How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in Arizona

Get a replacement license from the Arizona Department of Transportation

If you have lost your Arizona driver's license, you can get a replacement by visiting an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person or by mail. ADOT issues all Arizona driver's licenses and handles replacements the same way they handle new licenses — you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 10 business days by mail or same-day if you go to an office.

You do not need to take a written test or vision test for a replacement license unless your current license has expired by more than five years. If your license is still valid (not expired), the replacement will have the same expiration date as your original license.

Key Takeaways

You can replace a lost Arizona driver's license by visiting an ADOT office in person or mailing your documents to ADOT's address in Phoenix.
Bring or mail an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or tribal ID, plus a current utility bill or lease showing your Arizona address.
The replacement fee is the same as a standard license renewal and varies based on how many years remain on your license.
If you go in person to an ADOT office, you will receive your replacement license the same day; by mail it takes about 10 business days.
You do not need to retake the written or vision test unless your license expired more than five years ago.

What documents you need to bring or mail

ADOT requires one document proving your identity and one document proving you live in Arizona. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a tribal ID card, a military ID, or a passport card. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work — it must be an original or certified copy from the vital records office.

For proof of Arizona residency, bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement with your name and Arizona address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a bill in a spouse's or parent's name plus a marriage certificate or birth certificate showing the relationship.

You will also need to fill out form DL 44 (process for Arizona Driver License) if you are going in person, or ADOT will provide it when you mail your documents. Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — you will need it to complete the form.

Going to an ADOT office in person

Find the ADOT office nearest you on the ADOT website under "Driver License Services." Bring your identity document, residency document, and Social Security number or ITIN. You do not need an appointment — offices operate on a walk-in basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings typically have shorter lines than afternoons or weekends.

At the office, staff will take your documents, have you sign form DL 44, take a new photo, and process your replacement. You will pay the replacement fee at the counter. Your new license will be printed and handed to you before you leave. If the office is very busy, they may mail it to you instead, but same-day service is standard.

Mailing your documents to ADOT

If you cannot visit an office, mail your original or certified identity document, residency document, completed form DL 44, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to ADOT's Phoenix office. The mailing address is on the ADOT website under "Mail-In Services." Include a note with your name, date of birth, and current mailing address so staff can match your documents to your record.

ADOT will process your mail within 10 business days and mail your replacement license to the address you provide. Your old license will not be returned. If you need your replacement faster, you must go to an office in person — there is no expedited mail service for lost licenses.

Understanding the replacement fee

The replacement fee depends on how many years remain on your current license. If your license does not expire for several years, the fee is lower than if it expires soon. ADOT's website lists the current fee schedule under "License Fees." The fee is the same whether you replace it in person or by mail. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or debit card at an office; by mail, send a check or money order only.

If you lost your license and your address has changed since you got it, you will pay the standard replacement fee — there is no extra charge for an address change on a replacement license.

What to do if your license was stolen or you suspect fraud

If someone stole your license or you think it might be used fraudulently, contact ADOT's Customer Service line to report it. They can flag your license in the system so that if someone tries to use it, ADOT staff will know it was reported lost. You can still get a replacement the normal way — reporting it does not speed up the process, but it creates a record in case the lost license is used.

If you believe your identity has been stolen, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and monitor your credit reports. That is separate from replacing your license, but it protects you if someone tries to open accounts in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my license while I wait for the replacement?

No. Arizona law requires you to carry your driver's license while driving. If you are stopped by police and cannot show it, you can be cited even if your license is valid. If you go to an ADOT office in person, you will have your replacement the same day and can drive when ready.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still get a replacement by mail or by visiting an ADOT office when you return to Arizona. If you need to drive before you return, contact the DMV in the state where you are to see if they issue temporary permits. Arizona does not issue temporary paper licenses.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No, reporting a lost license to police is not required. You only need to report it to ADOT. If you suspect fraud or identity theft, you may want to file a police report for your records, but it is not necessary to get a replacement license.

Will my replacement license have a different number?

No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your original license. ADOT keeps your license number on file, so the replacement is issued under the same number.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

ADOT accepts birth certificates from other countries if they are original documents or certified copies. If your birth certificate is not in English, bring the original plus an official English translation certified by a translator. A U.S. passport or passport card is often easier if you have one.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.