Arizona requires an alcohol screening or evaluation before you can reinstate a suspended license tied to DUI or alcohol-related violations
If your Arizona driver's license was suspended because of a DUI conviction, a refusal to take a breath or blood test, or multiple alcohol-related traffic violations, the state will not return your license until you complete an alcohol screening or treatment program. The specific test or program depends on your violation type, how many prior offenses you have, and whether you're seeking a restricted license (which allows driving to work or treatment) or full reinstatement.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) does not conduct these screenings itself. Instead, you must go to a provider approved by the state — usually a substance abuse counselor, treatment facility, or DUI education program — who will assess your relationship with alcohol and report the results back to ADOT. Without that report, your license stays suspended, even if you've paid fines or completed jail time.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona requires an alcohol screening from a state-approved provider before any DUI-related license suspension can be lifted.
- A first-time DUI typically requires a screening and a 16-hour DUI education program; repeat offenses require longer treatment or counseling.
- You can find approved providers through ADOT's website or by contacting your local DUI education program directly.
- The screening itself usually costs between $100 and $300, and treatment programs cost more depending on length and intensity.
- You must complete the screening and submit proof to ADOT before requesting reinstatement; the state does not automatically lift the suspension.
What type of alcohol test or program you need depends on your violation
Arizona law distinguishes between different DUI scenarios, and each carries different screening requirements. A first-time DUI conviction requires a screening and completion of a 16-hour DUI education program. A second DUI within seven years requires a screening plus a longer program (usually 36 hours of education or more) and often counseling. A third or subsequent DUI within ten years typically requires a screening, a longer program, and mandatory substance abuse treatment — sometimes inpatient.
If your suspension came from a refusal to take a breath or blood test (called an "implied consent" refusal), you still need a screening, though the specific requirements may differ slightly from a conviction-based suspension. If you have multiple alcohol-related violations but no DUI conviction — for example, two reckless driving charges involving alcohol — ADOT may require a screening before reinstatement as well.
The screening itself is not a pass-or-fail test in the traditional sense. Instead, a counselor will interview you about your drinking history, any prior treatment, your family history, and the circumstances of your violation. They will then recommend a level of care: no further treatment needed, completion of an education program, outpatient counseling, or inpatient treatment. ADOT uses this recommendation to decide whether you can be reinstated and under what conditions.
How to find an approved alcohol screening provider in Arizona
ADOT maintains a list of approved DUI education and screening providers on its website under the Driver Services section. You can search by county or by provider name. Most providers offer both the screening and the education program at the same location, which simplifies the process. Some are nonprofit organizations; others are private counseling firms.
When you contact a provider, tell them your violation type and ask whether they handle screenings for your specific situation. Some providers specialize in first-time offenders; others focus on repeat offenders or court-ordered treatment. Ask about their schedule, cost, and whether they can submit results directly to ADOT or whether you will need to request and mail the paperwork yourself.
If you cannot find a provider near you or have questions about which provider to choose, you can contact ADOT's Driver Services Bureau directly. They can confirm which providers are currently approved and active in your area. Wait times to schedule a screening vary; some providers can see you within a week, while others may have a longer queue, especially in urban areas.
The cost of alcohol screening and education programs
An alcohol screening alone typically costs between $100 and $300, depending on the provider and the depth of the assessment. A 16-hour DUI education program (required for most first-time offenses) usually costs between $300 and $600. Longer programs for repeat offenses cost more — a 36-hour program may run $600 to $1,200. Counseling or treatment beyond the education program is billed separately and can range from $50 to $150 per session.
These costs are your responsibility; ADOT does not cover them, and they are separate from any fines, restitution, or court costs ordered by the court. Some providers offer payment plans if the full cost is difficult to pay upfront. A few nonprofits may offer reduced fees based on income, though this is not may provide. Ask about payment options when you call to schedule.
What happens after you complete the screening and program
Once you finish the screening and any required education or treatment program, the provider will send a completion certificate and the screening results to ADOT. You do not need to mail anything yourself in most cases — the provider handles it. However, confirm with your provider that they will submit the paperwork directly; if they do not, ask for copies so you can submit them yourself.
ADOT will review the paperwork and, if everything is in order, will send you a notice that your license suspension has been lifted. This can take two to four weeks after the provider submits the paperwork. You can then go to an ADOT office or an authorized third-party driver license office to renew or reinstate your license. Bring your ID and be prepared to pay the reinstatement fee, which varies but is typically $100 to $150.
If you were driving on a restricted license (which allows driving to work, school, or treatment), your full driving privileges will be restored once the suspension is lifted. If you were completely suspended, you will regain the right to drive once you complete the reinstatement process at the ADOT office.
Restricted licenses and early reinstatement options
Arizona allows some drivers to request a restricted license while their suspension is still in effect. A restricted license lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, or alcohol treatment — but nowhere else. To get a restricted license, you must request one from ADOT and show proof that you have begun or completed an alcohol screening or treatment program.
The screening itself does not automatically grant you a restricted license. Instead, ADOT uses the screening results and your circumstances to decide whether a restricted license is appropriate. If the screening recommends treatment, you may be required to show proof that you have enrolled in treatment before the restricted license is issued. Some drivers can get a restricted license within days of requesting one; others must wait until they have completed part of their program.
Early reinstatement of a full license is possible in some cases, but it is rare and requires a petition to the court that suspended your license, not just ADOT. You would need to show that the suspension causes undue hardship and that you have completed your screening and begun treatment. An attorney can advise whether this is an option in your situation.
Common reasons reinstatement is delayed or denied
The most common reason reinstatement is delayed is that the screening or program provider has not yet submitted paperwork to ADOT. If you completed your program weeks ago and have not heard from ADOT, contact the provider to confirm they sent the results. If they did not, ask them to do so when ready or request copies to submit yourself.
Reinstatement can also be delayed if ADOT finds an error or incomplete information in the paperwork — for example, if the provider did not sign the form or did not include your driver's license number. ADOT will contact you if this happens, but the process can take several weeks. Check your mailing address with ADOT to make sure notices reach you.
In rare cases, ADOT may deny reinstatement if the screening results show that you need a higher level of care than you have completed. For example, if the screening recommends inpatient treatment but you only completed an outpatient program, ADOT may require you to complete the recommended level before your license is reinstated. This is not a denial of reinstatement forever, but a condition you must meet first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my license back without doing an alcohol screening?
No. Arizona law requires an alcohol screening before any DUI-related suspension can be lifted. There is no exception or waiver. If you do not complete a screening, your suspension remains in effect indefinitely.
Does the screening test whether I am sober right now?
No. The screening is an interview and assessment of your drinking history and patterns, not a breath or blood test. It does not measure your current blood alcohol level. It is designed to determine whether you need treatment and what level of care is appropriate.
What if I disagree with the screening results or the provider's recommendation?
You can request a second screening from a different approved provider. ADOT will consider both results. If you believe the screening was conducted improperly, you can file a complaint with ADOT's Driver Services Bureau, though this does not automatically change the results. An attorney can advise whether you have grounds to challenge the screening in court.
How long does the whole process take from screening to getting my license back?
The screening itself usually takes one to two hours. The education program takes place over several weeks (a 16-hour program might be spread across four to eight sessions). After you finish, allow two to four weeks for the provider to submit paperwork and ADOT to process it. Total time is typically two to four months, though it can be faster or slower depending on the provider's schedule and ADOT's workload.
Do I have to do the screening and program in the same place?
No. You can do your screening at one provider and your education program at another, as long as both are ADOT-approved. However, most people do both at the same place for convenience. Confirm with each provider that they will accept paperwork from the other if you split them up.