What you need to do to get your Arizona license back

To reinstate a suspended license in Arizona, you must first contact the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division to find out why your license was suspended and what steps are required. The reason for suspension determines what you pay and what paperwork you need — a suspension for unpaid traffic fines requires different action than one for unpaid child support or a medical condition. ADOT will tell you the exact reinstatement fee (which varies by reason), any other requirements, and whether you can reinstate by mail or must appear in person.

Once you know what is required, you gather the necessary documents, pay the reinstatement fee to ADOT, and submit everything. Most reinstatements are processed within two to four weeks. Your license does not automatically return — you must take the final step of picking it up at an ADOT office or having it mailed to you, depending on how you submitted your reinstatement request.

Key Takeaways

  • Call ADOT Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 to learn the reason for your suspension and the exact fee and documents you need.
  • Different suspension reasons require different steps — unpaid fines, child support, medical holds, and DUI suspensions each have their own reinstatement path.
  • You must pay the reinstatement fee to ADOT before your license can be restored, and fees range depending on the suspension reason.
  • Most reinstatements take two to four weeks to process after ADOT receives your complete request and payment.

Contact ADOT to find out why your license was suspended

Call the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arizona time). Have your driver's license number or date of birth ready. The staff member will tell you the specific reason for the suspension, the reinstatement fee amount, and what documents or steps you need to complete.

If you cannot reach ADOT by phone, you can visit an ADOT office in person or check your suspension status online through the ADOT website. However, calling is fastest because the staff can walk you through exactly what comes next for your particular suspension reason.

Suspension reasons and what each one requires

Unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fines: You must pay the outstanding fine in full to the court or traffic violations bureau that issued it. Once paid, notify ADOT with proof of payment. ADOT will then process your reinstatement after you pay the reinstatement fee.

Unpaid child support: The Arizona Department of Child Support Services must release the suspension. This happens once you bring your child support account current or set up a payment plan. You will receive notice from ADOT once the suspension is lifted, but you still must pay ADOT's reinstatement fee to restore your license.

Medical suspension: You must provide medical clearance from a doctor stating you are safe to drive. Submit this form to ADOT along with the reinstatement fee. ADOT will review the medical documentation before processing your reinstatement.

DUI or alcohol-related suspension: Requirements depend on whether this is your first offense and how long the suspension period is. You may need to complete an alcohol education program, install an ignition interlock device, or both. ADOT will specify all requirements when you call.

Gather documents and pay the reinstatement fee

The documents you need depend on your suspension reason. For most suspensions, you will need proof that you have resolved the underlying issue — proof of paid fines, medical clearance, proof of child support payment, or completion of a required program. You will also need a valid form of identification and your driver's license number.

Reinstatement fees in Arizona range from about $50 to $100 depending on the suspension reason, but ADOT will tell you the exact amount when you call. Payment is made directly to ADOT, not to the court or other agency. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card, depending on which method you use to submit your reinstatement request.

Submit your reinstatement request to ADOT

You have three options for submitting your reinstatement request: by mail, in person at an ADOT office, or online if your suspension reason allows it. Mail your documents and payment to the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division at the address provided when you called. Include a cover letter with your name, driver's license number, and a brief explanation of what you are submitting.

If you submit by mail, keep copies of everything you send and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date ADOT receives your complete request. If you submit in person at an ADOT office, staff can review your documents when ready and tell you if anything is missing.

Pick up or receive your reinstated license

Once ADOT processes your reinstatement, you will be notified by mail or email (depending on how you submitted). At that point, your license is restored, but you must take one final step: pick it up at an ADOT office or request that it be mailed to you. If you submitted your request in person, ask the staff member about pickup options before you leave.

If you request that your license be mailed, allow an additional one to two weeks for delivery. Do not drive until you have your physical license in hand, even if ADOT has notified you that your reinstatement is complete.

What to do if you cannot pay the reinstatement fee right away

If the reinstatement fee is a hardship, contact ADOT to ask about payment plans. Some offices may allow you to pay in installments, though this is not may provide and depends on the reason for your suspension. Ask specifically whether a payment plan is an option for your situation.

If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or child support, you may also be able to set up a payment plan with the court or child support agency first, which can lead to the suspension being lifted without requiring the full amount upfront. Call the agency that issued the original debt to ask about this option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Arizona and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. You must wait until ADOT notifies you that your reinstatement is complete and you have your physical license.

What if I lost my license or it was damaged?

If your license is lost or damaged, you will need to request a replacement at the same time you request reinstatement. ADOT can handle both requests together. There is a separate replacement fee in addition to the reinstatement fee.

How long does reinstatement usually take?

Most reinstatements take two to four weeks from the date ADOT receives your complete request and payment. If documents are missing or incomplete, processing will take longer. Submitting in person at an ADOT office is fastest because staff can review everything when ready.

Do I need to retake the written or driving test to get my license back?

For most suspensions, no. You do not retake tests unless your license has expired during the suspension period. If it has expired, you will need to pass the written test and vision test to renew it at the same time as reinstatement.

What if my suspension was for a DUI and I need to drive for work?

Arizona offers a restricted driving permit for certain DUI suspensions, which allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments while your suspension is in place. Ask ADOT about this option when you call — not all suspension types may have access to, and you must meet specific requirements to receive one.