How to Reinstate Your Suspended Driver's License in Arizona

What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your License

To reinstate a suspended Arizona driver's license, you must first contact the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division to find out why your license was suspended and what specific steps are required. Different suspension reasons have different reinstatement paths — a suspension for unpaid traffic fines works differently than one for failure to appear in court or a DUI-related suspension. ADOT will tell you the exact requirements and fees when you contact them.

Once you know the reason and requirements, you'll typically need to resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, complete a court requirement, or fulfill a program), pay a reinstatement fee to ADOT, and then submit the required documents. The reinstatement fee is currently $100 in Arizona, though this can change. After ADOT processes your reinstatement, you may need to visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person to get a new license card, depending on your suspension type.

Key Takeaways

Call ADOT Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072 or visit an office in person to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it.
You must resolve the underlying issue — such as paying court fines, completing a DUI program, or satisfying a court order — before ADOT will process your reinstatement.
Arizona charges a $100 reinstatement fee, which you pay to ADOT along with any other required payments.
After ADOT approves your reinstatement, you may need to visit a Motor Vehicle Division office to receive a new physical license card.
Some suspensions require proof of completion (such as a DUI education certificate) before reinstatement can be processed.

Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended

ADOT is required to notify you of a suspension by mail, but the notice may not arrive when ready or you may have moved. The fastest way to find out the reason is to call ADOT Motor Vehicle Division directly at 602-255-0072. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. They will tell you the suspension reason, the date it took effect, and what you must do to reinstate.

You can also visit an ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Arizona has multiple locations in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, and other cities. Bring your ID and be prepared to wait. If you prefer to check online first, ADOT's website allows you to look up your driving record, though this does not always show suspension details clearly — a phone call or office visit is more reliable.

Common Suspension Reasons and What Each Requires

A suspension for unpaid traffic fines requires you to pay the fine in full or set up a payment plan with the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court listed on your ticket or citation. Once the court confirms payment or a plan is in place, they notify ADOT, and you can then pay the reinstatement fee.

A suspension for failure to appear in court means you missed a court date. You must contact the court, resolve the underlying case (which may mean appearing in court, paying a fine, or satisfying another requirement), and get the court's confirmation that the case is resolved. The court then notifies ADOT.

A DUI-related suspension is more complex. Arizona suspends licenses administratively (through ADOT) and also through the court system. You may need to complete a DUI education or treatment program, install an ignition interlock device, or satisfy other court orders. ADOT will specify all requirements when you contact them. Some DUI suspensions have a mandatory waiting period before reinstatement is even possible.

A suspension for accumulating too many points on your driving record requires you to wait out a suspension period set by ADOT. You cannot shorten this suspension, but once the period ends, you can pay the reinstatement fee and proceed.

Resolving the Underlying Issue

Before ADOT will reinstate your license, you must provide proof that the underlying problem is resolved. For fines, this means the court confirms payment. For court appearances, this means the case is closed or resolved. For DUI programs, this means you have a certificate of completion from the program provider.

Do not assume ADOT will check with the court or program on your behalf. Contact the relevant agency directly and ask what proof they will send to ADOT and when. If you are unsure whether ADOT has received confirmation, call them again before paying the reinstatement fee — paying the fee does not may provide reinstatement if the underlying issue is not actually resolved.

Paying the Reinstatement Fee and Submitting Documents

Once the underlying issue is resolved, you pay ADOT a $100 reinstatement fee. You can pay by mail, phone, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. If paying by mail, send a check or money order along with a completed reinstatement form (available on ADOT's website or at an office) to the address ADOT provides. Include any required documents, such as a DUI program completion certificate or court confirmation letter.

If paying by phone, call ADOT at 602-255-0072 and have a credit or debit card ready. If paying in person, bring the fee and any required documents to your nearest Motor Vehicle Division office. Keep a record of your payment and any confirmation number ADOT gives you.

Processing time varies. ADOT typically processes reinstatement requests within one to two weeks if all documents are in order, but delays can occur if information is missing or unclear. Do not drive until ADOT confirms your license is reinstated.

Getting Your New License Card

After ADOT approves your reinstatement, you may need to visit a Motor Vehicle Division office to receive a new physical license card. Some reinstatement types allow you to keep your existing card; others require a new one. ADOT will tell you which applies to your situation.

If you need a new card, bring your ID and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease) to a Motor Vehicle Division office. There is no additional fee for the card itself if it is part of the reinstatement process, though some offices charge a small fee for expedited processing. The office will take your photo and issue the card on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks.

What to Do If You Cannot Resolve the Underlying Issue Right Away

If you cannot pay a fine when ready, contact the court and ask about a payment plan. Most Arizona courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once a plan is approved, the court notifies ADOT, and you can proceed with reinstatement even if you have not paid the full amount.

If you are waiting for a DUI program to have an opening or for a mandatory waiting period to end, you cannot speed up the process. However, you can contact ADOT periodically to confirm what you still need to do and when you will be may be able to access. Some suspensions have a reinstatement option after a certain period — ADOT will explain this when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a suspended license if I have applied for reinstatement?

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

How long does reinstatement take?

Processing typically takes one to two weeks if all documents are complete and correct. If documents are missing or unclear, it can take longer. After ADOT approves reinstatement, you may need to visit an office for a new license card, which adds another one to two weeks if mailed.

What if I moved and did not receive the suspension notice?

ADOT mails suspension notices to the address on file with your license. If you moved, you may not have received it, but the suspension is still in effect. Call ADOT to confirm your current address, find out the suspension reason, and begin the reinstatement process. Update your address with ADOT at the same time.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if the suspension was a mistake?

If ADOT made an error and the suspension should not have happened, contact ADOT to dispute it. If the dispute is resolved in your favor, ADOT may waive the reinstatement fee. However, if the suspension was valid, you must pay the fee to reinstate.

What if I have multiple suspensions on my record?

You must resolve all suspensions before your license can be reinstated. Contact ADOT and ask for a complete list of all active suspensions and what each one requires. You may need to pay multiple reinstatement fees if there are multiple separate suspensions.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.