Arizona's Alcohol Testing Requirements for License Reinstatement
If your Arizona driver's license was suspended or revoked because of an alcohol-related offense, you will need to pass an alcohol screening or evaluation before the state will consider reinstating your license. The specific test you take depends on your offense history and how long your suspension has been in place. Arizona does not have a single "reinstatement test"—instead, the Department of Transportation (ADOT) requires you to complete an evaluation through an approved provider, and that evaluation determines what level of treatment or monitoring you may need.
The two main assessments are the Substance Abuse Screening and Education (SASE) program and the Alcohol and Drug Screening and Education (ADSE) program. Both are designed to measure your relationship with alcohol and identify whether treatment is necessary. Passing does not mean a clean result—it means completing the program and following any recommendations that come from it.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona requires an alcohol screening through an ADOT-approved provider; you cannot test yourself or use an outside lab.
- First-time DUI offenders typically complete SASE, while repeat offenders or those with higher blood alcohol content may need ADSE, which is more intensive.
- The screening is not a pass-or-fail test in the traditional sense—you complete it, receive a report, and follow any treatment recommendations listed.
- You must pay for the screening out of pocket; costs vary by provider but typically range from $100 to $300.
- After completing the screening and any recommended treatment, you submit proof to ADOT along with other reinstatement documents to restore your driving privileges.
SASE vs. ADSE: Which Program You Will Complete
Arizona uses two different screening programs, and your offense history determines which one applies to you. The Substance Abuse Screening and Education (SASE) program is typically required for first-time DUI offenders or those with a single alcohol-related suspension. SASE is a shorter program, usually completed in one or two sessions, and focuses on education about alcohol's effects and a basic assessment of your drinking habits.
The Alcohol and Drug Screening and Education (ADSE) program is required if you have multiple DUI convictions, a prior suspension for alcohol, or a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.15 or higher at the time of arrest. ADSE is more comprehensive and may include additional counseling sessions or recommendations for treatment. Some people complete ADSE and are told they need further intervention; others complete it and receive clearance to proceed with reinstatement.
You do not choose which program to take. ADOT's records determine your may be able to access based on your driving history. When you contact an approved screening provider, they will verify your history with ADOT and tell you which program you are required to complete.
How to Find an Approved Screening Provider
You must complete your screening through a provider that ADOT has approved. You cannot use an online screening, a private counselor, or a program in another state. ADOT maintains a list of approved providers on its website, organized by county. Providers include community health centers, substance abuse treatment facilities, and private counseling agencies.
When you contact a provider, have your driver's license number and the details of your suspension ready. The provider will confirm your ADOT record, tell you which program you need, schedule your appointment, and explain the cost. Most providers charge between $100 and $300 for the screening, depending on the program and whether additional sessions are needed. Payment is due at the time of service.
Do not assume all counseling or treatment you have done elsewhere counts toward ADOT's requirement. Even if you completed a DUI education class through the court system, you still need to complete the ADOT-approved screening. The two are separate requirements.
What Happens During the Screening
The screening itself is a structured conversation and questionnaire, not a chemical test. You will answer questions about your drinking history, how often you drink, whether you have experienced consequences from drinking, and your family history of alcohol use. The provider may also ask about your mental health, stress, and other factors that influence substance use.
The screening typically takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the program. You will not be asked to provide a breath or blood sample during the screening—this is an assessment of your habits and risk level, not a toxicology test. The provider will document your responses and create a report that includes their findings and any recommendations.
If the screening identifies a need for treatment—such as counseling, a support group, or an outpatient program—the report will list those recommendations. Completing the screening does not mean you are done; it means you have the information you need to move forward. If treatment is recommended, you will need to complete it and provide proof to ADOT before your license can be reinstated.
Treatment Recommendations and What They Mean
After your screening, the provider's report may recommend no further action, participation in a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous, outpatient counseling, or a more intensive treatment program. These are not punishments—they are clinical recommendations based on your screening results. ADOT does not force you into treatment, but if the screening recommends it and you want your license back, you will need to complete it.
If the report recommends a support group, you typically need to attend a set number of meetings (often 12 to 26) and obtain proof of attendance from the group leader. If it recommends counseling, you will work with a therapist for a set number of sessions. The cost of treatment is separate from the screening cost and is your responsibility.
Once you have completed any recommended treatment, the treatment provider will give you a certificate or letter confirming completion. You will submit this document to ADOT along with your screening report and other reinstatement paperwork. ADOT will review everything and notify you whether your license can be reinstated.
Submitting Your Screening Results to ADOT
After you complete the screening and any recommended treatment, you do not automatically get your license back. You must submit your documents to ADOT as part of the formal reinstatement process. The screening provider will give you a copy of the report; you keep this and send it to ADOT yourself, or the provider may send it directly depending on their process.
You will submit the screening report along with other reinstatement documents, which may include proof of insurance, payment of reinstatement fees, and completion of any court-ordered requirements. ADOT will review your complete file and send you a letter indicating whether your license has been reinstated or whether additional steps are needed.
The timeline from screening to reinstatement varies. If you complete the screening and no treatment is recommended, reinstatement can happen within a few weeks. If treatment is recommended, the process takes longer—typically two to four months, depending on how quickly you complete the treatment and submit the proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take an alcohol test at a lab instead of going through an ADOT-approved provider?
No. ADOT requires the screening to be completed through an approved provider on their list. A lab test or screening from any other source will not satisfy the requirement. The screening is not a chemical test anyway—it is an assessment interview and questionnaire.
What if I fail the screening?
You cannot technically "fail" a screening in the way you would fail a test. The screening produces a report with findings and recommendations. If the report recommends treatment and you do not complete it, you cannot reinstate your license. If you disagree with the screening results, you can request a second opinion from another approved provider, though ADOT is not required to accept it.
Do I have to follow the treatment recommendations to get my license back?
If the screening recommends treatment and you want your license reinstated, yes. ADOT will not reinstate your license without proof that you completed the recommended treatment. If you choose not to pursue treatment, your license will remain suspended.
How much does the screening cost?
Screening costs vary by provider and program, typically ranging from $100 to $300. SASE is usually less expensive than ADSE. Treatment costs, if recommended, are separate and depend on the type and length of the program. Call your local provider for their specific pricing.
Can I do the screening before my suspension period is over?
Yes. Many people complete the screening before their suspension period ends so that everything is ready when they become may be able to access for reinstatement. This can speed up the reinstatement process. Check with ADOT about your specific may be able to access date.