Real ID license, or can I keep a standard license?
A standard Arizona license is still valid for driving. Real ID is required only if you want to use your license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you are replacing your license anyway, you can choose either type — Real ID costs $12 more but lasts the same amount of time.
How long does it take to replace a license if I go in person?
You receive a temporary license the same day you explore. Your permanent license arrives in the mail within 10 to 15 business days. The in-person process itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.