How to know when your suspension ends in Arizona
Your Arizona driver's license suspension has a specific end date, and you can find it by contacting the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division or checking your suspension notice. The end date depends on why your license was suspended — a suspension for unpaid traffic fines ends on a different schedule than one for a DUI conviction or medical reasons. ADOT will not automatically restore your license on that date; you have to request reinstatement and sometimes pay a reinstatement fee.
The fastest way to find your exact suspension end date is to call ADOT at 602-255-0072 or visit an ADOT office in person with your driver's license or ID. You can also check online through the ADOT website if you have your license number and date of birth. Have this information ready before you call, because the phone line moves quickly and you will need to give them your details right away.
Key Takeaways
- Your suspension end date is printed on your suspension notice or available by calling ADOT at 602-255-0072 — do not assume it ends on a specific date without confirming.
- Administrative suspensions for DUI typically last 90 days for a first offense, but criminal court suspensions for DUI convictions can last one to three years depending on the conviction.
- Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines end once you pay the fine and any late fees, not on a calendar date.
- You must request reinstatement after your suspension period ends; ADOT does not restore your license automatically.
- Some suspensions require you to file proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance) before reinstatement is possible.
Suspensions for DUI and impaired driving
Arizona has two separate suspension timelines for DUI cases: an administrative suspension that starts when ready after arrest, and a criminal court suspension that begins after conviction. The administrative suspension is automatic and lasts 90 days for a first offense if you refused a breath or blood test, or 60 days if you took the test and failed. This suspension starts the day after your arrest, regardless of whether your case is still in court.
If you are convicted of DUI in criminal court, the court imposes its own suspension on top of the administrative one. A first DUI conviction in Arizona results in a one-year license suspension. A second DUI within seven years results in a two-year suspension. A third or subsequent DUI results in a three-year suspension. These court suspensions run separately from the administrative suspension, so you may face two suspensions back-to-back.
Before you can get your license back after a DUI suspension, you must file an SR-22 form with ADOT. This is proof that you have liability insurance that meets Arizona's minimum requirements. Your insurance company files this form for you — you do not file it yourself. You cannot request reinstatement until this form is on file with ADOT, so contact your insurance agent as soon as your suspension period ends.
Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines and court costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or court costs, the suspension does not have a calendar end date. Instead, it ends the moment you pay the full amount owed — the fine, any late fees, and court costs. You can pay online through the Arizona Judicial Branch website, by mail, or in person at the court that issued the ticket.
After you pay, contact ADOT to request reinstatement. Bring proof of payment (a receipt or confirmation number) to an ADOT office, or mail it to ADOT with a reinstatement request form. ADOT will process the reinstatement within a few business days once they receive confirmation from the court that the debt is cleared. Some courts take a day or two to report payment to ADOT, so if you pay online or by phone, wait 24 hours before contacting ADOT.
Suspensions for medical reasons or failure to appear
Arizona suspends licenses for medical reasons when a doctor reports that you are medically unfit to drive, or when ADOT receives a report from a medical professional that you have a condition that affects your ability to operate a vehicle safely. The suspension lasts until you provide ADOT with a medical clearance from a doctor stating that you are safe to drive again. There is no set timeline — it depends on your condition and how quickly you can obtain the clearance.
A suspension for failure to appear in court (FTA) lasts until you appear in court or resolve the underlying case. Contact the court that issued the warrant or ticket to find out what you need to do. In many cases, you can resolve an FTA by phone or by appearing before a judge. Once the court clears the FTA, notify ADOT and request reinstatement.
How to request reinstatement after your suspension ends
Once your suspension period has ended and you have met all requirements (such as filing SR-22 for DUI suspensions or paying fines), you can request reinstatement in three ways: online through the ADOT website, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office. The online method is fastest — you can complete the request in minutes if you have your driver's license number and date of birth.
If you choose to mail your request, send it to ADOT Motor Vehicle Division with proof that your suspension period has ended and that you have met all requirements. Include a copy of your suspension notice or a letter from the court confirming the suspension is over. ADOT will mail your reinstated license to you within 7 to 10 business days after processing.
Visiting an ADOT office in person is the fastest option if you need your license when ready. Bring your ID, proof that your suspension period has ended, and proof of any requirements you have met (such as an SR-22 form or court payment receipt). ADOT can issue a temporary driving permit on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
Arizona charges a reinstatement fee when you request your license back. The fee is $50 for most suspensions. Some suspensions carry higher fees — for example, a suspension related to a commercial driver's license (CDL) may have a different fee structure. Check with ADOT about the exact fee for your suspension type before you submit your reinstatement request.
You can pay the reinstatement fee online when you submit your reinstatement request, by mail with a check, or in person at an ADOT office. If you pay online or by mail, include the fee with your request. If you pay in person, bring cash, a check, or a debit card — ADOT offices accept all three.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Arizona is a criminal offense. A first offense is a class 1 misdemeanor, which can result in jail time, fines up to $2,500, and an additional license suspension. A second offense within five years is a class 6 felony. The penalties increase with each offense. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle can be impounded, and you will face court charges in addition to the original suspension.
If your suspension is about to end and you need to drive before your reinstatement is processed, request a temporary driving permit from ADOT. This permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is being issued. You can request a temporary permit at any ADOT office or online when you submit your reinstatement request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a temporary permit while waiting for reinstatement?
Yes. ADOT can issue a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days when you request reinstatement in person at an office. This permit allows you to drive while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. You cannot get a temporary permit online or by mail — you must visit an ADOT office in person.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended?
Call ADOT at 602-255-0072 or visit an office with your ID. They will tell you the reason for the suspension and the end date. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. If the suspension was issued by a court, ADOT can also provide the court's contact information so you can get more details about what you need to do.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I was suspended by mistake?
If ADOT made an error and suspended your license incorrectly, contact ADOT when ready to report it. ADOT will investigate and may reverse the suspension without charging a fee. Bring documentation showing the suspension was in error — for example, proof that you paid a fine before the suspension date, or a court order clearing the underlying issue.
How long does reinstatement take if I explore online?
Online reinstatement requests are processed within 3 to 5 business days. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after that. If you need to drive before your license arrives, request a temporary permit in person at an ADOT office on the same day you submit your online reinstatement request.
Can someone else request reinstatement on my behalf?
No. You must request reinstatement yourself by submitting the request online, by mail with your signature, or in person. ADOT will not process a reinstatement request signed by someone else. If you are unable to visit an office, you can submit your request by mail or online.