What you need to do to get your Arizona license back
To reinstate a suspended driver's license in Arizona, you must first find out why your license was suspended, then complete the specific requirement tied to that reason. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) suspends licenses for different reasons — unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, failure to appear in court, medical reasons, or accumulating too many points — and each has its own reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get your license back; you have to resolve the underlying issue first.
The fastest way to find out your suspension reason is to check your ADOT driving record online through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website, or call them at 602-255-0072. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. Once you know the reason, you will know exactly what step comes next.
Key Takeaways
- Your suspension reason determines what you must do to reinstate — unpaid fines, DUI requirements, court appearances, and medical issues each have different paths.
- Check your ADOT driving record online or by phone to learn your suspension reason before taking any other step.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay a reinstatement fee to ADOT, usually between $100 and $250 depending on the suspension type.
- If your suspension is due to a DUI, you will need to complete an alcohol education program and install an ignition interlock device before reinstatement is possible.
- Processing time for reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks after ADOT receives all required documents and fees.
Suspension reasons and what each one requires
Arizona suspends licenses for several distinct reasons, and the reinstatement process differs for each. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. The court will then notify ADOT that the debt is cleared, and you can proceed with reinstatement. Contact the court listed on your ticket or citation to confirm the exact amount due.
If your suspension is tied to a DUI or impaired driving conviction, the requirements are more involved. You must complete an alcohol education program (usually the Alcohol Screening and Education program, or ASE), pay all fines and court costs, and install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for a set period — typically six months to two years depending on whether it was a first or repeat offense. Only after these steps are complete can you request reinstatement.
Suspensions for failure to appear in court require you to resolve the underlying case. This means either appearing in court, paying any fines, or working with the court to settle the matter. Medical suspensions — issued when ADOT has concerns about your fitness to drive — require a medical evaluation and clearance from a doctor before reinstatement is possible.
Point-based suspensions occur when you accumulate too many traffic violations within a set time frame. These typically reinstate automatically after a waiting period, but you still need to pay the reinstatement fee and may need to complete a defensive driving course.
How to pay the reinstatement fee and submit your request
Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension, you must pay the reinstatement fee to ADOT. The fee ranges from about $100 to $250 depending on the type of suspension. You can pay online through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website, by mail, or in person at an ADOT office.
To pay online, visit the Motor Vehicle Division website and look for the reinstatement payment option. You will need your driver's license number and the reason code for your suspension. If you prefer to mail a check, send it to the address listed on your suspension notice along with a completed reinstatement form (Form DL 44 or the form specified in your suspension letter).
In-person payment is available at any ADOT office. Bring your suspension notice, proof that you have resolved the underlying issue (court clearance letter, DUI program completion certificate, medical clearance, or proof of fine payment), and a valid form of identification. ADOT staff can process your reinstatement on the spot if all documents are in order.
DUI-related suspensions and ignition interlock requirements
If your suspension stems from a DUI conviction, you face additional steps beyond paying fees. Arizona requires completion of an alcohol education program before your license can be reinstated. The ASE program is the most common option and typically costs between $250 and $500. You must attend in person — online completion is not an option for DUI-related suspensions.
You will also need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in any vehicle you drive. This device requires you to provide a breath sample before the engine will start. The device costs money to install and maintain, usually $60 to $100 per month. The length of time you must use the device depends on your conviction: first-time DUI offenders typically use it for six months, while repeat offenders may need it for one to three years.
Some people are confused about the order of these steps. You do not need the IID installed before you request reinstatement, but ADOT will not issue your reinstated license until you have proof of program completion. Once your license is reinstated, you must have the IID installed before you can legally drive.
Reinstating after a medical suspension
Medical suspensions are issued when ADOT receives a report that raises concerns about your ability to drive safely — for example, a seizure disorder, vision loss, or cognitive decline. To reinstate after a medical suspension, you must obtain medical clearance from a licensed physician in Arizona.
The doctor must complete a Medical Evaluation Report form (available on the ADOT website) and confirm that you are medically fit to drive. Some conditions may require you to pass a driving test or vision test as well. Once you have the completed medical form, submit it to ADOT along with the reinstatement fee. Processing typically takes one to two weeks.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
After you submit your reinstatement request with all required documents and fees, ADOT typically processes it within one to two weeks. During this time, ADOT verifies that you have resolved the underlying suspension reason and that all fees are paid. If anything is missing or unclear, they will contact you by mail or phone.
Once approved, your license will be reinstated and you should receive a new physical license in the mail within one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can request a temporary driving permit from any ADOT office if you need to drive before your new license arrives. Bring your reinstatement approval letter and a valid form of identification.
If your reinstatement is denied, ADOT will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, unpaid fines still outstanding, or failure to complete a required program. You can resubmit once you have addressed the issue.
Where to find forms and contact information
The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division website (azmvd.gov) has all the forms you need, including reinstatement request forms, medical evaluation forms, and DUI program information. You can also read your driving record, check your suspension status, and pay fees online through the same site.
If you need to speak with someone, call the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072. They can confirm your suspension reason, tell you what documents you need, and answer questions about fees and timelines. ADOT offices are located throughout Arizona; you can find the one nearest you on their website.
For DUI-related questions, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees the ignition interlock program and can provide a list of certified installers. For court-related suspensions, contact the specific court listed on your suspension notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until ADOT officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Arizona and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive during the processing period, you can request a temporary driving permit from an ADOT office.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the court or agency that issued your suspension to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some courts offer payment arrangements for fines and fees. ADOT itself does not typically waive the reinstatement fee, but the underlying fines or costs may be negotiable depending on your situation.
Do I need to take a driving test to get my license back?
Not for most suspensions. However, if your suspension was medical-related, you may need to pass a vision test or driving test as part of your medical clearance. For DUI suspensions, Arizona does not require a new driving test, but you must complete the alcohol education program.
How long does a suspension stay on my record?
Once your license is reinstated, the suspension is no longer active. However, it remains part of your driving history. Insurance companies and employers may see it when they pull your record. The length of time it appears depends on the type of suspension and Arizona's record retention rules.
What if I move out of Arizona after my suspension?
You must reinstate your Arizona license before you can transfer it to another state. Some states will not issue a license to someone with an active suspension in another state. Contact the motor vehicle department in your new state to learn their specific rules.