Arizona reinstatement fees for a revoked license

The cost to reinstate a revoked license in Arizona depends on why your license was revoked. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) charges a reinstatement fee of $250, but you may also owe additional fines, court costs, or restitution tied to the reason for revocation. If your license was revoked for a DUI conviction, for example, you might owe court fines on top of the reinstatement fee. If it was revoked for unpaid traffic tickets or child support, you'll need to settle those debts first.

Before ADOT will process your reinstatement, you must meet all the conditions that led to the revocation. This might mean completing a DUI education program, paying restitution to a victim, or clearing a hold placed by another agency like the Department of Child Support Services. The reinstatement fee itself does not cover these other costs — it is only what ADOT charges to restore your driving privileges once everything else is resolved.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona's reinstatement fee is $250, but you may owe additional fines or restitution depending on why your license was revoked.
  • You must satisfy all conditions of the revocation — such as completing a DUI program or paying court fines — before ADOT will reinstate your license.
  • If your revocation was due to unpaid child support or traffic debt, you must clear those holds with the relevant agency first.
  • You can check the reason for your revocation and any outstanding holds by contacting ADOT or checking your driving record online.

Why your license was revoked matters

Arizona revokes licenses for different reasons, and each carries its own set of costs and conditions. A revocation for a DUI conviction typically requires you to complete an alcohol education program (usually costing $250 to $600 depending on the provider), pay court fines (which vary widely), and sometimes install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. A revocation for reckless driving or excessive points may have lower associated costs but still requires you to meet specific conditions before reinstatement.

If your revocation stems from unpaid child support, you cannot reinstate until the Department of Child Support Services releases the hold. Similarly, if ADOT revoked your license because of unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay those debts to the court or collection agency handling them. The reinstatement fee only applies once these underlying issues are resolved.

How to find out what you owe

Contact ADOT's Driver Services Bureau directly to learn the specific reason for your revocation and what conditions must be met. You can call them at 602-255-0072 or visit an ADOT office in person. Have your driver's license number or date of birth ready. They will tell you whether there are any holds on your record from other agencies and what steps you need to take before reinstatement is possible.

You can also check your driving record online through ADOT's website, though the online record may not show all holds or conditions. If you were convicted of a DUI, contact the court that handled your case to confirm whether you have completed all required programs and paid all fines. If the revocation involved child support, contact the Department of Child Support Services at 1-800-882-4151 to verify the status of your case.

The reinstatement process and timeline

Once you have met all conditions, you submit your reinstatement request to ADOT along with the $250 fee. You can do this by mail, in person at an ADOT office, or online through their website. If you submit by mail, include a check or money order for $250 payable to ADOT, along with any documentation showing that conditions have been met (such as a certificate of completion from a DUI program or proof of payment from the court).

Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days after ADOT receives your request, though this can vary depending on whether they need to verify information with other agencies. If you submit in person, you may receive your reinstatement the same day if all documents are in order. Once your license is reinstated, you can drive legally again, though any restrictions (such as an ignition interlock requirement) remain in effect for the period set by the court.

Additional costs you may encounter

Beyond the $250 reinstatement fee, plan for other expenses depending on your situation. If a DUI revocation requires an ignition interlock device, installation costs range from $100 to $300, and monthly monitoring fees run $50 to $100. If you need to retake the written or driving test as part of reinstatement conditions, there is a $15 fee for the written test and $25 for the driving test.

Some revocations require you to carry SR-22 insurance (proof of financial responsibility), which costs more than standard auto insurance — typically an additional $15 to $30 per month depending on your insurer. If your revocation involved unpaid fines or restitution, those amounts can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Ask ADOT and the relevant court or agency for a complete breakdown of what you owe before you begin the reinstatement process.

What happens if you drive with a revoked license

Driving with a revoked license in Arizona is a criminal offense. A first offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can result in jail time, additional fines, and a longer revocation period. A second offense within five years is a Class 6 felony. Beyond the legal consequences, you have no insurance coverage if you are in an accident, which exposes you to personal liability for damages and injuries.

If you are stopped by police while your license is revoked, your vehicle will likely be impounded, adding towing and storage fees to your costs. The best course of action is to understand what you owe, work toward meeting the conditions, and submit your reinstatement request as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work while my license is revoked if I get a work permit?

Arizona does not issue work permits for revoked licenses. You cannot drive legally for any reason while your license is revoked, even to and from your job. Your only option is to meet the reinstatement conditions and pay the $250 fee to restore full driving privileges.

Do I have to pay the $250 fee even if the revocation was a mistake?

If ADOT made an error and your license should not have been revoked, you can request a hearing to challenge the revocation. If you win the hearing, ADOT will reinstate your license without charging the $250 fee. Contact ADOT to request a hearing and explain the error.

What if I cannot afford all the costs right now?

Contact the court or agency responsible for the fines or restitution to ask about payment plans. Many courts allow you to pay in installments. Once you have a payment plan in place, you can often move forward with reinstatement, though some conditions (like DUI programs) must be completed before ADOT will process your request.

How long does a revocation stay on my record?

Revocation periods vary by reason. A DUI revocation typically lasts one to three years depending on prior convictions. Other revocations may last six months to two years. Once the revocation period ends and you have met all conditions, you can request reinstatement. The revocation itself remains on your driving record permanently.