What happens when you reinstate a suspended Arizona license
When your Arizona driver's license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in Arizona or most other states. Reinstatement means the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) removes that suspension and returns your driving privileges. The process differs depending on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, too many points, a DUI conviction, or another reason.
ADOT does not automatically reinstate your license when the suspension period ends. You have to take specific steps to request reinstatement, and you may need to pay fees or complete other requirements before ADOT will approve your request. The time it takes to reinstate ranges from a few days to several weeks, depending on what caused the suspension and whether you meet all the conditions.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact ADOT directly to request reinstatement; your suspension does not lift automatically when the suspension period expires.
- The reinstatement fee in Arizona is $50, plus any additional fees related to the reason for your suspension (such as unpaid fines or DUI-related costs).
- You may need to provide proof that you have met all conditions — such as paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or finishing a DUI program — before ADOT will process your request.
- ADOT processes reinstatement requests by mail, phone, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, and you should confirm your suspension reason before you contact them.
Common reasons your Arizona license was suspended
Arizona suspends licenses for several reasons, and the reinstatement process depends on which one applies to you. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic tickets or fines, accumulating too many points on your driving record, a DUI or reckless driving conviction, failure to appear in court, and failure to maintain car insurance.
You can find out why your license was suspended by contacting ADOT's Customer Services Bureau at 602-255-0072 or by visiting an ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Have your driver's license number or date of birth ready when you call. ADOT will tell you the suspension reason, the date it began, how long it lasts, and what you must do to reinstate.
Steps to request reinstatement from ADOT
Start by confirming your suspension details with ADOT, as described above. Once you know why your license was suspended and what conditions you must meet, gather the required documents or payments. For unpaid fines, you will need proof of payment. For DUI suspensions, you may need a certificate showing you completed a required alcohol education program. For point-based suspensions, you may need proof of completing a defensive driving course.
You can request reinstatement through three methods: by mail, by phone, or in person. To request by mail, send a letter to ADOT Motor Vehicle Division, 1801 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85007, along with your $50 reinstatement fee (check or money order) and any proof of meeting other conditions. To request by phone, call 602-255-0072 during business hours. To request in person, visit any ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office with your payment and documents.
ADOT will review your request and notify you by mail whether your reinstatement was approved. This typically takes one to three weeks. Once approved, your driving privileges are restored, and you can legally drive in Arizona again.
Fees and costs you may owe
The base reinstatement fee is $50. However, you may owe additional costs depending on why your license was suspended. If your suspension was due to unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines in full before ADOT will reinstate your license. If your suspension was due to a DUI conviction, you may need to pay for an alcohol education program, an ignition interlock device installation, or other DUI-related requirements.
Some suspensions require you to show proof of financial responsibility, which typically means providing proof of car insurance. If you cannot pay all fines or fees at once, contact the court or ADOT to ask about payment plans. Some courts allow you to pay fines in installments, which may allow you to move forward with reinstatement sooner.
What to do if your reinstatement request is denied
ADOT may deny your reinstatement request if you have not met all the required conditions. For example, if you still owe unpaid fines, have not completed a required program, or do not have proof of insurance, your request will be denied. ADOT will explain the reason for the denial in the letter they send you.
If your request is denied, address the missing requirement and resubmit your request. If you believe ADOT made an error or if you disagree with the reason for your suspension, you have the right to request a hearing. Contact ADOT's Customer Services Bureau to ask about the hearing process and important date.
Driving with a suspended license in Arizona
Driving with a suspended license in Arizona is a criminal offense. If you are stopped by law enforcement while your license is suspended, you can be arrested, fined, and face additional criminal charges. A conviction for driving with a suspended license can result in jail time, a fine of up to $2,500, and an additional license suspension.
If you need to drive before your reinstatement is approved, ask ADOT whether you are may be able to access for a restricted license or hardship permit. These allow limited driving for work, school, or medical purposes while your suspension is in effect. Not all suspension reasons may have access to for a restricted license, so contact ADOT to find out whether yours does.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take ADOT to reinstate my license after I submit my request?
Processing time is typically one to three weeks from the date ADOT receives your request. If you submit by mail, add time for delivery. If you submit in person or by phone, processing may be faster. ADOT will send you a letter confirming whether your reinstatement was approved.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until ADOT approves your reinstatement request and notifies you. Driving during this time is illegal. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, contact ADOT about a restricted license or hardship permit.
What if I moved out of Arizona after my license was suspended?
You can still request reinstatement by mail or phone. However, if you now live in another state, you may need to obtain a driver's license from that state instead. Contact the motor vehicle department in your new state to learn about their requirements for drivers with out-of-state suspensions.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I was not at fault for the suspension?
Yes. The $50 reinstatement fee applies regardless of the reason for your suspension. This is a standard fee charged by ADOT to process the reinstatement request. You may also owe other fees or fines related to the specific reason for your suspension.
Can I reinstate my license online through the ADOT website?
ADOT does not currently offer online reinstatement. You must request reinstatement by mail, phone, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Contact ADOT at 602-255-0072 to confirm current options and to begin the process.