What you need to do right now

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arizona driver license, you will go to your local Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring specific documents, pay a fee, and have your photo taken. The whole process takes about 30 minutes. You will walk out with a temporary paper license that day, and your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, you should also report it to the police and get a report number — ADOT will ask for this. If it was lost or damaged, you do not need a police report, but you do need to explain what happened.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an ADOT office in person with your Social Security number, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of identity — a passport or birth certificate works.
  • The replacement fee is $12 for a standard license or $17 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you pay at the office when you explore.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, bring a police report number; if it was lost or damaged, you only need to tell the ADOT staff what happened.
  • You can find your nearest ADOT office and check wait times on the ADOT website before you go.

Documents to bring to the ADOT office

Bring your Social Security number (written down or memorized), proof of identity, and proof of Arizona residency. ADOT will not accept a photo of these documents — you must bring the originals or certified copies.

For proof of identity, ADOT accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or tribal ID card. If you do not have any of these, call your local ADOT office before you go — they can tell you what else they will accept.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Arizona address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. Your old driver license does not count as proof of residency.

If your license was stolen, bring the police report number. You do not need the full report, just the number. If you do not have a report number yet, you can still explore — tell the ADOT staff your license was stolen and they will note it in their system.

Where to go and how to find wait times

ADOT runs driver license offices in every Arizona county. You can go to any office, not just the one in your county. Visit azdot.gov and use the office locator to find the one nearest you, see their hours, and check current wait times.

Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Some offices have waits under 15 minutes; others can be 45 minutes or longer, especially on Fridays and early in the month. The ADOT website updates wait times throughout the day, so check before you leave home.

Many offices accept walk-ins, but some allow you to book an appointment online. If your local office offers appointments, booking one can save you time. Check the office details on the ADOT website to see whether appointments are available.

The fee and what you pay for

A standard Arizona driver license replacement costs $12. A Real ID-compliant license costs $17. You pay this fee at the ADOT office when you explore — they do not take payment online or by mail.

The fee covers the replacement card itself. It does not cover any additional services like a duplicate copy or rush processing. ADOT does not offer expedited mail delivery for replacement licenses.

If you are replacing a license because it was damaged or defaced by ADOT (for example, a printing error), you may not have to pay the fee. Ask the staff when you arrive — they can tell you whether your situation qualifies.

Your temporary license and when your new card arrives

When you finish at the ADOT office, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts until your permanent plastic card arrives. You must carry it with you when you drive.

Your permanent license card is mailed to the address on file with ADOT. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. Do not expect it to arrive on a specific day — mail times vary.

Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it for your records — you do not need to return it to ADOT.

If your license was stolen and you are worried about identity theft

A stolen driver license can be used to open accounts or commit fraud in your name. Reporting it to police creates a record and gives you a report number for ADOT, but it does not automatically protect your identity.

Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. A credit freeze blocks access to your credit report entirely. Both are free and can be done online.

You may also want to monitor your credit reports for unauthorized accounts. You can request a free copy of your credit report from each bureau once per year at annualcreditreport.com.

What to do if you cannot go to an ADOT office in person

ADOT requires you to explore for a replacement license in person — they do not accept mail-in or online applications for replacements. You must visit an office to have your photo taken and verify your identity.

If you are unable to visit an office due to a disability or medical condition, call your local ADOT office and ask about accommodations. Some offices can arrange for you to explore at a different time or location, or they may be able to send a mobile unit to you.

If you are out of state or out of the country, you will need to return to Arizona to replace your license in person. Some people in this situation choose to wait until they return, or they can ask a family member or trusted person to handle other matters while they arrange a trip back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. ADOT requires you to explore in person at a driver license office. You must bring your documents and have your photo taken. Mail-in and online applications are not available for replacements.

What if I lost my Social Security number or do not have it memorized?

Write it down before you go to the ADOT office. You do not need to bring a Social Security card — ADOT just needs the number itself. If you do not know your number, contact the Social Security Administration before your visit.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

Your temporary license is valid until your permanent plastic card arrives in the mail, which takes 7 to 10 business days. Once the permanent card arrives, destroy the temporary license — it is no longer valid for driving.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

You do not need a full police report, but you should have the report number. If you have not filed a report yet, you can still explore at ADOT — just tell the staff your license was stolen and they will note it. Getting a report number is still a good idea for identity protection.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license from the mail?

Your license is mailed to the address on file with ADOT. Anyone at that address can receive it, but the card itself is issued to you and should only be used by you. Do not share your license or let someone else use it.