What happens when your Arizona license is suspended or revoked
Your Arizona driver's license can stop being valid for several reasons: unpaid traffic tickets, too many points on your record, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or not showing up to court. When this happens, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) sends you a notice explaining why and what you need to do to get it back. The process to reinstate depends on why your license was suspended or revoked in the first place.
Reinstatement is not automatic. You have to take specific steps with ADOT, and sometimes with other agencies like the court or the Department of Child Support Enforcement. The time it takes and the cost varies based on the reason for the suspension or revocation.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact ADOT directly to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps are required to reinstate it.
- Different reasons for suspension require different actions — paying fines, completing a DUI program, or clearing a child support debt.
- ADOT charges a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the type of suspension or revocation.
- You cannot legally drive until your license is reinstated, even if you have completed the required steps.
- The reinstatement process typically takes one to two weeks after ADOT receives all required documents and fees.
Finding out why your license was suspended or revoked
Call ADOT's Driver Services Bureau at 602-255-0072 or visit an ADOT office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The representative will tell you the specific reason your license is not valid and what you must do to reinstate it.
You can also check your status online through the ADOT website, though calling is faster if you need when ready answers. Write down everything the representative tells you, including any case numbers, important date, or fees. If your suspension is related to child support or a court case, ADOT will direct you to contact that agency directly.
Steps to reinstate based on the reason for suspension
Traffic violations and points: If your license was suspended because you accumulated too many points or failed to pay a traffic ticket, you must pay the outstanding fine or ticket in full. Contact the court listed on your ticket or call ADOT to confirm the amount owed. Once you pay, ADOT will process your reinstatement.
DUI suspension: A DUI suspension requires more steps. You must complete an alcohol education program (usually a 12-hour or 16-hour course) through an ADOT-approved provider, pay the reinstatement fee, and sometimes provide proof of insurance. The program takes one to two days to complete. ADOT will send you a list of approved providers in your area.
Child support: If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, contact the Department of Child Support Enforcement at 602-252-0554. You must either pay the full amount owed or set up a payment plan. Once child support confirms you are in compliance, they notify ADOT, which then processes your reinstatement.
Failure to appear in court: If you missed a court date, you must contact the court that issued the suspension and resolve the case. This might mean paying a fine, rescheduling your court appearance, or clearing a warrant. Once the court resolves the case, they notify ADOT.
Paying the reinstatement fee
ADOT charges a reinstatement fee that ranges from $50 to $100, depending on the type of suspension or revocation. You pay this fee when you submit your reinstatement request, either in person at an ADOT office, by mail, or online through the ADOT website.
You can pay by check, money order, debit card, or credit card. If you are paying in person, bring your driver's license or ID and the reinstatement fee. If you are paying by mail, include a copy of your notice of suspension and a check or money order made out to ADOT. Mail it to the address listed on your suspension notice.
Submitting your reinstatement request
Once you have completed all required steps — paid fines, finished a DUI program, resolved child support, or cleared a court case — you are ready to submit your reinstatement request to ADOT.
You can reinstate in person at any ADOT office, by mail, or online. In-person reinstatement is fastest; you can often walk out with a temporary license the same day. By mail, allow one to two weeks for processing. Online reinstatement through the ADOT website is also available for some types of suspensions.
Bring or send the following: your driver's license or ID, proof that you completed all required steps (such as a DUI program certificate or court documentation), the reinstatement fee, and a completed reinstatement form if you are mailing your request. ADOT will provide the form or you can read it from their website.
What to expect after you submit your request
ADOT typically processes reinstatement requests within one to two weeks of receiving all required documents and fees. You will receive a notice in the mail confirming that your license has been reinstated. If you submitted your request in person, you may receive a temporary license when ready.
Do not drive until you receive official confirmation that your license is valid again. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is illegal and can result in additional fines, jail time, or a longer suspension. If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, you can request a temporary license from ADOT, though this is only granted in specific circumstances.
If you cannot complete the reinstatement steps right away
If you owe money but cannot pay it all at once, contact the court or agency involved to ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you set up a plan and make the first payment, you can often request a temporary license from ADOT while you continue paying.
If you cannot afford a DUI education program, some ADOT-approved providers offer payment plans or sliding-scale fees based on income. Call providers in your area to ask about options. Do not delay; the longer your license remains suspended, the more difficult it becomes to work and handle other responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have started the reinstatement process?
No. Your license remains invalid until ADOT officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a separate crime and can result in arrest, additional fines, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, contact ADOT about a temporary license, though these are rarely granted.
How long does reinstatement take if I pay everything at once?
If you submit everything in person at an ADOT office, you may receive a temporary license the same day. Official reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks by mail. Online reinstatement is usually processed within a few business days.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended?
Call ADOT at 602-255-0072 or visit an office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The representative will explain the reason and tell you exactly what you need to do to reinstate it.
Do I have to take a new written or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new test. You only need to complete the steps specific to why your license was suspended — paying fines, finishing a DUI program, or resolving a court case — and pay the reinstatement fee.
What if my license was suspended for multiple reasons?
You must resolve all of them before ADOT will reinstate your license. Contact ADOT to get a complete list of what needs to be done. Once you have addressed each issue, submit your reinstatement request with proof that everything is resolved.