How to replace your Arizona driver's license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arizona driver's license in person at any Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office, or by mail if your license is only damaged and still readable. The in-person route is faster — you'll walk out with a temporary paper license the same day — but requires a trip to an ADOT location. The mail route takes two to three weeks but works if you can't get to an office and your license damage is minor.

You'll need to bring proof of identity and proof of Arizona residency. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police first and bring the police report number with you, though ADOT doesn't require it to process the replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at any ADOT office takes about 30 minutes and costs $12 for a standard license or $27 for a Real ID-compliant license.
  • You must bring a valid form of ID (passport, birth certificate, or tribal ID) plus one document showing your current Arizona address.
  • ADOT gives you a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail-in replacement is only an option if your license is damaged but still readable; you cannot mail in a lost or stolen license.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first so you have the report number, though it is not required for the replacement itself.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one form of primary identification — a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, tribal ID card, or consular ID. If you don't have any of these, you can use a combination of two secondary documents, such as a Social Security card plus a school or work ID, but primary ID is simpler and faster.

You also need one document showing your current Arizona address. This can be a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (tax return, voter registration card, or court document). The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from ADOT itself, such as a registration renewal notice, also works.

If your license was stolen, bring the police report number. You can obtain this by calling the police department's non-emergency line or checking your online police report if the department offers one. ADOT will not refuse to process your replacement without it, but having the number on hand speeds things up.

Replacing your license in person at an ADOT office

Find your nearest ADOT office on the ADOT website and check its hours before you go — some locations have limited hours or are closed certain days. Walk in during business hours with your documents. You do not need an appointment, but arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter wait times.

At the counter, tell the staff member your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. They will ask you to verify your current address and confirm that the information on your old license is still correct. If anything has changed — your name, address, or whether you want to add Real ID status — tell them now. You'll pay the fee ($12 for a standard license, $27 for Real ID) and have your photo taken if you're upgrading to Real ID or if your old photo is more than 12 years old.

You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license works for driving, voting, and most ID purposes, though some businesses or agencies may not accept it — if you need to fly domestically, a Real ID-compliant license or passport is required.

Replacing your license by mail

Mail-in replacement is only for licenses that are damaged but still readable. You cannot use this method if your license is lost or stolen. To proceed, fill out the Driver License/Identification License process form (DL 44) available on the ADOT website, or request one by calling ADOT at 602-255-0072.

Mail the completed form, your damaged license, and copies of your proof of identity and proof of address to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $12 (standard license) or $27 (Real ID). Do not send cash. ADOT will process your request and mail your new license within two to three weeks. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before the new card arrives.

Real ID versus standard license

When you replace your license, you can choose between a standard Arizona driver's license or a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license does not.

If you want Real ID status, you'll pay $27 instead of $12, and you'll need to provide additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport (not just a copy), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099). If you're only replacing a lost or stolen license and don't want to upgrade, the standard $12 license is sufficient for driving and most ID purposes.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen, file a police report with your local police department. You can do this in person, by phone (non-emergency line), or online if your department offers it. Write down the report number — you'll want it for your records, though ADOT does not require it to issue a replacement.

Some people worry that a stolen license will be misused. Arizona does not automatically flag a stolen license in the system, so if you're concerned about identity theft, you may want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or monitor your credit report. This is separate from replacing your license but is a reasonable precaution if the theft involved other documents or personal information.

Timeline and what to expect

If you go in person, you'll have a temporary license in hand the same day. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you mail in your damaged license, the entire process takes two to three weeks. During this time, the temporary paper license (if you got one in person) is valid for driving.

If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days of your in-person visit, or within three weeks of mailing in your damaged license, contact ADOT at 602-255-0072. Have your temporary license number or the date you applied ready. ADOT can check the status of your order and reissue if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. Arizona does not offer online license replacement. You must go in person to an ADOT office or mail in a damaged license. In-person is faster and gives you a temporary license when ready.

What if my address has changed since my old license was issued?

Tell the ADOT staff member at the counter, and they will update your address during the replacement process. Bring a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). There is no extra fee to change your address.

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

No. ADOT will replace a stolen license without a police report. However, filing a report is a good idea for your own records and protects you if the license is misused. You can file online, by phone, or in person with your local police department.

Can I use my temporary paper license to fly?

A temporary paper standard license will not work for domestic air travel. You need a Real ID-compliant license, passport, or other federal ID. If you need to fly before your permanent card arrives, use your passport or get a Real ID license and pay the extra $15 fee.

What if my permanent license doesn't arrive after 10 days?

Contact ADOT at 602-255-0072 with your temporary license number or process date. ADOT can check whether your card is in the mail or if there was a processing error. They can reissue if necessary, though this is rare.