How Arizona reinstates a revoked license
A revoked license in Arizona means the Department of Transportation (ADOT) has permanently cancelled your driving privilege, and you cannot straightforward renew it. To drive legally again, you must go through a reinstatement process that involves paying fees, meeting specific requirements based on why your license was revoked, and in many cases obtaining an SR-22 insurance certificate before ADOT will restore your privilege.
The reinstatement process is not automatic — you have to request it, and ADOT will review whether you have met all conditions. The timeline and cost depend on the reason for revocation. A revocation for a DUI conviction, for example, has different requirements than a revocation for unpaid traffic fines or medical reasons.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact ADOT directly to request reinstatement; your license will not automatically restore after a waiting period.
- Most revocations require you to pay a reinstatement fee (typically $250 to $500) and provide proof of SR-22 insurance before ADOT will act.
- DUI-related revocations have additional requirements such as completion of a substance abuse screening or education program, depending on your record.
- You can check the reason for your revocation and current status by contacting ADOT's Driver Services or checking your record online through their website.
- Once ADOT approves reinstatement, you may need to pass a written test, vision test, or both before receiving a new license.
Finding out why your license was revoked
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the specific reason ADOT revoked it. The reason determines what steps you must complete. Common reasons include a DUI or impaired driving conviction, accumulation of points from traffic violations, unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered restitution, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to ADOT, or failure to maintain insurance.
You can find this information by contacting ADOT's Driver Services Bureau at 602-255-0072 or visiting an ADOT office in person. You can also check your driving record online through the ADOT website — you will need to provide your driver's license number and date of birth. Having this information before you start the reinstatement process will save time and help you understand exactly what you need to do.
Paying the reinstatement fee and obtaining SR-22 insurance
Nearly all revocations require you to pay a reinstatement fee to ADOT. This fee is separate from any fines or restitution you may owe to a court. The reinstatement fee ranges from $250 to $500 depending on the reason for revocation and whether it is your first revocation. You can pay this fee by mail, in person at an ADOT office, or online through the ADOT website.
If your revocation was related to a DUI, reckless driving, or certain other violations, Arizona law requires you to carry SR-22 insurance before ADOT will reinstate your license. SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you have liability insurance. You obtain it by contacting an insurance company licensed to sell in Arizona and asking them to file the SR-22 form with ADOT on your behalf. This is not a separate insurance policy — it is an endorsement added to your existing auto insurance. The insurance company charges a filing fee (typically $15 to $25) in addition to your regular insurance premium.
You must have the SR-22 in place before you submit your reinstatement request. ADOT will not process your request without proof that the SR-22 has been filed.
Meeting DUI-specific reinstatement requirements
If your license was revoked because of a DUI or extreme DUI conviction, you have additional requirements beyond the fee and SR-22. Arizona requires completion of a substance abuse screening or education program before reinstatement. The specific program depends on whether this is your first DUI and the level of your conviction.
For a first DUI, you typically must complete an alcohol education program (usually 8 to 16 hours). For a second or subsequent DUI within seven years, you may be required to complete a more intensive substance abuse treatment program. You must obtain proof of completion from the program provider and submit it to ADOT along with your reinstatement request.
Some DUI revocations also include a mandatory waiting period before you can request reinstatement. A first DUI revocation typically requires a minimum waiting period of 12 months from the date of revocation. A second DUI within seven years may have a longer waiting period. Check with ADOT or your court paperwork to confirm the waiting period that applies to your case.
Submitting your reinstatement request to ADOT
Once you have met all the requirements for your specific reason of revocation, you submit a reinstatement request to ADOT. You can do this by mail, in person at an ADOT office, or online through the ADOT website. Your request must include the reinstatement fee, proof of SR-22 insurance (if required), proof of any required education or treatment programs, and any court documents or proof of payment related to your revocation.
Include a cover letter that clearly states you are requesting reinstatement of your driving privilege and lists all documents you are enclosing. Keep copies of everything you send. ADOT will review your request and notify you by mail whether your reinstatement has been approved or denied. This review typically takes two to four weeks.
Testing and receiving your new license
If ADOT approves your reinstatement request, you will receive a notice in the mail. This notice does not mean you can drive yet — it means ADOT has restored your driving privilege, and you must now obtain a new license document. Depending on your situation, you may need to pass a written test, a vision test, or both before receiving your new license.
Schedule an appointment at an ADOT office to take any required tests and receive your new license. Bring the approval notice from ADOT, a valid form of identification, and proof of your current address. If you are required to take a written test, study the Arizona Driver License Manual beforehand — it covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Once you pass any required tests, ADOT will issue you a new license on the spot.
What to do if your reinstatement request is denied
ADOT may deny your reinstatement request if you have not met all requirements, if you still owe court-ordered restitution or child support, or if your SR-22 insurance has lapsed. The denial notice will explain the reason. Review the notice carefully to understand what is still missing.
If you believe the denial is incorrect, you can request a hearing before the Administrative Hearings Division. You have 15 days from the date of the denial notice to request a hearing. Contact ADOT's Driver Services Bureau to learn how to file a hearing request. If the issue is unpaid court fines or restitution, you may need to work with the court or a payment plan before ADOT will reconsider your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a revoked license in Arizona?
The process typically takes four to eight weeks from the time you submit your complete reinstatement request. ADOT usually reviews requests within two to four weeks, and then you must schedule an appointment to take any required tests and receive your new license. If your request is incomplete or missing documents, the timeline will be longer.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being reviewed?
No. Your license remains revoked until ADOT officially approves your reinstatement request and you receive written notice. Driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense in Arizona and can result in additional penalties, fines, and jail time.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee or SR-22 insurance?
ADOT does not waive or reduce reinstatement fees. However, some insurance companies offer low-cost SR-22 options, and you can contact multiple insurers to compare prices. If you are struggling financially, you may be able to set up a payment plan with ADOT for the reinstatement fee — contact Driver Services to ask about this option.
Do I need a new written test if my license was revoked for unpaid fines rather than a DUI?
It depends on how long your license has been revoked. If your revocation has been in effect for more than one year, ADOT may require you to retake the written test. Contact ADOT to confirm what tests, if any, you will need to pass before receiving your new license.
What happens if my SR-22 insurance lapses after reinstatement?
If you are required to carry SR-22 and your insurance lapses or is cancelled, ADOT will be notified automatically. Your license will be suspended again. You must maintain continuous SR-22 coverage for the period required by law (typically three years for a DUI). If your insurance lapses, contact your insurance company when ready to reinstate it and notify ADOT.