What you need to do to get your Arizona license back

To reinstate a suspended Arizona driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you have to do and how much it costs. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) suspends licenses for different violations: unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, medical conditions, DUI convictions, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get your license back. You have to resolve the underlying reason, then submit proof to ADOT that you have done so.

The fastest way to find out why your license is suspended is to check your ADOT record online through the ADOT website, or call the ADOT Driver Services Bureau at 602-255-0072. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. They will tell you the specific reason and what documents ADOT needs from you to reinstate it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your suspension reason determines what you must do — unpaid tickets, child support, DUI convictions, and medical issues each have different reinstatement paths.
  • ADOT will not reinstate your license until you provide proof that you have resolved the underlying reason for the suspension.
  • You can check your suspension reason and required documents by calling ADOT Driver Services at 602-255-0072 or checking your record online at the ADOT website.
  • Reinstatement fees vary by suspension type and range from $0 to several hundred dollars, depending on whether you also owe court fines or restitution.
  • After you submit proof of resolution and pay any required fee, ADOT typically processes reinstatement within one to two weeks.

Suspension for unpaid traffic tickets or fines

If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic ticket or court fine, you must pay the full amount owed before ADOT will reinstate it. Contact the court that issued the ticket — the ticket itself lists the court name and phone number — and ask what the current balance is. Courts sometimes add late fees or collection costs, so the amount you owe may be higher than the original fine.

Once you pay the court, ask for written proof of payment. Send that proof to ADOT along with a reinstatement request. You can mail it to ADOT Driver Services, P.O. Box 2100, Phoenix, AZ 85001, or submit it in person at an ADOT office. Some courts can notify ADOT directly that you have paid, but do not assume this will happen — follow up with ADOT to confirm they received the payment notice.

Suspension for unpaid child support

If the Arizona Department of Child Support Services suspended your license because you owe child support, you must contact them directly at 1-800-882-4151 to arrange a payment plan or make a lump-sum payment. The department will not release the suspension until you have either paid the full amount owed or entered into a written agreement to pay.

Once you have made an arrangement with Child Support Services, they will send ADOT a release notice. This process can take one to two weeks after you contact them. You do not need to submit anything to ADOT yourself — Child Support Services handles the notification. However, you can call ADOT at 602-255-0072 to confirm that the release has been processed.

Suspension for DUI or serious traffic violations

A DUI conviction or certain serious traffic violations (like reckless driving or driving with a suspended license) trigger a mandatory suspension period set by Arizona law. You cannot shorten this period by paying a fee. The suspension lasts a minimum of 90 days for a first DUI, and longer for repeat offenses or if you refused a breath test.

After the mandatory suspension period ends, you must complete a DUI education program (if required by the court) and submit proof of completion to ADOT. You will also need to file an SR-22 form with ADOT — this is proof of financial responsibility (insurance). Your insurance company can file this form for you; contact them and ask them to submit it to ADOT. Once ADOT receives the SR-22 and proof of any required education, your license will be reinstated.

Suspension for medical reasons

ADOT may suspend your license if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — for example, a seizure disorder, severe vision loss, or cognitive decline. A doctor or the Arizona Medical Board can request this suspension. To reinstate your license, you must obtain a medical evaluation from a licensed physician and submit a form to ADOT stating that your condition no longer poses a safety risk.

Contact ADOT Driver Services to request the specific medical form they need. Your doctor will complete it and sign it. Submit the completed form to ADOT along with any supporting medical records. ADOT may require an in-person driving test or additional evaluation before reinstating your license.

Suspension for accumulating too many traffic points

Arizona assigns points to your driving record for traffic violations. If you accumulate 12 or more points within 12 months, 18 or more points within 24 months, or 24 or more points within 36 months, ADOT will suspend your license. This suspension is automatic and does not require a court order.

To reinstate your license after a points suspension, you must wait out the suspension period (typically 30 days for a first suspension) and then complete a defensive driving course approved by ADOT. Submit proof of course completion to ADOT. You can find approved courses on the ADOT website. Once ADOT receives your proof of completion, your license will be reinstated.

The reinstatement fee and timeline

ADOT charges a reinstatement fee that varies depending on the reason for suspension. For most suspensions, the fee is $100 to $200. If your suspension was for unpaid fines or child support, you pay the underlying debt first, and the reinstatement fee is separate. Pay the reinstatement fee when you submit your proof of resolution to ADOT — you can pay by check, money order, or credit card if you submit your request in person or online.

After ADOT receives your completed reinstatement request, proof of resolution, and fee, processing typically takes one to two weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended. You can call ADOT at 602-255-0072 to check the status of your request. Once approved, ADOT will mail you a new license or a temporary driving permit.

Where to submit your reinstatement request

You can reinstate your license by mail, in person, or online depending on your suspension type. Mail requests go to ADOT Driver Services, P.O. Box 2100, Phoenix, AZ 85001. In-person visits are accepted at ADOT offices in Phoenix and other Arizona cities — check the ADOT website for office locations and hours.

For some suspension types, you can submit your request online through the ADOT website. Online submission is faster and reduces the risk of lost documents. If you are unsure whether your suspension type can be handled online, call ADOT Driver Services at 602-255-0072 before you submit anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until ADOT officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Arizona and can result in additional fines and jail time. Wait for written confirmation from ADOT before you drive.

What if I cannot afford to pay the full amount owed?

Contact the court or agency that suspended your license and ask about a payment plan. Courts can sometimes allow you to pay fines in installments. Child Support Services also works with people to set up payment arrangements. Once you have an agreement in writing, provide it to ADOT along with proof that you are making payments on schedule.

How long does a suspension stay on my record?

Once your license is reinstated, the suspension itself is removed from your active record. However, the underlying violation (the ticket, DUI, or points) remains on your driving history for a set period — typically three to ten years depending on the violation type. This affects your insurance rates and future licensing decisions.

Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?

Most reinstatements do not require a lawyer. The process is straightforward: resolve the underlying reason, gather proof, and submit it to ADOT. If your suspension is related to a criminal case (like a DUI) and you believe the suspension was improper, consulting a lawyer may help you challenge it in court.

What if ADOT denies my reinstatement request?

ADOT will send you a written notice explaining why your request was denied. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, proof that does not match ADOT's records, or failure to resolve the underlying issue. Review the notice carefully, gather any missing documents, and resubmit your request. You can also call ADOT to ask what additional information they need.