Arizona reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended
The cost to reinstate your Arizona driver's license ranges from $50 to $300, depending on the reason for suspension. Administrative suspensions (usually for unpaid traffic tickets or failure to appear in court) cost $50. DUI-related suspensions cost $250. Suspensions tied to medical conditions or failure to pay child support fall somewhere in between. You must pay the reinstatement fee to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) before your license becomes valid again.
The reinstatement fee is separate from any other fines, court costs, or restitution you may owe. If your suspension resulted from unpaid traffic citations, you will need to resolve those separately — often through the court that issued them. If it was a DUI suspension, you may also need to complete a substance abuse screening or treatment program before ADOT will process your reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- Administrative suspensions cost $50 to reinstate; DUI suspensions cost $250.
- You must pay the reinstatement fee to ADOT before your license is restored, separate from any court fines or restitution.
- Some suspensions require you to complete programs (like DUI education) or resolve underlying issues (like unpaid child support) before reinstatement is possible.
- You can pay the reinstatement fee online through ADOT's website, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.
How to find out your exact reinstatement cost
ADOT maintains a suspension record for every driver. To find your specific reinstatement fee, you need to know the reason your license was suspended. You can check your driving record through ADOT's online portal or by visiting a Motor Vehicle Division office in person.
When you request your driving record, it will list every suspension on file, the date it began, and the reason. The reason code determines the fee. If you are unsure whether your license is currently suspended, checking your record is the fastest way to confirm. ADOT's website allows you to order a copy of your driving record for a small fee (typically $5 to $10), or you can request it in person at no charge.
Reinstatement fees by suspension type
| Suspension Reason | Reinstatement Fee | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid traffic ticket or failure to appear | $50 | Resolve the underlying citation or court case |
| DUI or impaired driving | $250 | Complete substance abuse screening; may require treatment or education program |
| Failure to pay child support | $100 | Resolve arrears or enter payment agreement with child support agency |
| Medical suspension (vision, seizure, or cognitive condition) | $75 | Obtain medical clearance from your doctor; submit to ADOT |
| Habitual traffic offender designation | $300 | Meet all other requirements; may require court approval |
What you must do before paying the reinstatement fee
Paying the fee alone does not restore your license. You must first resolve the underlying reason for suspension. For traffic-related suspensions, this means paying the fine or appearing in court. For DUI suspensions, you must complete a substance abuse screening through a certified provider and, depending on the results, enroll in an education or treatment program. ADOT will not process your reinstatement until it receives proof that you have completed these steps.
If your suspension was medical in nature, you will need a letter from your doctor stating that the condition no longer prevents safe driving. If it was related to child support, you must contact the Arizona Department of Child Support Services to resolve the arrears or set up a payment plan. Once you have completed all requirements, you can then submit the reinstatement fee and your documentation to ADOT.
How to submit your reinstatement fee
ADOT accepts reinstatement payments through three methods: online, by mail, or in person. The online option is fastest — you can pay through ADOT's website using a credit or debit card, and your license may be reinstated within one to two business days if all other requirements are met. Payment by mail takes longer (typically five to seven business days) and requires you to send a check or money order along with a completed reinstatement form to the address listed on ADOT's website.
If you prefer to pay in person, you can visit any Motor Vehicle Division office during business hours. Bring your driver's license (if you have it), proof of payment for any underlying fines or court costs, and documentation that you have completed any required programs. Staff can process your payment on the spot, though your license may not be when ready reinstated if ADOT needs to verify your completion of other requirements.
Timeline for reinstatement after payment
Once ADOT receives your reinstatement fee and confirms that all other requirements are met, your license is usually restored within one to two business days for online payments. Mail payments take longer because ADOT must receive and process the check, which typically adds three to five business days. In-person payments are processed when ready, but your physical license card may take one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
During the reinstatement period, you cannot legally drive. If you need to drive before your license is restored, you may be able to request a temporary driving permit from ADOT, though this is not always granted and depends on the reason for suspension. Check with ADOT directly about whether a permit is possible in your situation.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Arizona is a criminal offense. A first violation is a class 3 misdemeanor, which can result in fines up to $500, jail time, and additional license suspension. A second violation within five years is a class 2 misdemeanor with steeper penalties. These charges are separate from the original suspension and will make reinstatement more difficult and expensive.
If you are stopped while your license is suspended, the officer will likely impound your vehicle. You will then face towing and storage fees in addition to any criminal charges. For this reason, it is important to resolve your suspension as quickly as possible rather than continuing to drive illegally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while waiting for reinstatement?
ADOT may issue a temporary driving permit in limited circumstances, but it depends on the reason for your suspension. DUI suspensions almost never may have access to for a temporary permit. Administrative suspensions sometimes do if you can show hardship. Contact ADOT directly or visit a Motor Vehicle Division office to ask whether a permit is available in your case.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
ADOT does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension is related to unpaid traffic fines or child support, the court or child support agency may allow you to set up a payment plan. Once you have resolved those underlying debts, you can then pay the reinstatement fee. Contact the relevant court or agency to discuss your options.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
You do not need a lawyer to pay the reinstatement fee or submit the paperwork. However, if your suspension is tied to a criminal case (like a DUI) or if you are unsure whether you have met all requirements, speaking with a lawyer may help you avoid mistakes that delay reinstatement. Many legal aid organizations in Arizona offer free or low-cost consultations.
Will my reinstatement fee be refunded if I move out of Arizona?
No. Once you pay the reinstatement fee, it is not refunded. If you move to another state, you will need to obtain a license from that state, but your Arizona suspension will remain on your record if you ever return to Arizona.
How long does a suspension stay on my driving record?
Suspension periods vary. Administrative suspensions typically last until you resolve the underlying citation. DUI suspensions last a minimum of 90 days for a first offense, but can extend to one year or longer depending on the circumstances. Once the suspension period ends and you pay the reinstatement fee, the suspension is lifted, but the incident remains on your driving record for several years.