What happens when your Arizona license is suspended and how to get it back
When your Arizona driver's license is suspended, you cannot legally drive until the suspension ends and you complete the reinstatement process. The state does not automatically restore your license on the suspension end date — you must take specific steps with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to get it back. The reinstatement process depends on why your license was suspended, but most routes involve paying a reinstatement fee, providing proof of insurance, and sometimes completing a course or paying outstanding fines.
Arizona suspends licenses for many reasons: unpaid traffic tickets or fines, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support. Each reason has its own reinstatement path, though the basic steps are similar. You will need to contact ADOT directly to find out which requirements explore to your specific suspension.
Key Takeaways
- Your license does not automatically return when a suspension ends — you must submit a reinstatement request to ADOT with the required fee and documents.
- The reinstatement fee is typically $50 to $100, but varies depending on the reason for suspension.
- Most suspensions require proof of current auto insurance before ADOT will process your reinstatement.
- If your suspension was for a DUI or serious violation, you may need to complete a defensive driving course or substance abuse program before reinstatement is possible.
- You can check your suspension status and requirements by calling ADOT's Driver Services line or visiting their website.
Find out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the exact reason for the suspension. ADOT will not process a reinstatement request if you do not address the underlying cause. Common suspension reasons include accumulating 8 or more points within 12 months, failing to pay a traffic fine or court-ordered restitution, not appearing in court, or a DUI conviction.
Contact ADOT's Driver Services at 602-255-0072 or visit the ADOT website to look up your suspension status. Have your driver's license number or date of birth ready. The representative will tell you the suspension reason, the date it ends, and what you must do to reinstate. Write down all requirements — some suspensions have multiple conditions that must be met before ADOT will restore your license.
Pay any outstanding fines or court costs
If your suspension is tied to unpaid traffic fines, court fees, or restitution, you must pay these before ADOT will reinstate your license. Contact the court that issued the ticket or fine to confirm the exact amount owed and payment methods. Many Arizona courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person.
Keep proof of payment — a receipt, confirmation number, or bank statement showing the transaction. You will need to provide this to ADOT when you submit your reinstatement request. If you cannot pay the full amount, some courts offer payment plans. Ask the court clerk whether a payment arrangement is possible in your case.
Obtain proof of current auto insurance
Arizona requires proof of liability insurance before ADOT will reinstate most suspended licenses. You need an active policy that covers the vehicle you plan to drive. Contact your insurance company and ask them to send you an official proof of insurance document, or print it from your online account if available.
The proof must show your name, policy number, coverage dates, and the vehicle identification number (VIN). Some insurance companies provide this when ready by email or through their website. If you do not currently have insurance, you will need to purchase a policy before you can complete reinstatement. This is a legal requirement in Arizona, not just an ADOT rule.
Complete any required courses or programs
Certain suspension reasons require you to complete a course before reinstatement is possible. DUI suspensions almost always require completion of a substance abuse program or DUI education course. Point-based suspensions may require a defensive driving course. ADOT will tell you which course applies to your suspension when you call.
You must complete the course through an ADOT-approved provider. The state maintains a list of approved schools on its website. Courses typically take 4 to 8 hours and cost $50 to $150. You will receive a certificate of completion, which you must submit with your reinstatement request. Do not start a course until you confirm with ADOT that it is required for your specific suspension — taking an unnecessary course will not speed up reinstatement.
Submit your reinstatement request to ADOT
Once you have met all requirements, submit your reinstatement request to ADOT. You can do this by mail, in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, or online through the ADOT website if your suspension type allows it. Check the ADOT website to see whether online reinstatement is available for your situation — not all suspension types can be handled online.
Include your reinstatement fee (typically $50 to $100, depending on suspension reason), proof of insurance, proof of any fines paid, and certificates of completion for any required courses. Mail requests to the address listed on the ADOT website, or bring documents in person to your nearest Motor Vehicle Division office. Processing usually takes 5 to 10 business days after ADOT receives your complete request.
Pay the reinstatement fee
The reinstatement fee is separate from any fines or court costs you owed. Arizona charges $50 for most suspensions, but DUI-related suspensions cost $100. Some suspension types have different fees — ADOT will tell you the exact amount when you call.
You can pay by check, money order, debit card, or credit card, depending on how you submit your request. If you are mailing your request, include a check or money order. If you are explore online or in person, you can usually pay by card. Do not send cash through the mail.
What to expect after you submit your request
ADOT will review your reinstatement request and verify that all requirements are met. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will contact you by mail or phone. This can add several days to the process, so make sure your request is complete before you send it.
Once approved, ADOT will mail you a new license or a reinstatement notice. Your driving privileges are restored on the date ADOT approves your request, not when you receive the physical license in the mail. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit from a Motor Vehicle Division office. Keep your reinstatement approval letter with you until the new license arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until ADOT approves your reinstatement request. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Arizona. If you need to drive urgently, you can request a temporary permit from a Motor Vehicle Division office, but this is only issued in limited circumstances.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
ADOT does not waive reinstatement fees, but some courts will work with you on payment plans for fines. Contact the court that issued your original ticket to ask about payment arrangements. You will still need to pay the ADOT reinstatement fee in full before your license is restored.
How long does reinstatement take?
Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days after ADOT receives a complete request. If your request is missing documents or has errors, it will take longer. Mailing time adds several days on each end, so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total if you are mailing your request.
Do I need to take a written test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require a written test or driving test. You only need to meet the specific requirements for your suspension type — usually paying fees, providing insurance proof, and completing any required courses.
What if my suspension was for unpaid child support?
Child support suspensions are handled differently. You must contact the Arizona Department of Child Support Services or the court that issued the support order to arrange payment or a payment plan. Once child support is current or a payment arrangement is in place, ADOT can reinstate your license. Bring proof of the arrangement to ADOT along with your other reinstatement documents.