You can replace a lost Arizona driver's license in person at an MVD office or by mail, depending on how quickly you need it
Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) handles lost license replacements through two main routes: in-person at a local office (fastest, usually same-day or within days) or by mail (slower, takes two to three weeks). You'll need to prove your identity and Arizona residency, pay a replacement fee, and provide your current address. The in-person route is faster if you need to drive when ready; the mail route works if you can wait and prefer not to visit an office.
Arizona does not issue temporary paper licenses while you wait for a replacement, so plan accordingly. If you need to drive before your new card arrives, you have limited options — some employers or rental car companies may accept a police report of the lost license plus other ID, but policies vary.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at an MVD office typically takes one to five business days and costs $12 for a standard license or $17 for an enhanced license.
- Mail replacement takes two to three weeks and requires you to submit a completed form, proof of identity, proof of residency, and payment by check or money order.
- You must bring original documents or certified copies to an MVD office; photocopies alone are not accepted.
- Arizona does not issue temporary licenses, so if you need to drive before your replacement arrives, contact your employer or insurance company about alternatives.
In-Person Replacement at an MVD Office
Walking into an MVD office with proof of identity and residency is the fastest way to get a replacement license. Bring your Social Security number (or a document showing it), one form of government-issued photo ID (passport, tribal ID, military ID, or an expired Arizona license), and one document proving your current Arizona address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or property tax record — all dated within 60 days). The office will take a new photo, process your request, and issue a replacement card on the spot or within a few business days depending on the office's workload.
The replacement fee is $12 for a standard license or $17 for an enhanced license (which allows entry to federal facilities). Payment is cash, debit, or credit card at most offices. You do not need an appointment at most MVD locations, but wait times vary by office and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter lines than afternoons or weekends.
Find your nearest MVD office and current wait times on the Arizona MVD website. Some offices are busier than others; if your local office has a long wait, you can visit a different one in your region.
Mail Replacement for Lost Licenses
If you cannot visit an MVD office, you can request a replacement by mail. read the process for Duplicate Driver License or Identification Card (Form 40-1002) from the Arizona MVD website, complete it, and mail it with proof of identity, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the date MVD receives your packet. You cannot track the status of a mail replacement online, but you can call the MVD customer service line to confirm receipt and estimated completion date. Mail your packet to the address on the form; sending it to the wrong address will delay processing.
Acceptable proof of identity for mail replacement includes a certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, tribal ID, military ID, or an expired Arizona license. Acceptable proof of residency is the same as for in-person: a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or property tax record dated within 60 days. Do not send original documents; send certified copies or documents you can afford to lose, as MVD does not return them.
What to Do If You Cannot Wait for a Replacement
Arizona does not issue temporary licenses or paper permits while you wait for a replacement card. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, your options are limited and depend on your situation.
Some employers allow employees to drive for work using a police report of the lost license plus another form of ID (such as a passport or employee badge). Rental car companies have varying policies; some will rent to you with a police report and credit card, while others require a valid license. Call ahead before visiting a rental counter. Insurance companies do not typically issue temporary documentation, but your policy remains valid even without a physical card — you can show your policy number or digital proof of insurance on your phone.
If you need a police report for employment or rental purposes, contact your local police department's non-emergency line. They can file a report of the lost license, which you can then use as supporting documentation with employers or rental agencies.
Documents You Need for In-Person or Mail Replacement
| Document Type | In-Person Requirement | Mail Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Original government-issued photo ID (passport, tribal ID, military ID, or expired AZ license) | Certified copy of birth certificate, passport, tribal ID, military ID, or expired AZ license | Photocopies are not accepted for mail; originals required in person |
| Proof of Residency | Original utility bill, lease, bank statement, or property tax record (dated within 60 days) | Copy of utility bill, lease, bank statement, or property tax record (dated within 60 days) | Address must match your current residence |
| Social Security Number | Verbal or on a document you bring | Written on the process form | Required for all replacements |
| Payment | Cash, debit, or credit card ($12 or $17) | Check or money order ($12 or $17) | Do not send cash by mail |
Fees and Processing Times by Method
In-person replacement costs $12 for a standard driver's license or $17 for an enhanced license. Processing happens when ready or within one to five business days depending on office workload. You pay at the counter with cash, debit, or credit card.
Mail replacement costs the same ($12 or $17) but requires a check or money order. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date MVD receives your packet. If your check is returned for insufficient funds or other reasons, MVD will contact you and your replacement will be delayed.
If you need your license faster than mail allows but cannot visit an office in person, in-person replacement at any Arizona MVD office is your only option. There is no expedited mail service for lost license replacements.
What Happens If Your License Was Stolen or Used Fraudulently
If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, or if you suspect it has been used fraudulently, file a police report before requesting a replacement. Provide the report number to MVD when you explore in person or include a copy with your mail process. This creates an official record and may help protect you if the lost license is used for identity fraud.
Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file if you believe your license could be used for identity theft. This is separate from the MVD replacement process but recommended if the circumstances of the loss suggest fraud risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
No. Arizona MVD does not offer online replacement for lost licenses. You must either visit an office in person or mail a completed process with supporting documents. Some states offer online renewal for expiring licenses, but Arizona does not extend this to replacements.
What if I moved to Arizona after losing my license in another state?
You cannot replace an out-of-state license through Arizona MVD. Contact the MVD or DMV in the state that issued your original license. Once you receive a replacement from that state, you can then exchange it for an Arizona license by visiting an MVD office with your out-of-state license, proof of Arizona residency, and the appropriate fee.
Do I need to report the lost license to police before replacing it?
No, a police report is not required to replace a lost license. However, filing one is recommended if you suspect the license could be used for fraud or identity theft, or if your employer or a rental car company requires one. A police report creates an official record and may help protect you later.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. MVD requires the license holder to pick up the replacement in person. If you are unable to visit an office yourself, the mail replacement route is your only option.
What if I lost my license and my vehicle registration at the same time?
Handle each separately. Replace your driver's license through MVD using the steps above. For vehicle registration, contact the MVD's Vehicle Services section or visit an office with proof of ownership (title or registration document if you have a copy) and proof of residency. Fees and processing times for registration replacement differ from license replacement.