What Arizona's reinstatement law does

Arizona passed a law that lets you get your driver's license back without paying all the fines and fees you owe to the state — if you meet certain conditions. The law, which took effect in 2022, created a path for people whose licenses were suspended because of unpaid traffic tickets, criminal fines, or child support debt to restore driving privileges while they work out a payment plan.

The key difference from the old process: you no longer have to pay the full amount owed before the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will reinstate your license. Instead, you can set up a payment arrangement and get your license back when ready, as long as you stick to the plan.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona allows license reinstatement without paying your full debt if you enter into a payment plan with the court or the state agency that suspended your license.
  • You must contact the specific court or agency that suspended your license — ADOT alone cannot reinstate it without their approval.
  • The reinstatement process involves paperwork from the court or agency, a reinstatement fee to ADOT (currently $100), and proof of financial responsibility (insurance).
  • If your license was suspended for multiple reasons — such as both unpaid traffic fines and child support — you may need to work with more than one agency.

Which suspensions this law covers

The reinstatement law applies to suspensions caused by unpaid court fines or fees from traffic violations, criminal convictions, or child support arrears. It does not cover suspensions for medical reasons, failure to appear in court, or driving-related convictions like DUI.

If your suspension was for a reason not covered by this law, you will need to resolve that issue directly with the court or agency involved. For example, if your license was suspended because you failed to appear for a court date, you must address that failure to appear before any reinstatement can happen.

How to start the reinstatement process

First, find out which court or agency suspended your license. Call ADOT's Driver Services at 602-255-0072 or visit an ADOT office in person. They can tell you the reason for the suspension and which entity holds the debt.

Once you know who suspended your license, contact that court or agency directly. Most Arizona courts have a collections or fines department. If the suspension is for child support, contact the Arizona Department of Child Support Services. Ask them about setting up a payment plan — this is the critical step. The court or agency must agree to a plan before ADOT can reinstate you.

Payment plans vary by court and agency. Some allow monthly payments as low as $25 to $50. Others base the amount on your income. Ask what documentation they need to set up a plan — usually proof of income or a statement of your financial situation.

What you need to submit to ADOT

Once the court or agency agrees to a payment plan, they will issue a document showing that agreement. Bring this document to an ADOT office or mail it to ADOT along with a completed process for License Reinstatement (Form DL 44R, available on the ADOT website).

You will also need to pay ADOT's reinstatement fee, which is $100. You must provide proof of financial responsibility — this means current auto insurance. If you do not have insurance, you will need to obtain it before ADOT can reinstate your license.

If you have multiple suspensions from different courts or agencies, you will need documentation from each one showing a payment plan is in place. ADOT will not reinstate until all suspensions are addressed.

Timeline and what happens after reinstatement

Once ADOT receives your completed paperwork, reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended. After reinstatement, your license will be valid, but you must follow the payment plan you agreed to with the court or agency.

Missing a payment can result in another suspension. If this happens, you will need to contact the court or agency again to resolve the missed payment before ADOT can reinstate you a second time. Some courts will work with you if you miss a payment due to hardship — call them when ready if you cannot make a payment.

When this law does not explore

The reinstatement law does not cover suspensions for medical reasons, such as failing a vision test or not submitting to a medical evaluation. It also does not cover suspensions related to driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving convictions, or habitual traffic offender designations.

If your suspension is for one of these reasons, you will need to follow a different process specific to that type of suspension. ADOT can explain what steps explore to your situation when you call or visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full amount I owe to get my license back?

No. The law allows you to set up a payment plan instead of paying everything upfront. You must contact the court or agency that suspended your license to arrange the plan, and ADOT will reinstate your license once they confirm the plan is in place.

What if I cannot afford a monthly payment plan?

Contact the court or agency and explain your financial situation. Many courts have hardship programs or can reduce the monthly amount. Some may offer a one-time reduced settlement if you can pay a portion of the debt. Ask specifically about hardship options when you call.

Can I drive while my reinstatement paperwork is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until ADOT officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. Wait for ADOT to confirm reinstatement before driving.

What if my license was suspended for multiple reasons?

You will need to work with each court or agency involved. For example, if you owe traffic fines to one court and child support to the state, you must set up payment plans with both before ADOT can reinstate your license.

Can I reinstate my license online?

No. You must submit paperwork in person at an ADOT office or by mail. Some courts allow you to set up a payment plan online or by phone, but ADOT requires the physical documents and fee before processing reinstatement.