What You Need to Do in Arizona

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arizona driver's license, you must visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person with proof of identity and residency. Arizona does not allow online or mail-in replacement for standard driver's licenses. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent replacement card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The process is the same whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged — ADOT does not distinguish between these reasons. You pay one fee, bring the same documents, and follow the same steps. If your license was stolen, you do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to do so for your own records.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to an ADOT office in person; there is no online or mail option for replacing a standard driver's license in Arizona.
  • Bring a current form of ID (passport, tribal ID, military ID, or another state's license) and proof of Arizona residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
  • The replacement fee is $12 for a standard license, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you may report it to local police, but this is not required by ADOT to process your replacement.
  • ADOT offices have different hours and some require appointments; check the office location before you go.

Documents You Must Bring

You need two things: proof of identity and proof of Arizona residency. For identity, bring one current document from this list: a valid U.S. passport, a tribal ID card, a military ID, a valid driver's license from another state, or a valid passport card. The document must not be expired.

For residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Arizona address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government notice (tax return, voter registration, or court document). A piece of mail from ADOT, the IRS, or a state agency also works. The name on the residency document should match the name on your ID, though ADOT can sometimes work with minor variations if you bring a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

Where to Go and What to Bring

Find your nearest ADOT office using the office locator on the ADOT website. Arizona has offices in most counties, and some larger cities have multiple locations. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours, because many offices have reduced schedules or require appointments, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Some offices operate by appointment only; others take walk-ins during certain hours.

Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and the $12 fee in cash or card (most offices accept both). If you are replacing a damaged license, bring the damaged card itself if you still have it — ADOT will destroy it. You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost or stolen.

Plan to spend 15 to 30 minutes at the office, depending on how busy it is. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged while you wait.

The Temporary License and Permanent Replacement

When you complete your replacement at the ADOT office, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid for 30 days. It has your photo, your name, your license number, and an expiration date 30 days from the date it is issued.

Your permanent plastic replacement card is mailed to the address you provide at the ADOT office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact ADOT to check the status. Do not throw away your temporary license until the permanent card arrives; you may need it for traffic stops or identification purposes.

If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you may want to report it to local police or the sheriff's office. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license number for fraud. However, reporting the theft to police is not required by ADOT to process your replacement — you can replace it without a police report.

If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freeze your credit. These steps are separate from replacing your license but may protect you if your stolen license is used to open accounts in your name.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume your old license number will stay the same. Arizona issues a new license number when you replace a lost or stolen license. Write down your new number from the temporary license and keep it somewhere safe.

Do not bring expired documents as proof of identity or residency. Both must be current or dated within the required timeframe. A utility bill from six months ago will not work; it must be dated within 60 days.

Do not go to an ADOT office without calling first if you are not sure whether it takes appointments. Some offices have stopped accepting walk-ins entirely. Showing up without an appointment may mean a long wait or being turned away.

Do not lose your temporary paper license. It is your only proof of a valid license until the permanent card arrives. If you lose the temporary license, you will need to return to an ADOT office and pay another $12 fee to get a replacement temporary.

If You Need Your License Faster

Arizona does not offer expedited mail delivery for replacement licenses. The standard 7 to 10 business day timeline is the only option. If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives, use the temporary paper license — it is valid for 30 days and is accepted by law enforcement and businesses.

If you are traveling out of state and need a physical ID, bring your temporary paper license along with your passport or another form of federal ID. Some states and airlines accept the temporary Arizona license as a valid form of ID for domestic travel, but policies vary — check with your airline or destination before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Arizona requires you to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license in person at an ADOT office. You cannot do it by mail or through the ADOT website. You must bring proof of identity and residency and pay the $12 fee at the office.

What if I do not have proof of residency dated within 60 days?

Contact ADOT before you go to the office. In some cases, ADOT may accept alternative documents or allow you to bring a notarized statement of residency. Call your local ADOT office to ask what options are available in your situation.

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

No. ADOT does not require a police report to process your replacement. You can replace a stolen license using the same steps as a lost or damaged license. Filing a police report is optional and is useful only if you want a record for fraud prevention purposes.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent plastic card should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your permanent card arrives before the 30 days are up, the temporary license expires and you should use the permanent card instead.

What if my permanent replacement license does not arrive after two weeks?

Contact ADOT and provide your temporary license number or the date you applied. ADOT can check the status of your replacement card and tell you whether it has been mailed. If there is a delay, ADOT may reissue your card or provide you with another temporary license if needed.