Where to go and what you need to bring

To replace your Arizona driver's license, you will go to an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person. Arizona does not allow you to replace a license by mail or online — you must appear at a location with your documents and have your photo taken.

Before you go, gather these documents: your current Arizona driver's license (or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form works), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document showing that change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You do not need an appointment at most ADOT offices, but you can make one online at azdot.gov if you want to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours, which vary by location — most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person with your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your address.
  • The replacement fee is $12 for a standard five-year license or $24 for a ten-year license in Arizona.
  • You can make an appointment online at azdot.gov to skip the walk-in line, though appointments are not required.
  • Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your visit.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, report it to ADOT during your replacement visit so they can flag the old one as invalid.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at the ADOT office, you will check in and wait to be called. The staff member will review your documents, ask you to sign a form, and take a new photo of you for the license. The photo must meet specific requirements: you must face the camera directly, remove sunglasses and hats, and show a neutral expression. If you wear glasses, you can keep them on as long as they do not have a glare or tint.

The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents. If you are missing something, the staff will tell you what you need to bring back. You will pay the replacement fee at this time — $12 for a five-year license or $24 for a ten-year license. ADOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

After you pay, you will receive a receipt with a temporary license number on it. This receipt is not a valid license for driving — you cannot use it to drive until your new physical license arrives. If you need to drive before your new license comes, you will have to use your old license if it is still valid, or request a temporary paper license at the office.

How long it takes and what to do while you wait

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at your ADOT visit. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the day you completed your visit. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited mail at the office for an additional fee, though this option is not always available at every location.

During the waiting period, you can still drive using your old license as long as it has not expired. If your old license has already expired, ask the ADOT staff whether you can get a temporary paper license to use while your replacement arrives. Some offices issue these on the spot; others may not have them available.

If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact ADOT to report it. You can call the main ADOT office or visit azdot.gov to find the phone number for your local office. Have your receipt from your visit ready when you call.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license was lost or stolen, the replacement process is the same — you still visit an ADOT office with your documents and pay the replacement fee. The difference is that you should tell the staff member that your license was lost or stolen so they can mark the old license as invalid in the system. This prevents someone else from using your old license number.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can still use it to drive while you wait for your replacement. If it is so damaged that you cannot read the information on it, treat it as a lost license and report it to ADOT during your visit.

You do not need to file a police report to replace a lost or stolen license, though you may want to do so if you are concerned about identity theft. ADOT's job is only to issue you a new license, not to investigate the loss.

Special situations: name changes and address updates

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. ADOT will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. You will still pay the standard replacement fee.

If you are replacing your license because you moved and need to update your address, you can do that during the same visit. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Your new license will show your current address.

If you only need to change your address without replacing your license, you can do that online at azdot.gov or by mail. A replacement is not required just to update where you live.

Finding your nearest ADOT office

ADOT has offices in most Arizona cities and towns. To find the one closest to you, go to azdot.gov and use their office locator tool. You can search by city or zip code, and the results will show you the address, phone number, and hours for each location.

Major cities like Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Chandler have multiple offices. If one location has a long wait time, you can visit a different one — your documents and fee are the same no matter which office you choose. Some smaller towns may only have one office or may share a location with another government service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is not expired yet?

Yes. You can replace your license at any time for any reason — you do not have to wait until it expires. You will pay the same replacement fee as you would for a license that has already expired.

What if I do not have proof of my Social Security number?

You must bring one of these documents: a Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return. If you do not have any of these, contact ADOT before your visit to ask what other documents they will accept. You cannot complete your replacement without proof of your Social Security number.

Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to replace my license?

No. A replacement license is a new physical card with the same driving privileges as your old one. You do not take any tests. If your license was suspended or revoked, you would need to go through a different process to restore it, but a straightforward replacement does not require testing.

Can someone else pick up my new license for me?

No. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at your ADOT visit. You cannot have someone pick it up at the office. If you need to change the mailing address after your visit, contact ADOT as soon as possible to update it before your license ships.

What if my new license arrives with a mistake on it?

Contact ADOT right away with your receipt and the incorrect license. You will need to return to an ADOT office to correct the error. Depending on the type of mistake, ADOT may issue a corrected license at no charge or may charge you another replacement fee — ask when you call.