What you need to do to get your Arizona license back

To reinstate a suspended Arizona driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what steps you take and what you pay. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) suspends licenses for different reasons: unpaid traffic tickets or fines, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or violations of the rules of the road. Each reason has its own reinstatement path.

The fastest way to learn your suspension reason is to check your ADOT record online through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website, or call them at 602-255-0072. Have your driver's license number or date of birth ready. Once you know the reason, you can move forward with the specific steps that explore to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Your suspension reason determines what you must do to reinstate — unpaid fines, child support, medical issues, and traffic violations each have different requirements.
  • You can check your suspension reason online through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website or by calling 602-255-0072.
  • Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines or fees before ADOT will process reinstatement.
  • Some suspensions require proof from another agency — such as the Department of Child Support Enforcement or a doctor — before you can reinstate.
  • Reinstatement fees range from $50 to $100 depending on the suspension type, and you pay this fee in addition to any fines or restitution owed.

Suspension for unpaid traffic fines or court costs

If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic ticket, fine, or court cost, you must pay the full amount owed before ADOT will reinstate you. Contact the court that issued the ticket — the court name and case number should be on your ticket or suspension notice. The court can tell you the exact amount due and accept payment by phone, mail, or in person.

Once the court confirms payment, it sends notice to ADOT. ADOT then processes your reinstatement, which typically takes five to ten business days after they receive the court's notice. You will also pay a $50 reinstatement fee to ADOT at the time you complete the reinstatement process.

Suspension for unpaid child support

If the Arizona Department of Child Support Enforcement suspended your license, you must contact them directly to arrange payment or a payment plan. Call 1-800-882-4151 or visit the department's website to set up an account and see what you owe. The department can often work with you on a payment schedule if you cannot pay the full amount at once.

Once you have made an arrangement or paid in full, the Department of Child Support Enforcement notifies ADOT that you are in compliance. ADOT then reinstates your license, usually within five to ten business days. You will pay a $50 reinstatement fee to ADOT.

Suspension for medical reasons

Medical suspensions happen when ADOT has concerns about your ability to drive safely — for example, after a seizure, a serious accident, or a medical condition that affects your vision or reaction time. To reinstate after a medical suspension, you must provide a letter from a licensed physician stating that you are medically safe to drive. The letter should address the specific condition that led to the suspension.

Submit the medical letter to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, along with a reinstatement request. You can mail it to the address on your suspension notice or bring it in person to a Motor Vehicle Division office. ADOT reviews the letter and decides whether to reinstate. This process can take two to four weeks. The reinstatement fee is $50.

Suspension for traffic violations and point accumulation

If you accumulated too many points on your driving record in a short time, or if you committed a serious violation like driving under the influence, your license may be suspended. The length of the suspension depends on the violation. For a standard point suspension, you must wait out the suspension period — you cannot shorten it by paying a fee.

When the suspension period ends, you can reinstate by visiting an Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office or submitting a reinstatement request by mail. Bring your driver's license and proof of identity. The reinstatement fee is $100 for this type of suspension. If your suspension was for a DUI or serious violation, you may also need to complete a defensive driving course or an alcohol education program before reinstatement is possible — ADOT will specify this in your suspension notice.

How to submit your reinstatement request

Once you have met the requirements for your suspension type, you can reinstate in person or by mail. To reinstate in person, visit any Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office with your driver's license, proof of identity, and the reinstatement fee ($50 or $100 depending on suspension type). Bring any required documents — proof of payment, medical letter, or proof of completion of a required course.

To reinstate by mail, send a letter to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division stating your name, driver's license number, and the reason for reinstatement. Include copies of any required documents and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Mail to the address listed on your suspension notice. Processing by mail takes longer — usually two to three weeks after ADOT receives your request.

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 3 misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of up to $500 and possible jail time. A second offense within five years is a class 2 misdemeanor with steeper penalties. Additionally, driving on a suspended license can extend your suspension period or add new charges on top of the original suspension.

If you were stopped and cited for driving with a suspended license, you should contact an attorney or your local public defender's office to understand your options. Do not ignore the citation — it will make your situation worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does reinstatement take after I submit everything?

If you reinstate in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, you can receive a temporary driving permit the same day and your permanent license within one to two weeks. If you reinstate by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing after ADOT receives your request. If you are waiting for another agency — like the court or child support — to notify ADOT, add five to ten business days to that timeline.

Can I get a temporary license while my reinstatement is being processed?

Yes, if you reinstate in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, you can request a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days. This gives you legal permission to drive while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. You cannot get a temporary permit if you reinstate by mail.

What if I cannot pay the full amount owed right now?

Contact the agency that suspended your license — the court, child support department, or ADOT — and ask about payment plans. Many courts and the child support department offer installment arrangements. ADOT itself does not negotiate the reinstatement fee, but if your suspension is for unpaid fines, the court that issued the ticket may work with you on a payment schedule.

Do I need to take a driving test to reinstate my license?

No, you do not need to retake the written or road test for most suspensions. However, if your suspension was for a DUI or serious violation, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course or alcohol education program before reinstatement. ADOT will specify any required courses in your suspension notice.

Where are the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division offices located?

ADOT operates Motor Vehicle Division offices throughout Arizona. The main office is in Phoenix, but there are locations in most cities and towns. Visit the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website to find the office nearest you and check their hours before you go.