Where to go and what you'll need

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division handles driver's license replacements. You can replace your license in person at any Motor Vehicle Division office, by mail, or online through the ADOT website — but the method you choose depends on why you need a replacement and whether your license is still valid.

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll need to visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person or mail in your request. If you're renewing an expired license or updating information, you may have the option to renew online or by mail. The office locations are listed on the ADOT website, and you can find your nearest office by city or county.

Processing times vary by method. In-person replacements are usually completed the same day. Mail requests typically take two to three weeks. Online renewal, when available, can be faster, but not all situations may have access to for it.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona Motor Vehicle Division offices handle replacements in person, and you can find locations on the ADOT website by city or county.
  • You'll need proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • Lost or stolen licenses require an in-person visit or mail request; you cannot replace them online.
  • In-person replacement usually takes the same day, while mail requests take two to three weeks.
  • The replacement fee is the same as a standard license renewal fee, which varies depending on the license type and validity period you choose.

Documents you need to bring

Arizona requires specific documents to replace your license. You'll need one form of proof of identity — a valid passport, tribal ID, military ID, or birth certificate. You'll also need proof of Arizona residency, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name and address must match across the documents you bring.

You must provide your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you don't have either, you'll need to contact ADOT directly to discuss alternatives, as this is a requirement for all Arizona licenses.

If you're replacing a license because it was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you have one. It's not always required, but it can speed up the process. If your license was damaged, bring the damaged card itself.

In-person replacement at a Motor Vehicle Division office

Walk into any Motor Vehicle Division office during business hours with your documents and payment. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering Saturday hours. You'll fill out an process form (DL 44 or DL 43, depending on whether you're replacing or renewing), have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The new license is usually printed on-site and ready the same day.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities like Phoenix and Tucson tend to be busier during mid-morning and lunch hours. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon often means shorter waits. Some offices allow you to check wait times online before you go.

Bring the documents listed above, a completed process form (available at the office or online), and payment. The fee depends on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid — typically between $25 and $45 for a standard replacement.

Replacing your license by mail

You can mail a replacement request to ADOT if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. read the appropriate form from the ADOT website (DL 44 for a new license or DL 43 for a renewal), include copies of your proof of identity and residency, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee — ADOT does not accept credit cards by mail.

Mail your request to the Motor Vehicle Division at the address provided on the ADOT website. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date ADOT receives your envelope. You can track your request status on the ADOT website if you provide your driver's license number or Social Security number.

Do not send original documents by mail. Make copies of your proof of identity and residency instead. Keep the originals for your records. If ADOT needs to verify anything, they will contact you by phone or mail.

Online renewal for valid licenses

If your Arizona license is still valid and you're renewing it (not replacing a lost or stolen card), you may be able to renew online through the ADOT website. Online renewal is available only if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have any address changes or other updates that require in-person verification.

To renew online, log into your account on the ADOT website using your driver's license number and date of birth. Follow the prompts to review your information, upload a new photo if required, and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to your address within two to three weeks.

Online renewal is faster than mail but slower than in-person. It's most useful if you're renewing a valid license and don't need the new card when ready. If your license is already expired or you're replacing a lost or stolen card, you must use in-person or mail methods instead.

What happens if your license is expired

An expired Arizona license cannot be renewed online. You must replace it in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office or by mail. The process is the same as a standard replacement — you'll need the same documents and pay the same fee.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, ADOT may require additional documentation or a new written test. Contact your local Motor Vehicle Division office or call ADOT before you go to confirm what you'll need to bring.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arizona. If you're stopped by police, you can face a traffic citation. If your license expired recently and you're waiting for your replacement to arrive, carry a copy of your replacement receipt or confirmation number as proof that you've requested a new one.

Fees and payment methods

Replacement fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard driver's license replacement costs between $25 and $45. If you want a license valid for eight years instead of five, the fee is higher. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have different fees.

At Motor Vehicle Division offices, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order — ADOT does not accept credit cards through the mail. Online, you can pay with a debit card or credit card.

Some offices charge an additional fee if you need a replacement the same day or if you request a duplicate card. Ask at your local office about any extra charges before you complete your transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?

If you're replacing a lost or stolen license, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you're renewing an expired license and have submitted your request, you may be able to drive if you carry proof of your renewal request. Contact ADOT or your local Motor Vehicle Division office to confirm what counts as proof in your situation.

What if I moved to Arizona from another state?

You must get an Arizona license within 30 days of establishing residency. This is a new license, not a replacement, so you'll need to visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The process is similar to a replacement but may require a vision test and written test depending on your age and driving record.

How do I replace my license if I'm out of state?

You can mail your replacement request to ADOT from anywhere. read the form, include copies of your documents, and mail everything with a check or money order. Processing takes two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, you'll need to return to Arizona to replace it in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

Bring proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your other documents. You can replace your license in person or by mail. The fee is the same as a standard replacement. If you're replacing a lost or stolen license and your name has changed, bring both the proof of name change and a police report if you have one.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

If you ordered your license by mail, it will be mailed to your address on file. If you ordered it in person and it's being printed on-site, you must be present to pick it up. ADOT does not release licenses to third parties without written authorization. Contact your local Motor Vehicle Division office if you need to arrange a special pickup or have someone else collect your license.