Get a replacement license at an Arizona MVD office with your ID and payment
You can replace a lost Arizona driver's license in person at any Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office. You'll need to bring a valid form of ID, proof of your Social Security number, and a payment method. The replacement license costs $12 and takes about 15 minutes at the counter, though you may wait longer depending on how busy the office is that day.
Arizona does not offer online replacement for lost licenses, and you cannot mail in a replacement request. You must appear in person at an MVD office, show your identity, and pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an Arizona MVD office in person with valid ID and proof of your Social Security number to replace a lost license.
- The replacement fee is $12, and the process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at the office on the same day.
- If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the MVD office.
- Bring your Social Security card, passport, military ID, or tribal ID as proof of identity — a birth certificate alone is not enough.
What documents to bring to the MVD office
Bring one valid form of ID that shows your name and date of birth. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, military ID, tribal ID, or passport card. A birth certificate by itself does not count as valid ID for this transaction.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card is the easiest option, but you can also bring a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form that shows your full SSN. If you don't have your Social Security card and can't find any of these documents, call the MVD ahead of time to ask what other proof they will accept.
Bring a payment method for the $12 fee. MVD offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have ATMs on-site, but don't count on it — bring cash or a card.
Finding an MVD office near you and checking wait times
Arizona has MVD offices in most cities and towns. Visit azdot.gov/mvd and click "Office Locations" to find the office closest to you, see their hours, and check current wait times. Many offices publish live wait times on their website, updated every 15 to 30 minutes.
Smaller towns and rural areas may have fewer offices and longer waits. If you live far from an MVD office, plan to go early in the morning or on a weekday rather than a Friday or Saturday, when offices are busiest. Some offices close for lunch, so check the hours before you go.
You do not need an appointment for a license replacement. Walk-ins are accepted at all MVD offices, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during peak times.
Getting a temporary paper license if you need to drive when ready
If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, ask the MVD staff for a temporary paper license when you submit your replacement request. This temporary document is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
The temporary license is printed on the spot and given to you before you leave the office. It is not a separate fee — it comes with your replacement request. Keep it with you whenever you drive, because it is your only proof of a valid license until your permanent one arrives.
If your temporary license expires before your permanent one arrives, return to the MVD office and ask for an extension. Extensions are usually granted if your permanent license is still in the mail.
What happens after you pay and leave the office
After you complete the transaction at the MVD office, your new license will be mailed to the address on file with your old license. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You will not receive a tracking number or email notification — the license will straightforward arrive in your mailbox.
If you moved recently and your address on file is outdated, tell the MVD staff before you leave the office. They can update your address so your new license goes to the correct location. If you realize after you leave that your address is wrong, call the MVD customer service line at 602-255-0072 to request an address change, though this may delay your license by a few extra days.
Once your license arrives, sign the back of it in blue or black ink. Your old lost license is no longer valid and should be destroyed.
If your license was lost in another state or country
If you lost your Arizona license while traveling out of state or abroad, you still must visit an Arizona MVD office to replace it. You cannot replace it at an MVD office in another state, and no other state's DMV can process an Arizona replacement.
If you are stranded far from home and need to drive, contact the Arizona MVD at 602-255-0072 to ask about emergency options. In rare cases, they may issue a temporary license by phone or mail, though this is not standard procedure. Your best option is usually to travel to the nearest Arizona MVD office or wait until you return to Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail or online?
No. Arizona requires you to appear in person at an MVD office with valid ID. You cannot mail in a replacement request or complete the process online. However, you can call ahead to confirm the office has the documents you plan to bring and ask about current wait times.
What if I don't have my Social Security card?
Bring a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form that shows your full Social Security number instead. If you don't have any of these, call the MVD at 602-255-0072 before you go to ask what other documents they will accept as proof of your SSN.
How long does the replacement license take to arrive?
Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days to the address on file. If you need to drive before it arrives, request a temporary paper license at the MVD office — it's valid for 30 days and is printed on the spot at no extra cost.
What if my license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?
Contact the MVD at 602-255-0072 or visit an office in person to report the error. They will issue a replacement at no additional charge. Bring your damaged or incorrect license with you if you go in person.
Do I need to renew my license while I'm replacing it?
No. A replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in three years, your replacement will also expire in three years. You only pay the $12 replacement fee, not a renewal fee.