Arizona requires you to contact the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), pay any outstanding fines or fees, and meet specific reinstatement conditions based on why your license was suspended
The process for getting your Arizona license back depends on the reason it was suspended. A suspension for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or medical reasons each has different steps and costs. The MVD does not reinstate licenses automatically — you must initiate the process yourself, and you cannot drive legally until the reinstatement is complete.
Most suspensions in Arizona fall into a few categories: administrative suspension (usually for DUI or refusing a breath test), suspension for unpaid fines or court costs, suspension for unpaid child support, and medical suspension. Each requires different documentation and has different timelines. Some suspensions have a mandatory waiting period before you can even request reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the MVD directly to find out why your license was suspended and what reinstatement requires — the reason determines the entire process.
- Most reinstatements require paying all outstanding fines, fees, and court costs before the MVD will process your request.
- Administrative suspensions (DUI-related) have a mandatory waiting period that varies by circumstance; you cannot shorten this period.
- You can check your suspension status and reinstatement requirements through the MVD website or by calling their customer service line.
- Reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks after you meet all conditions, but you cannot drive until the MVD confirms your license is active.
Finding out why your license was suspended
The MVD must notify you of a suspension, but the notice may have arrived by mail or email, and you may not have received it if your address on file was outdated. The fastest way to learn the reason is to check your status online through the MVD website (azmvd.gov) using your driver's license number and date of birth. This tool shows whether your license is currently suspended and, in most cases, the reason.
If the online tool does not show the reason or you cannot access it, call the MVD Customer Service line at 602-255-0072 (Phoenix area) or 1-888-373-4828 (statewide). Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The representative can tell you the suspension reason, any outstanding balances, and exactly what you need to do to reinstate. This call is free and usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Paying fines, fees, and court costs
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid court costs, or unpaid child support, you must pay the full amount before the MVD will reinstate your license. The amount owed varies widely depending on the violation and how long it has been outstanding. You cannot make a partial payment and have your license reinstated — the balance must be zero.
For traffic fines and court costs, contact the court that issued the citation (usually the municipal court in the city where the violation occurred). The court can tell you the exact amount and accept payment by phone, online, or in person. For child support arrears, contact the Department of Child Support Services. Once payment is confirmed by the court or agency, notify the MVD that you have paid. The MVD typically receives notification automatically within one to three business days, but you can call to confirm.
Administrative suspension and mandatory waiting periods
An administrative suspension is issued by the MVD itself, usually after a DUI arrest or a refusal to submit to a breath or blood test. This type of suspension has a mandatory waiting period — you cannot request reinstatement before it expires, even if you pay all fines. The length of the waiting period depends on whether it is your first offense and whether you refused the test.
For a first DUI arrest with a breath test, the suspension is typically 90 days. If you refused the test, it is usually 12 months. For a second or subsequent offense within seven years, the suspension is longer. Once the waiting period has passed, you can request reinstatement by contacting the MVD. You will also need to show proof of completion of a DUI education program (usually a 16-hour course) and proof of insurance before your license is reinstated.
Medical suspension and reinstatement requirements
The MVD can suspend your license if you report a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely, or if a doctor reports such a condition to the MVD. Common reasons include seizure disorders, loss of consciousness, or severe vision problems. A medical suspension does not have a set waiting period — reinstatement depends on whether the medical condition has been resolved or managed.
To reinstate after a medical suspension, you must provide a letter from your doctor stating that the condition no longer poses a safety risk or that it is now controlled. The letter should be specific about the condition and the treatment or resolution. Send the letter to the MVD Medical Review Unit. The MVD will review it and contact you within two to four weeks. If approved, your license will be reinstated. If the MVD needs more information, they will request it in writing.
Submitting your reinstatement request
Once you have met all conditions (paid fines, completed waiting periods, obtained required documentation), you can request reinstatement. You can do this online through the MVD website, by mail, or in person at an MVD office. The online method is fastest — you can submit your request and receive confirmation within minutes.
If you submit by mail, send a letter to the MVD stating your name, driver's license number, and the reason for reinstatement, along with any required documents (proof of payment, medical letter, proof of insurance, etc.). Mail it to the Motor Vehicle Division, 1801 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007. Processing by mail takes one to two weeks. If you go in person to an MVD office, bring your identification and any required documents. An MVD employee can process your request on the spot in most cases.
Timeline and what to expect after reinstatement
After you submit your reinstatement request, the MVD typically processes it within one to two weeks. You will receive written confirmation by mail or email (depending on how you submitted the request) stating that your license is active. You cannot drive legally until you receive this confirmation — driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Arizona.
Once your license is reinstated, you can use it when ready. If you need a replacement physical license card (because your old one was suspended and marked), you can order one online or at an MVD office for a fee. Your driving privileges are restored as soon as the reinstatement is processed, but the physical card is a separate item. If you were required to install an ignition interlock device (common after DUI), that requirement remains in effect even after license reinstatement and must be completed before the device can be removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Arizona, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request and are waiting for approval. You must wait for written confirmation from the MVD before you drive. Violation can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and a longer suspension.
What if I cannot pay the full amount owed right now?
Contact the court or agency that is owed the money and ask about a payment plan. Many Arizona courts and the Department of Child Support Services offer installment plans. Once you have an agreement in place, inform the MVD. Some suspensions will be lifted once a payment plan is established, though this varies by court and circumstance.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
No. The reinstatement process is straightforward and you can handle it yourself by contacting the MVD and the relevant court or agency. A lawyer is not required. However, if your suspension is tied to a criminal case or if you are unsure about your obligations, consulting a lawyer may be helpful.
How long does reinstatement take if I do it online?
If you submit your reinstatement request online and all conditions are met, the MVD typically processes it within one to two weeks. You will receive written confirmation. In some cases, if the request is straightforward and submitted early in the business day, processing can happen within a few days, but plan for up to two weeks.
What if the MVD says I still owe money but I already paid?
Contact the court or agency that received your payment and ask for written proof of payment. Then send that proof to the MVD. There is sometimes a delay between when a payment is received and when it appears in the MVD system. Providing documentation speeds up the process.