Arizona requires you to clear the reason for suspension before you can reinstate your license
A suspended license in Arizona means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The state does not automatically reinstate your license when the suspension period ends — you must take specific steps to restore it. The process depends on why your license was suspended, what you owe (if anything), and which Arizona agency holds your case.
Most suspensions fall into a few categories: unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court, driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, accumulation of points from traffic violations, or failure to maintain auto insurance. Each has a different reinstatement path, and some require you to contact multiple agencies.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to find out the specific reason your license was suspended and what you need to do to clear it.
- If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court or collection agency before ADOT will reinstate your license.
- DUI suspensions require completion of an alcohol education program and proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance) before reinstatement is possible.
- After you resolve the underlying issue, you must request reinstatement through ADOT, which may take one to two weeks to process.
- Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee to ADOT in addition to any fines or program costs.
Find out why your license was suspended
Contact the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Driver Services Bureau to learn the exact reason for your suspension. You can call them at 602-255-0072 (Phoenix area) or 1-800-251-5866 (statewide). Have your driver's license number or date of birth ready. ADOT will tell you which agency suspended your license and what you must do to clear the suspension.
If ADOT suspended your license for unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court, they will give you the case number and the amount owed. If the suspension came from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) — usually for DUI or point accumulation — they will direct you to contact DPS instead. Write down everything ADOT tells you, including case numbers, amounts owed, and important date.
Pay outstanding fines or court costs
If your suspension is tied to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay court costs, or a failure-to-appear warrant, you must pay the full amount before reinstatement. Contact the court that issued the ticket or citation. The court clerk can tell you the exact balance and accept payment by phone, online, or in person.
Some courts use collection agencies to pursue unpaid fines. If your case has been sent to collections, ADOT will provide the agency's contact information. Pay the collection agency directly — do not send payment to ADOT. Ask for written confirmation of payment and keep it for your records. After the court or collection agency confirms payment, ADOT will still need to process your reinstatement request, which takes additional time.
Complete DUI requirements if applicable
If your suspension resulted from a DUI conviction or arrest, you must complete an alcohol education program before reinstatement. Arizona requires either a Substance Abuse Screening and Education (SASE) program or a more intensive Alcohol and Drug Screening and Education (ADSE) program, depending on your case. The court will specify which program you need.
You must also obtain an SR-22 form (Certificate of Financial Responsibility) from an insurance company licensed to do business in Arizona. This form proves you carry the minimum required auto insurance. Contact your insurance agent or a new insurance company and request an SR-22. The insurer files it directly with ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. You will pay a filing fee (typically $15 to $25) in addition to your regular insurance premium.
Request reinstatement through ADOT
Once you have resolved the underlying issue — paid fines, completed programs, obtained SR-22 — contact ADOT to request reinstatement. You can submit a reinstatement request online through the ADOT website, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office. If you submit by mail, send your request to the address ADOT provides when you call.
Include your driver's license number, the reason for suspension, proof that you have resolved the issue (receipt of payment, program completion certificate, SR-22 confirmation), and any reinstatement fee required. ADOT charges a reinstatement fee that varies depending on the reason for suspension — typically between $50 and $100. Pay this fee along with your request. Processing usually takes one to two weeks.
Understand reinstatement fees and timelines
Arizona charges a reinstatement fee to restore your license after suspension. The amount depends on the reason for suspension: administrative suspensions (unpaid fines, failure to appear) typically cost $50 to $75, while DUI-related reinstatements cost $100 or more. You must pay this fee to ADOT as part of your reinstatement request — it is separate from any fines, court costs, or program fees you already paid.
After ADOT receives your complete reinstatement request with all required documents and fees, processing takes approximately one to two weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended. You will receive written confirmation when your reinstatement is approved. Some ADOT offices can reinstate your license on the spot if you appear in person with all required documents and payment.
What to do if you cannot pay when ready
If you owe fines or court costs but cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court that issued your citation. Many Arizona courts offer payment plans or community service options to satisfy fines. Explain your situation to the court clerk — some courts will work with you to set up a schedule. Once you and the court agree on a plan, follow it exactly. Missing a payment can result in a new failure-to-appear charge.
For DUI-related suspensions, you cannot delay program completion or SR-22 requirements — these must be done before reinstatement. However, some alcohol education programs offer payment plans as well. Contact the program provider directly to ask about options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension last if I do nothing?
A suspension remains in effect indefinitely until you take action to clear it. ADOT does not automatically lift suspensions after a certain period. You must actively request reinstatement and resolve the underlying issue. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to restore your driving privileges.
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have an emergency?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Arizona and can result in additional criminal charges, fines, and jail time. Even in an emergency, you must find another way to get where you need to go. If you are caught driving on a suspended license, you face arrest and prosecution.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
Most reinstatements do not require a lawyer. You can handle the process yourself by contacting ADOT, paying any fines, and submitting your reinstatement request. However, if your suspension is tied to a criminal case or if you are unsure about your options, speaking with a lawyer may help clarify your situation.
What if I moved out of Arizona after my license was suspended?
Your Arizona suspension remains active regardless of where you live. You can still request reinstatement by mail or online through ADOT. However, if you now live in another state, you will need to follow that state's rules for obtaining a new license once your Arizona suspension is cleared. Contact ADOT to resolve the suspension first.
Can I get a temporary driving permit while my license is suspended?
Arizona does not issue temporary permits for suspended licenses. You must complete the full reinstatement process. In some cases, if your suspension is for unpaid fines, the court may issue a restricted license allowing you to drive to work or court, but this is rare and must be requested through the court that suspended your license.