Arizona will reinstate your license after an out-of-state DUI, but only after you meet specific requirements tied to that conviction

If you were convicted of driving under the influence in another state, Arizona treats that conviction as if it happened in Arizona. This means your Arizona license suspension or revocation stays in effect until you complete the steps Arizona requires — even though the DUI occurred elsewhere. You cannot straightforward wait out the suspension or move to a new state to reset the clock.

The reinstatement process depends on three things: how long your suspension or revocation lasts, whether you must install an ignition interlock device, and whether you need to show proof of completion of a DUI education program. Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will tell you exactly which requirements explore to your case based on the details of your out-of-state conviction.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona honors out-of-state DUI convictions and applies the same suspension or revocation rules it would use for an in-state DUI.
  • You must contact the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division to learn your specific reinstatement requirements, which vary based on your conviction details.
  • Most out-of-state DUI reinstatements require proof of a completed DUI education program, a paid reinstatement fee, and sometimes an ignition interlock device.
  • You cannot reinstate your license until your suspension or revocation period ends and you have completed all required conditions.

How Arizona classifies your out-of-state DUI conviction

Arizona's MVD compares your out-of-state DUI to Arizona law to determine how to classify it. A DUI in another state may have been charged under different names — some states call it "driving while impaired," "operating under the influence," or "OUI" — but Arizona looks at the facts of the case, not the label the other state used.

The MVD will examine whether your conviction involved alcohol, drugs, or both; whether you refused a breath or blood test; and whether you had passengers under 15 years old at the time. Each of these factors changes how Arizona categorizes your offense and how long your suspension lasts. If you are unsure how Arizona classified your conviction, call the MVD at 602-255-0072 and provide your driver's license number and the state where you were convicted.

Suspension and revocation periods for out-of-state DUI

Arizona distinguishes between a suspension (temporary removal of your license) and a revocation (permanent removal that requires formal reinstatement). A first DUI conviction typically results in a suspension; a second or subsequent conviction within seven years usually results in a revocation.

For a first out-of-state DUI, your license is usually suspended for 90 days to one year, depending on whether you refused a test or had other aggravating factors. For a second DUI within seven years, your license is revoked for at least one year. For a third or more DUI within seven years, revocation lasts at least two years. These timelines begin from the date of your conviction in the other state, not from the date Arizona learns about it.

If your suspension or revocation period has not yet ended, you cannot reinstate your license no matter what other steps you complete. You must wait until the full period has passed before you can move forward with reinstatement.

Required documents and proof for reinstatement

When you are ready to reinstate your license, the MVD will require several documents. You must provide a certified copy of your out-of-state conviction — this is a court document, not a police report. You can request this from the court in the county where you were convicted. You will also need proof that you completed a DUI education program approved by Arizona, even though your DUI occurred out of state.

Arizona accepts DUI education programs from other states if they meet Arizona's standards, which typically means at least 16 hours of instruction. If you completed a program in the state where you were convicted, contact that program to request an official certificate of completion. If you have not yet completed a program, you must do so before you can reinstate your license. You can take an Arizona-approved program in Arizona or in the state where you were convicted, as long as it meets Arizona's requirements.

You will also need to pay the reinstatement fee, which is currently $100 for a suspension reinstatement and $250 for a revocation reinstatement. These fees are separate from any fines or restitution ordered by the court in the other state.

Ignition interlock device requirements

Many out-of-state DUI convictions trigger an ignition interlock device (IID) requirement in Arizona. An IID is a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You must blow into the device before starting your car and at random intervals while driving.

Arizona requires an IID for all DUI convictions with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.15 or higher, for any refusal of a breath or blood test, or for a second or subsequent DUI within seven years. If your out-of-state conviction involved any of these factors, you will need to install an IID before your license is reinstated. The device costs between $100 and $200 to install and $50 to $100 per month to monitor. You must maintain the device for a period set by the MVD, usually six months to one year.

If you are unsure whether an IID is required for your case, ask the MVD when you call. They can tell you based on your conviction details.

Steps to reinstate your Arizona license

First, confirm that your suspension or revocation period has ended. Count the days from your conviction date in the other state. If the period has not ended, you cannot proceed yet.

Second, gather your documents: a certified copy of your out-of-state conviction, proof of DUI education program completion, and proof of any IID installation if required. If you have not completed the DUI program or installed an IID, do those now.

Third, contact the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division in person, by mail, or online through the MVD website. Bring or mail your documents along with the reinstatement fee. The MVD will review your paperwork and, if everything is in order, reinstate your license. Processing typically takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day if you visit in person.

If the MVD finds that your documents are incomplete or do not meet Arizona's standards, they will tell you what is missing. You will have a chance to provide additional proof or correct the issue before your reinstatement is denied.

What happens if you drive with a suspended or revoked license

Driving in Arizona with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense. If you are stopped, you face arrest, additional fines, possible jail time, and an extension of your suspension or revocation period. A second offense of driving with a suspended or revoked license within five years is a felony in Arizona. Do not drive until your license is officially reinstated by the MVD.

If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, you may be able to request a restricted license or occupational license from the court in Arizona. These allow limited driving for work or medical purposes during your suspension. You must petition the court in the county where you live, and the court has discretion to grant or deny the request. This is a separate process from MVD reinstatement and requires a lawyer or self-representation in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take a DUI education program in Arizona, or can I use the one I took in the other state?

You can use a program from the other state if it meets Arizona's standards, which usually means at least 16 hours of instruction. Contact the program where you took the course and ask for an official certificate of completion that shows the number of hours. Bring this to the MVD when you explore for reinstatement. If the program does not meet Arizona's requirements, you will need to take an Arizona-approved program.

How long does it take to reinstate my license after I submit all my documents?

If you submit your documents in person at an MVD office, reinstatement usually happens the same day or within a few days. If you mail your documents, allow one to two weeks for processing. The MVD will contact you if additional information is needed.

Can I reinstate my license before my suspension period ends?

No. Your suspension or revocation period is set by law and cannot be shortened. You must wait until the full period has passed from your conviction date before you can reinstate your license, even if you have completed all other requirements.

What if I was convicted of DUI in a country outside the United States?

Arizona may not have a record of a conviction from outside the United States. Contact the MVD to ask whether your foreign conviction has been reported to Arizona. If it has not been reported yet, your Arizona license may still be valid, but you should clarify your status before driving.

Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license after an out-of-state DUI?

You do not need a lawyer to complete the reinstatement process with the MVD. The process is administrative, not legal. However, if you want to request a restricted or occupational license to drive before your reinstatement is complete, you may want to consult a lawyer about your options in court.