What causes a license suspension in Arizona and how to fix it
An Arizona driver's license suspension is a temporary removal of your driving privileges, usually triggered by unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, medical suspension after a DUI, or accumulation of points from traffic violations. The fix depends on the reason for suspension — you cannot use a single path for all of them. If your license was suspended for unpaid fines or child support, you must pay what you owe. If it was suspended for medical reasons after a DUI, you must meet the requirements set by the Department of Transportation. If it was suspended for too many points, you must wait out the suspension period and then request reinstatement.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division handles most suspensions and reinstatements. You can check your suspension status and reason by visiting the ADOT website, calling their customer service line, or visiting a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Knowing the exact reason is essential because each path has different requirements and timelines.
Key Takeaways
- Check your suspension reason first through ADOT's website or by phone, because the fix depends entirely on why your license was suspended.
- Suspensions for unpaid fines or child support require payment to the responsible agency before ADOT will reinstate your license.
- Medical suspensions after a DUI require you to meet specific conditions set by ADOT, which may include an alcohol education program or substance abuse treatment.
- Point-based suspensions have a mandatory waiting period; you cannot shorten it by paying a fee, but you can request reinstatement once the period ends.
- Reinstatement typically costs a fee and requires you to submit a formal request to ADOT, which processes it within one to two weeks.
Suspension for unpaid traffic fines or court costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. ADOT does not collect these payments — the court does. Contact the court listed on your citation or ticket to confirm the exact amount and payment methods. Most Arizona courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person.
Once you pay, the court sends a clearance notice to ADOT, which can take three to five business days. You do not need to file a separate reinstatement request for this type of suspension — ADOT lifts it automatically once the court notifies them. However, you may still owe a reinstatement fee to ADOT if your suspension lasted more than a few months. Check with ADOT after payment to confirm your status.
Suspension for unpaid child support
If the Arizona Department of Child Support Services suspended your license, you must contact them directly to arrange payment or a payment plan. The suspension remains in place until ADOT receives notice that your child support account is current or that you have entered into an agreement with the department. Like fines suspensions, ADOT does not lift this suspension until the responsible agency — in this case, child support services — notifies them.
You can reach the Department of Child Support Services through their website or by calling their customer service line. They can tell you the exact amount owed and discuss payment options. Once you have made arrangements or paid in full, ask them to confirm when they will send the clearance to ADOT. The process typically takes one to two weeks after the department sends the notice.
Medical suspension after a DUI arrest or conviction
A medical suspension is different from other suspensions because it is not about money or points — it is a mandatory waiting period imposed by ADOT after a DUI arrest or conviction. The length of the suspension depends on whether it is your first offense and whether you refused a breath or blood test. A first-offense medical suspension typically lasts 90 days; a refusal can extend it to one year or longer.
Before you can request reinstatement, you must complete any requirements ADOT sets, which may include an alcohol education program (usually the Alcohol Screening and Education Program, or ASEP), a substance abuse evaluation, or treatment. ADOT will notify you in writing of the specific requirements for your case. You must complete these before submitting a reinstatement request, and you will need proof of completion when you do.
After you have completed all requirements and the suspension period has ended, you can request reinstatement from ADOT. This requires submitting a formal request (often called a "Reinstatement process") along with proof that you completed the required programs. ADOT processes this within one to two weeks and will notify you by mail.
Suspension for accumulating too many points
Arizona suspends licenses when a driver accumulates too many points from traffic violations within a set time period. The threshold depends on your age and driving history, but typically ranges from 8 to 12 points in a 12-month period. Unlike other suspensions, you cannot pay a fee to shorten a point-based suspension — you must wait out the mandatory suspension period.
The length of suspension for points varies: a first suspension is usually 30 days, a second suspension within five years is 60 days, and a third or subsequent suspension is 90 days. ADOT will notify you by mail of the suspension period and the date you become may be able to access for reinstatement. You cannot request reinstatement before that date.
Once the suspension period ends, you must request reinstatement from ADOT. This requires submitting a reinstatement request and paying the reinstatement fee. ADOT will process your request within one to two weeks. Some drivers choose to take a defensive driving course before requesting reinstatement, which can help reduce points on their record in the future, though it does not shorten the current suspension.
How to request reinstatement from ADOT
Once you have resolved the underlying issue — paid fines, completed a DUI program, or waited out a suspension period — you must formally request reinstatement from ADOT. You can do this online through the ADOT website, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. The online method is fastest and typically takes one to two weeks.
To request reinstatement, you will need your driver's license number, your date of birth, and proof that you have met all requirements (such as a receipt showing payment, a certificate of program completion, or documentation from child support services). If you are requesting reinstatement after a medical suspension, bring proof of completion for any required programs. ADOT will send you a notice by mail confirming whether your reinstatement was approved.
The reinstatement fee varies depending on the reason for suspension and how long your license was suspended, but typically ranges from $50 to $100. Some suspensions do not require a fee. ADOT will tell you the fee amount when you submit your request.
What to do if you need to drive before reinstatement is complete
Arizona does not issue temporary driving permits while a license is suspended, except in rare hardship cases. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you can request a hardship license from ADOT, though approval is not may provide. Hardship licenses are only available for certain suspension types — typically not for DUI-related suspensions — and require you to show that you have no reasonable alternative transportation.
To request a hardship license, contact ADOT directly and explain your situation. You will need to provide documentation of your hardship, such as a letter from your employer or proof of a medical appointment. ADOT will review your request and notify you whether it is approved. If approved, the hardship license allows you to drive only for the specific purposes you listed (such as work or medical treatment).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my Arizona license is suspended right now?
Visit the ADOT website and use their license status lookup tool, or call ADOT customer service with your driver's license number and date of birth. You can also visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. The lookup will tell you whether your license is suspended and the reason.
Can I drive with a suspended license if I did not know it was suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Arizona, even if you were unaware of the suspension. If you are stopped, you can face fines, jail time, and additional license penalties. If you suspect your license may be suspended, check your status before driving.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay my fines?
If you paid fines to the court, reinstatement is automatic once the court notifies ADOT, which typically takes three to five business days. If you are requesting reinstatement for other reasons, ADOT processes requests within one to two weeks after you submit them.
Do I have to take a driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require a written or driving test. However, if your license expired while it was suspended, you will need to renew it, which may require a vision test and a new photo. ADOT will tell you if renewal is necessary when you request reinstatement.
What if I cannot afford to pay my fines right now?
Contact the court that issued your citation and ask about payment plan options. Many Arizona courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you set up a plan, the court may notify ADOT to lift the suspension while you pay, though this varies by court. Child support services also offers payment plans for suspended licenses related to child support arrears.