Get a replacement license by visiting an Arizona Department of Transportation office in person with proof of identity and residency
You cannot replace a lost Arizona driver's license online or by mail. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) requires you to appear in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office with specific documents. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You will pay a replacement fee of $12 for a standard five-year license or $24 for a ten-year license. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency — the office will not issue a replacement without all three.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office in person; there is no online or mail-in replacement option.
- Bring one form of government-issued photo ID (passport, tribal ID, military ID, or birth certificate with a photo ID), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number.
- The replacement fee is $12 for a five-year license or $24 for a ten-year license, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the transaction at the office.
Gather the documents you need before visiting the office
ADOT requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for identity documents.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a tribal ID card, a military ID card, a U.S. birth certificate paired with a photo ID from a government agency, or a valid foreign passport with a U.S. visa. If you have none of these, you will need to visit the office with an ADOT representative to discuss alternatives.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a government agency letter. A piece of mail from ADOT itself also works.
Write down your Social Security number before you go. You do not need to bring a card or document — you will enter it at the office.
Find the nearest ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office
ADOT operates Motor Vehicle Division offices in most Arizona cities and towns. Visit azdot.gov and select "Find a Location" under the Motor Vehicle Division section. Enter your city or ZIP code to see office hours, addresses, and whether the office accepts walk-ins or requires an appointment.
Most offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary. Offices in Phoenix, Tucson, and other large cities often have longer lines during midday and early afternoon. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon typically means shorter waits. If your local office takes appointments, you can book one through the same website.
Some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days. Check the specific office's schedule before you go — this prevents a wasted trip.
Complete the process at the office
When you arrive, tell the staff member you need a replacement license for a lost document. They will hand you Form DL 44 (process for Arizona Driver License) or direct you to a kiosk where you can fill it out digitally. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you want a standard or enhanced license.
An enhanced license costs the same as a standard license but allows you to enter Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries by land or sea without a passport. Most people choose the standard license. If you are unsure, ask the staff member what you currently held.
After you submit the form, a staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect your fee. You will receive a receipt showing your transaction number and the expected mail date for your new license.
What to expect while your replacement license is mailed
Your new license will arrive at the address you provided on the process within 7 to 10 business days. ADOT does not send licenses by overnight mail, and you cannot pick one up at the office — all replacements are mailed.
If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact ADOT at 602-255-0072 (Phoenix area) or 1-888-373-4828 (statewide). Have your transaction receipt ready. ADOT can check whether the license was mailed and provide a tracking update.
Until your replacement arrives, you can use the receipt from the office as temporary proof of your license status if you are stopped by law enforcement. Keep it in your wallet.
Handle a lost license if you also lost your vehicle registration
If you lost both your driver's license and your vehicle registration, you will need to visit two different ADOT divisions. The Motor Vehicle Division handles driver's licenses (as described above). The Vehicle Services Division handles registration replacements and is often located in the same building or nearby.
Bring your vehicle's VIN (visible on the dashboard or registration documents if you have a copy), proof of ownership (title, loan documents, or insurance card), and proof of residency. The Vehicle Services Division will issue a replacement registration, which also arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee for a replacement registration is $5.
Replace your license if you also need a new address or name change
If your address or legal name has changed since your lost license was issued, tell the staff member at the office. You can update your address during the replacement process at no extra cost. A legal name change requires additional documents: a certified copy of a court order, a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree.
Bring the name-change document along with your identity and residency documents. The process takes the same amount of time, and the fee remains $12 or $24 depending on the license type you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license to drive while I wait for my replacement?
No. Arizona does not issue temporary licenses. The receipt you receive at the office serves as proof that you have applied for a replacement, but it is not a valid driving document. If you need to drive before your license arrives, contact your insurance company to ask whether they will cover you with the receipt as proof of licensure.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You must visit an ADOT office in Arizona to request a replacement. If you are currently out of state, you can wait until you return to Arizona, or you can ask a family member or trusted person to visit the office on your behalf with a notarized power of attorney form. ADOT requires the person representing you to bring the power of attorney, your identity documents, and your residency documents.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to get a replacement?
No. A replacement for a lost license does not require any test. You are straightforward getting a duplicate of the license you already held. If your license was suspended or revoked, you would need to complete additional steps, but a lost license replacement is straightforward.
What if my address on file is no longer correct?
Update your address during the replacement process. Tell the staff member your current address, and they will print it on your new license. You will need to bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or other document dated within the last 60 days). The address update is included in the replacement fee.
Can I request a duplicate license instead of waiting for the mail?
No. ADOT does not issue licenses on-site. All replacements are mailed to your address on file. If you need a license urgently, the only option is to wait for the mail delivery, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days.