Arizona reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended
Arizona charges different reinstatement fees based on the reason your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid traffic tickets costs less to clear than a suspension for a DUI conviction or failure to pay child support. The state also charges an additional license reinstatement fee on top of any fines or restitution you owe. You cannot reinstate your license until you have paid all required fees and resolved the underlying reason for the suspension.
The reinstatement process in Arizona is handled by the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), which is part of the Arizona Department of Transportation. You will need to contact MVD directly or visit in person to find out the exact amount you owe, because your total cost depends on your specific suspension reason and whether you have multiple suspensions on your record.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona's base reinstatement fee is $100, but you may owe additional amounts depending on why your license was suspended.
- Suspensions for DUI, unpaid child support, or unpaid court fines each carry different fee structures and additional requirements beyond the reinstatement fee.
- You must contact the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division or visit an MVD office to learn your exact total, since fees vary by case.
- Some suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue (paying fines, completing a DUI program, or proving insurance) before MVD will accept your reinstatement fee.
Reinstatement fees for common suspension reasons
The $100 reinstatement fee is the standard charge MVD collects when you clear most suspensions. However, this is only the reinstatement fee itself — you will also owe whatever fines, restitution, or other costs created the suspension in the first place.
If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered restitution, you must pay the full amount owed to the court before MVD will process your reinstatement. If your suspension is tied to a DUI conviction, you will owe the $100 reinstatement fee plus any fines imposed by the court, and you may also be required to complete a DUI education program and show proof of insurance before reinstatement is possible. If your suspension resulted from failure to pay child support, you must work with the Department of Child Support Services to resolve the arrearage before MVD can reinstate your license.
How to find out your exact reinstatement cost
Contact the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 or visit an MVD office in person. Have your driver's license number or date of birth ready. MVD staff will look up your suspension record and tell you the exact amount owed, what caused the suspension, and what steps you need to take before you can pay the reinstatement fee.
You can also check your suspension status online through the MVD website, though the online system may not show the complete breakdown of all fees you owe. Calling or visiting in person is faster if you need the information right away. If your suspension involves a court case, the court's website may also show outstanding fines or restitution amounts.
Payment methods and where to pay
Once you have confirmed your total amount owed, you can pay your reinstatement fee and any associated fines through several methods. MVD accepts payment in person at any MVD office, by phone at 602-255-0072, or online through the MVD website if your suspension allows online payment. Some suspensions — particularly those tied to court cases — may require you to pay fines directly to the court rather than to MVD.
If you are paying a reinstatement fee plus court fines, confirm with MVD which agency receives which payment. Paying the wrong entity will delay your reinstatement. After you have paid all required amounts, MVD will process your reinstatement, which typically takes one to three business days if you paid in person or by phone, or up to five business days if you paid online.
Suspensions that require more than just a fee
Some suspension reasons require you to complete additional steps beyond paying the reinstatement fee. A DUI suspension, for example, may require you to complete a substance abuse screening and education program before reinstatement is possible. A suspension for driving without insurance requires you to show proof of current insurance coverage. A suspension for unpaid child support requires the Department of Child Support Services to confirm the arrearage has been paid or a payment plan is in place.
MVD will tell you during your initial contact whether your suspension has these additional requirements. Do not assume you can straightforward pay the fee and be done — some suspensions have a waiting period or mandatory program completion that extends the timeline. Ask MVD for a complete list of what you need to do and in what order.
What happens after you pay the reinstatement fee
After MVD receives your payment and confirms all suspension requirements have been met, your license will be reinstated. You will receive written confirmation from MVD, either by mail or email depending on how you paid. If you paid in person, you may receive confirmation on the spot. Your driving privilege will be restored once the reinstatement is processed, and you can legally drive again.
If your license was physically suspended (meaning the card itself was taken), you will need to renew your license to get a new card. This involves a separate renewal fee and may require a new photo and vision test. Ask MVD whether your reinstatement includes a new card or whether you need to complete a renewal separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive until MVD confirms your reinstatement is complete. Driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties and additional fines. Wait for written confirmation from MVD before you get behind the wheel.
What if I cannot pay the full amount right now?
Contact MVD or the court that issued the suspension to ask about payment plans. Some courts allow you to pay fines in installments, and MVD may work with you on the reinstatement fee itself. You must make arrangements before your suspension can be lifted, but you do not always have to pay everything at once.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
No. You can handle reinstatement on your own by contacting MVD, paying the required fees, and meeting any additional requirements. A lawyer is not necessary unless your suspension involves a complex court case or you need help negotiating a payment plan with the court.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay?
If you pay in person or by phone, reinstatement typically takes one to three business days. Online payments may take up to five business days. Some suspensions with additional requirements (like DUI program completion) may take longer depending on when you finish the required program.
What if my suspension was from years ago and I forgot about it?
Contact MVD to confirm whether the suspension is still active. Old suspensions sometimes remain on record even if the underlying issue was resolved. MVD can tell you whether you still owe money or whether the suspension can be cleared without payment. Bring any documentation you have about the original suspension.