What you need to do to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arizona driver license

To replace your Arizona driver license, you must visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot replace a license by mail or online. The process takes about 15 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The replacement fee is $12 if your license is not expired, or $25 if it is expired.

If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police and get a report number before you go to ADOT. This protects you if someone tries to use your old license for fraud. Bring the police report number with you when you explore for the replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to an ADOT office in person with a valid ID and proof you live in Arizona.
  • The replacement fee is $12 for a valid license or $25 for an expired one.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at the office.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to ADOT.
  • You can find your nearest ADOT office and check hours on the Arizona Department of Transportation website.

Documents you must bring to the ADOT office

Bring one document that proves your identity. ADOT accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or an expired Arizona driver license. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents such as a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a school ID plus a utility bill.

You also need proof that you live in Arizona. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. The document must show your current address. If you have moved recently and your address has not updated yet, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent lease showing your new address.

If your license was stolen, bring the police report number or a copy of the report itself. This is not required but protects you and helps ADOT flag your old license in the system.

Where to go and how long it takes

ADOT has offices in every county in Arizona. You can find the office nearest you, check its hours, and see how busy it is on the ADOT website. Some offices are busier than others; offices in larger cities often have longer wait times, especially on Saturdays and near the end of the month.

The replacement process at the office takes about 15 minutes. You will fill out an process form, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. You do not receive your new license at the office. Instead, ADOT mails it to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can ask ADOT for a temporary paper license at the office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license in the mail.

The cost and payment methods

A replacement license costs $12 if your current license is still valid, or $25 if it is expired. ADOT offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm.

If you are replacing a license that was damaged in a natural disaster (flood, fire, or severe weather), you may not have to pay the replacement fee. Contact your local ADOT office to ask whether your situation qualifies for a fee waiver.

If your license was stolen and you are worried about fraud

Report the theft to your local police department and get a report number. This creates an official record that your license was stolen, which protects you if someone uses it fraudulently. Bring the police report number or a copy of the report when you go to ADOT.

You should also monitor your credit report for signs of fraud. You can get a free credit report once per year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at annualcreditreport.com. If you see accounts or charges you did not make, contact the credit bureau and the company that issued the fraudulent account.

If someone is caught using your stolen license, the police report you filed will help prove you were not the person who committed the crime.

What happens if you lose your replacement license

If you lose your new license after you receive it, you can replace it again by following the same process. Each replacement costs $12 or $25 depending on whether your license is expired. There is no limit to how many times you can replace a license, but ADOT may ask questions if you replace it very frequently.

To avoid losing your license again, keep it in a wallet or ID holder that you check regularly. If you travel, keep your license in a separate pocket from your wallet in case your wallet is stolen.

If you need your license before the mail arrives

Ask ADOT for a temporary paper license when you explore for your replacement. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license. You do not need to do anything special to get it; just ask the ADOT employee at the counter.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact ADOT to report it. They can check the status of your order and remail it if it was lost in the mail. Keep the receipt you received at the office; it has your process number on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Arizona requires you to replace a driver license in person at an ADOT office. You must bring proof of identity and residency and have your photo taken. You cannot mail in an process or use a website to order a replacement.

What if I do not have a current address in Arizona?

You must have a current Arizona address to replace your license. If you are homeless or living temporarily, ask ADOT about using a shelter address, a friend's address, or a general delivery address at your local post office. Call your local ADOT office to ask what documents they will accept.

How much does it cost if my license is expired?

A replacement for an expired license costs $25. If your license is still valid, the replacement costs $12. The fee is the same whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.

Will ADOT send my new license to a different address than the one on my old license?

Yes. When you explore for a replacement, you can give ADOT any Arizona address where you want the license mailed. This is useful if you have moved since your last license was issued. Just bring proof that you live at that address.

What if I lost my license while traveling outside Arizona?

You will need to return to Arizona to replace it in person. You cannot replace an Arizona license at an office in another state. If you need to drive before you can get back to Arizona, contact your local police to ask about getting a temporary permit or check whether your state of travel will accept an expired license as ID.