Check your Arizona license status through the Department of Transportation website or by phone
Arizona's Department of Transportation (ADOT) lets you look up your driver license status without visiting an office. You can check online through the ADOT website using your driver license number and date of birth, or call the ADOT Customer Service line at 602-255-0072. The online method is faster — you get results in seconds — but the phone line works if you do not have internet access or prefer speaking to someone.
Your status will show whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. It will also tell you if there are holds on your record, such as unpaid traffic fines or child support obligations that prevent renewal. Knowing your status matters because driving on a suspended or revoked license carries criminal penalties in Arizona, including fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
The status check does not tell you why your license was suspended or revoked — only that it is. If you need details about the reason, you will need to contact ADOT directly or visit a local office in person.
Key Takeaways
- The ADOT website lets you check your license status when ready using your license number and date of birth.
- You can also call ADOT Customer Service at 602-255-0072 during business hours to have someone look up your status for you.
- A status check will show whether your license is valid, expired, suspended, or revoked, and whether there are holds preventing renewal.
- The online status check does not explain why your license was suspended or revoked — you must contact ADOT for that information.
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license in Arizona is a criminal offense with fines, jail time, and extended suspension as penalties.
How to check your status online through the ADOT website
Go to the ADOT website and locate the "Check Driver License Status" tool. You will need your Arizona driver license number and your date of birth. Enter both pieces of information exactly as they appear on your license or ADOT records. The system will return your status within seconds.
The online tool is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It works from any device with internet access — a computer, phone, or tablet. If the system does not recognize your information, double-check that you entered your license number and birth date correctly. If you still cannot access your status, call ADOT or visit a local office.
How to check your status by phone
Call ADOT Customer Service at 602-255-0072. Have your driver license number and date of birth ready when you call. The line is staffed during business hours, which vary by season — ADOT typically operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arizona time, but hours may change. Call ahead if you are unsure about current hours.
Wait times can be long during peak hours, especially early in the week. If you reach a busy signal or long hold time, try calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The phone line is free, but standard phone charges explore if you are calling from a mobile device.
What different license statuses mean
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. Expired means your license passed its expiration date and must be renewed before you drive. Driving on an expired license is not a criminal offense in Arizona, but you cannot legally operate a vehicle.
SuspendedRevoked
A hold on your record means something is blocking you from renewing or obtaining a license. Common holds include unpaid child support, unpaid traffic fines, or a failure to appear in court. You must resolve the underlying issue before ADOT will lift the hold.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your status shows a suspension or revocation, contact ADOT to find out the reason and what steps you need to take. You can call 602-255-0072, visit a local ADOT office, or check your ADOT account online if you have one set up. ADOT will tell you the suspension or revocation date, how long it will last, and what you must do to restore your driving privilege.
For a suspension, you may need to pay fines, complete a traffic safety course, provide proof of insurance, or wait out the suspension period. For a revocation, the process is longer and usually requires waiting at least one year, paying a restoration fee (typically $100 to $200, depending on the reason), and sometimes passing a written knowledge test or driving exam. Some revocations require an ignition interlock device to be installed in your vehicle.
Do not drive while your license is suspended or revoked. Arizona law treats this as a criminal offense. A first offense can result in a fine of $250 to $500, up to 30 days in jail, and an additional 90-day suspension. Penalties increase for repeat offenses.
Holds that prevent renewal or reinstatement
A hold means ADOT will not renew or restore your license until you resolve a separate issue. The most common holds are for unpaid child support, unpaid traffic fines or court costs, and failure to appear in court. Other holds can come from the Arizona Department of Revenue (unpaid taxes), the Department of Health Services (unpaid medical bills), or the court system itself.
To clear a hold, you must contact the agency that placed it. For child support holds, contact the Department of Child Support Services. For traffic fines, contact the court that issued the ticket. For tax-related holds, contact the Department of Revenue. ADOT cannot remove a hold — only the agency that placed it can. Once the underlying issue is resolved, that agency will notify ADOT, and the hold will be lifted within a few business days.
When to visit an ADOT office in person
Visit an office if you need detailed information about why your license was suspended or revoked, if you want to start the restoration process, or if you cannot reach ADOT by phone. ADOT has offices in most Arizona cities. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the ADOT website. Bring your driver license or ID and be prepared to wait — offices can be busy, especially near the end of the month or before holidays.
Some transactions, such as paying a restoration fee or taking a written test to restore your license, must be done in person or through the mail. The ADOT website will tell you which services are available online and which require an office visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to check my license status online?
The online status check is when ready. You enter your information and receive your status within seconds. The website is available 24/7, so you can check anytime without waiting for business hours.
What if my status shows a hold but I do not know why?
Call ADOT at 602-255-0072 and ask what agency placed the hold. ADOT can usually tell you whether it is for child support, traffic fines, taxes, or another reason. Once you know, contact that agency directly to resolve the issue. ADOT cannot remove holds — only the agency that placed it can.
Can I drive if my license is expired but not suspended?
No. An expired license is not valid for driving in Arizona, even if it is not suspended. You must renew it before you drive. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine, though it is not a criminal offense like driving on a suspended license.
How do I restore a revoked license?
Contact ADOT to learn the specific requirements for your revocation. Most revocations require waiting at least one year, paying a restoration fee (typically $100 to $200), and sometimes passing a written test or driving exam. Some require an ignition interlock device. ADOT will give you a list of steps and timelines when you call or visit an office.
What happens if I drive on a suspended license?
Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Arizona. A first offense can result in a fine of $250 to $500, up to 30 days in jail, and an additional 90-day suspension on top of your existing suspension. Penalties are harsher for repeat offenses. Do not drive until your license is restored.