Arizona will reinstate your license after an out-of-state DUI, but only after you complete the requirements Arizona imposes for that conviction — not the requirements of the state where you were convicted.

If you were convicted of driving under the influence in another state, Arizona treats that conviction as if it happened in Arizona. That means Arizona's Department of Transportation (ADOT) will suspend your license based on Arizona's DUI laws, regardless of what the other state did or did not require. To get your license back, you will need to meet Arizona's reinstatement rules, which typically include a waiting period, proof of completion of a DUI education program, an alcohol screening, and payment of reinstatement fees.

The process is the same whether you still live in Arizona, have moved to another state, or are trying to restore your privilege to drive in Arizona while living elsewhere. The key difference is that you cannot straightforward complete the other state's requirements and expect Arizona to honor that — you must go through Arizona's system.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona imposes its own DUI suspension rules on out-of-state convictions, so you must follow Arizona's reinstatement process, not the other state's.
  • Most first-time DUI suspensions in Arizona last 90 days, but you cannot drive at all during that time unless you obtain a restricted license.
  • Before ADOT will reinstate your license, you must complete a DUI education program, undergo an alcohol screening, and pay reinstatement fees.
  • You can request a restricted license (for work, school, or medical appointments) while your suspension is in effect, but this requires a separate petition to the court.
  • ADOT will mail you a notice of suspension that explains your specific requirements and important date — keep this document because you will need it to prove completion of requirements.

How Arizona Handles Out-of-State DUI Convictions

When you are convicted of DUI in another state, that conviction is reported to the National Driver Register, which Arizona monitors. ADOT receives notice of the conviction and imposes a suspension based on Arizona law, not the law of the state where you were convicted. This is called an "administrative suspension" and it happens automatically — you do not have to be arrested or convicted in Arizona for it to take effect.

Arizona's suspension length depends on whether this is your first DUI offense in any state within the past 84 months (seven years), or whether you have prior DUI convictions. A first offense typically results in a 90-day suspension. A second offense within seven years results in a one-year suspension. A third or subsequent offense results in a three-year suspension. These timelines are set by Arizona law and do not change based on what the other state imposed.

The suspension notice will be mailed to the address ADOT has on file for you. If you have moved, the notice may take time to reach you. You can check your suspension status by contacting ADOT directly or by visiting their website and entering your driver's license number.

The Waiting Period Before You Can Reinstate

You must wait out the full suspension period before ADOT will consider reinstatement. During a 90-day suspension, you cannot legally drive at all — not for work, not for emergencies, not for anything — unless you obtain a restricted license. A restricted license allows you to drive only for specific purposes: work, school, medical treatment, or court-ordered programs.

To get a restricted license, you must petition the court in the county where you were arrested or where you live. The court will decide whether to grant it based on your circumstances. This is a separate process from reinstatement and requires filing paperwork with the court, not with ADOT. Many people do this when ready after suspension takes effect so they can continue driving for essential purposes.

Once the suspension period ends, you still cannot drive until you have completed all other reinstatement requirements. The waiting period is just the first step.

DUI Education Program and Alcohol Screening Requirements

Before ADOT will reinstate your license, you must complete a DUI education program approved by Arizona. These programs are typically 16 hours long for a first offense and cover topics like the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving, decision-making, and risk assessment. The program must be completed by a provider on Arizona's approved list — taking a program in another state will not satisfy this requirement.

You will also need to undergo an alcohol screening, which is an assessment conducted by a licensed counselor to determine whether you have an alcohol or drug problem. Based on the screening results, you may be required to complete additional treatment or counseling. If the screening recommends treatment and you do not complete it, ADOT will not reinstate your license.

Both the DUI education program and the alcohol screening must be completed before you submit your reinstatement request to ADOT. You will need to provide proof of completion — typically a certificate from the program provider and a report from the screening counselor. Keep these documents; you will need them to show ADOT.

Reinstatement Fees and How to Submit Your Request

ADOT charges a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privilege. The fee varies depending on the type and severity of your suspension. For a standard DUI suspension, the fee is typically several hundred dollars, but the exact amount depends on your specific case. You must pay this fee before your license will be reinstated.

To request reinstatement, you will submit your proof of completion (DUI education certificate, alcohol screening report, and any other required documents) along with the reinstatement fee to ADOT. You can do this by mail or in person at an ADOT office. The suspension notice you received will include instructions on where to send your materials and how much the fee is.

ADOT typically processes reinstatement requests within two to four weeks of receiving all required documents and payment. During this time, you still cannot drive. Once approved, ADOT will mail you a new driver's license or a reinstatement notice that restores your driving privilege.

What Happens If You Move to Another State

If you move to a different state after your Arizona suspension takes effect, you will still need to complete Arizona's reinstatement process to restore your Arizona license. However, you may also need to deal with the new state's requirements. Some states will not issue you a license until Arizona has reinstated yours. Others will issue you a license but will note the Arizona suspension on your record.

If you want to get a license in your new state, contact that state's Department of Motor Vehicles to ask what they require. Many states will ask for proof that you have completed Arizona's reinstatement process. You can complete Arizona's requirements (the DUI education program and alcohol screening) in your new state if those providers are approved by Arizona, but you will still submit everything to ADOT in Arizona and pay Arizona's reinstatement fee.

Your Arizona license suspension does not automatically transfer to your new state's license, but the DUI conviction will appear on your driving record in both states. This can affect your insurance rates and your ability to drive in Arizona in the future.

Restricted License as an Alternative During Suspension

If you need to drive before your suspension ends, you can request a restricted license from the court. A restricted license allows you to drive for specific purposes only: commuting to and from work, attending school, medical appointments, or attending court-ordered DUI programs. You cannot use a restricted license for any other purpose.

To request a restricted license, you must file a petition with the court in the county where you were arrested or where you live. You will need to explain why you need to drive and provide evidence that you have a legitimate need (such as a letter from your employer or school). The court will hold a hearing and decide whether to grant the restricted license.

A restricted license does not count toward your reinstatement — you still must complete the full suspension period and all other requirements. However, it allows you to maintain employment or attend school while you wait for reinstatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to complete the DUI program in Arizona, or can I do it in the state where I live now?

You must use a program approved by Arizona, but that program does not have to be located in Arizona. Many states have DUI education providers that are approved by Arizona. Contact ADOT to get a list of approved providers in your state, or ask the program provider whether they are approved by Arizona before you enroll.

What if I was convicted in another state but I still have an Arizona license?

Arizona will suspend your license based on the out-of-state conviction. You will receive a suspension notice in the mail. If you do not receive it, contact ADOT to confirm your suspension status. Do not attempt to renew your license or use it to drive — doing so while suspended can result in additional criminal charges.

Can I get my license back faster if I complete the requirements early?

No. You must wait out the full suspension period (90 days for a first offense, one year for a second, three years for a third or more). You can complete the DUI education program and alcohol screening during the waiting period, but ADOT will not reinstate your license until the suspension period has ended.

Will my insurance company know about the out-of-state DUI?

Yes. Insurance companies check your driving record, which includes all DUI convictions in any state. Your rates will likely increase significantly, and some insurers may drop you. Shop around for insurance after your reinstatement, as different companies handle DUI convictions differently.

What if I do not complete the requirements before my suspension ends?

Your license will remain suspended until you complete all requirements. There is no automatic reinstatement after the suspension period ends — you must actively submit your proof of completion and pay the reinstatement fee. If you miss important date or do not complete the alcohol screening, your suspension will continue indefinitely.