How to reinstate your Arizona license after suspension
To reinstate an Arizona driver's license after suspension, you must contact the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division, pay any outstanding fines or fees, and meet the specific requirements that caused the suspension in the first place. The process differs depending on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or another violation. ADOT will not automatically restore your driving privileges; you must take action and complete all requirements before you can legally drive again.
The first step is always to find out exactly why your license was suspended. You can check your suspension status by calling ADOT at 602-255-0072 or visiting an ADOT office in person. Have your driver's license number ready. The staff member will tell you the suspension reason, what you owe, and what steps you must take to clear it.
Key Takeaways
- Contact ADOT Motor Vehicle Division by phone or in person to learn the specific reason for your suspension and what you must do to clear it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay fines, fees, or court-ordered amounts before ADOT will process reinstatement.
- Some suspensions require proof of completion — such as a defensive driving course, substance abuse treatment, or medical clearance — before you can drive again.
- After you meet all requirements, you must submit a reinstatement request to ADOT, either by mail or in person, along with the required fee.
- Your license will not be active until ADOT processes your request and notifies you in writing that reinstatement is complete.
Common reasons for Arizona license suspension and what each requires
Arizona suspends licenses for many reasons, and each has its own reinstatement path. The most common are unpaid traffic tickets or fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, accumulation of points from traffic violations, and medical conditions that make driving unsafe. Some suspensions are administrative — meaning ADOT suspended your license without a court order — while others are court-ordered.
If your suspension is for unpaid fines or tickets, you must pay the full amount owed to the court or traffic ticket issuer before ADOT will reinstate you. If it is for failure to appear in court, you must resolve the underlying case first — usually by appearing in court or paying the fine. If it is for unpaid child support, the Arizona Department of Child Support Services must notify ADOT that the debt has been paid or a payment plan is in place. For DUI suspensions, you must complete a substance abuse treatment program and install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, depending on the conviction details.
Steps to reinstate your license
Step 1: Confirm your suspension status. Call ADOT at 602-255-0072 or visit an ADOT office. Ask for the suspension reason, the amount owed, and any additional requirements (such as courses or medical clearance). Write down everything they tell you.
Step 2: Complete all requirements. Pay any fines or fees to the court or agency that issued them. If a course is required, register and complete it — ADOT will tell you which courses are accepted. If medical clearance is needed, obtain it from your doctor and have them submit it to ADOT. Keep receipts and completion certificates.
Step 3: Gather your reinstatement documents. You will need your driver's license number, proof of payment for any fines, proof of course completion if applicable, and proof of any other requirement you completed. Some suspensions require an ADOT-issued reinstatement form, which you can request when you call or pick up at an office.
Step 4: Submit your reinstatement request. You can reinstate by mail or in person. By mail, send your documents and the reinstatement fee (currently $50 for most suspensions, though this varies by suspension type) to the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division. By in person, visit any ADOT office with your documents and fee. ADOT will process your request and send written confirmation when your license is active again.
Where to find ADOT offices and contact information
ADOT has multiple Motor Vehicle Division offices throughout Arizona. The main office is located in Phoenix, but you can find a full list of office locations and hours on the ADOT website at azdot.gov. Each office handles reinstatement requests, and you do not need to visit the office where you originally obtained your license.
If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail your reinstatement request to the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division at the address provided on the ADOT website. Include a cover letter stating your name, driver's license number, suspension reason, and what you are enclosing. Mail takes longer than in-person submission — typically two to four weeks — so plan accordingly if you need to drive soon.
You can also call ADOT at 602-255-0072 to ask questions about your specific suspension, request forms by mail, or confirm what documents you need before submitting. The phone line is open during business hours, and staff can often answer questions about fees and timelines for your particular case.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
Arizona charges a reinstatement fee to process your request and restore your driving privileges. The standard fee is $50 for most administrative suspensions. However, some suspension types carry different fees — for example, DUI-related reinstatements may cost more. When you contact ADOT, ask specifically what the fee is for your suspension type.
The reinstatement fee covers ADOT's processing of your request and the issuance of your new license or driving privileges. It does not cover any fines, court costs, or other amounts owed to courts or agencies — those must be paid separately to the entity that issued them. If you are unsure whether you have paid everything owed, ask ADOT to provide a complete list of what must be paid before reinstatement can happen.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
After you submit your reinstatement request and fee, ADOT will review your documents to confirm you have met all requirements. This review typically takes one to three weeks if you submit in person, or two to four weeks if you mail your request. During this time, your license remains suspended and you cannot legally drive.
Once ADOT confirms everything is in order, they will send you written notice that your reinstatement is complete. This notice will include your new license number if it has changed, or confirmation that your original license is now active. You can then legally drive again. If ADOT finds that you have not met all requirements, they will notify you in writing of what is still missing and give you time to complete it.
Do not assume your license is reinstated until you receive written confirmation from ADOT. Driving before your reinstatement is official is illegal and can result in additional penalties, including another suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until ADOT sends you written confirmation that reinstatement is complete. Driving during this period is illegal, even if you have submitted all documents and paid all fees. Wait for the official notice before you drive.
What if I cannot pay the full amount owed right away?
Contact the court or agency that issued the fine to ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay in installments. Once a payment plan is approved, notify ADOT — some suspensions can be lifted while you are on a payment plan, though this varies by case. Call ADOT to ask whether your suspension type allows reinstatement while payments are ongoing.
Do I need a new physical license card after reinstatement?
Not always. If your license was suspended but not expired, your card remains valid and you do not need a new one. If your license expired during the suspension, you will need to renew it separately. ADOT will tell you whether a new card is needed when they process your reinstatement.
What if I moved out of Arizona after my suspension?
You can still reinstate your Arizona license by mail or by contacting ADOT remotely. However, if you now live in another state and want to drive there, you will eventually need to obtain a license from your new state. Reinstate your Arizona license first to clear the suspension, then follow your new state's process for obtaining a license.
How long does reinstatement take if I do everything correctly?
If you submit in person with all required documents and fees, reinstatement typically takes one to three weeks. If you mail your request, allow two to four weeks. Some suspension types may take longer if additional verification is needed. Call ADOT to ask for a timeline specific to your suspension reason.