If your Arizona driver’s license is suspended or revoked, you are likely feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Your first question is probably, “Do I have to wait in line at an MVD office?”
Here is the good news: You do not.
Arizona has moved its entire license reinstatement process online. You can clear your suspension, pay your fees, and get your license back 100% online through the azmvdnow.gov portal, often in less than 15 minutes.
This guide will show you the exact, step-by-step online process, how to find your real “to-do list,” and the critical difference between a suspension and a revocation.
Your First Step: Get Your Official “To-Do List”
Before you can fix the problem, you must get your official “to-do list” from the state. Do not guess.
- Go to the Official MVD Portal: Navigate to https://azmvdnow.gov/home.
- Log In or Activate Your Account: You must log in to your secure “My MVD” account. (If it’s your first time, click “Activate Your Account.” You will need your license number, date of birth, and the last 4 of your SSN).
- Find Your “Reinstatement Requirements”: On your account dashboard, your license status (e.g., “Suspended”) will be clearly visible. Click on it to see your official “Reinstatement Requirements.”
This is your personal, step-by-step checklist. It will list every single item you must complete (e.g., “Pay Reinstatement Fee,” “File SR-22,” “Submit Court Clearance”).
How to Reinstate Your Arizona Driver’s License (The “Checklist”)
Your online checklist will show you which of these you need to do.
If your checklist says… “Pay a Court Fine”
- What it means: You have an unpaid traffic ticket or “Failure to Appear” (FTA) holding.
- How to Fix: You must first contact the local court in the city or county where you got the ticket (e.g., “Phoenix Municipal Court”) and pay your fines to them.
- What’s Next: The court will then send a “Clearance” to the MVD. Once the MVD receives it, this item will clear from your online checklist (this can take 24-72 hours).
If your checklist says… “File SR-22”
- What it means: You were convicted of a serious offense, like a DUI or driving without insurance.
- How to Fix: You must contact an insurance company and purchase SR-22 insurance. This is a special certificate your insurer files for you.
- What’s Next: Once filed, this item will clear from your checklist (this can take 24-72 hours). You must keep this policy active, with no lapses, for three (3) years.
- We explain this fully in our complete guide to SR-22 insurance.
If your checklist says… “Install Ignition Interlock Device (IID)”
- What it means: You were convicted of an alcohol-related DUI.
- How to Fix: You must contact a state-approved vendor and have an IID (a breathalyzer) installed in your vehicle. The vendor will electronically notify the MVD.
Suspension vs. Revocation: Why This Is Critical
Your checklist will tell you if you are “Suspended” or “Revoked.” These are not the same.
| Status | What It Is | Do I Have to Re-Test? | Common Reasons |
| Suspension | A temporary hold on your license. | NO. You do not have to re-test. | Unpaid tickets, no insurance, too many points. |
| Revocation | A cancellation of your license. | YES. You must re-apply as a new driver. | DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run. |
If your license was revoked, your final step after clearing all compliance items is to re-take the vision, written, and road (driving) tests at an MVD office. You must book an MVD appointment for this.
The Final Step: Pay Your Fees & Reinstate Online
Once your azmvdnow.gov checklist shows all compliance items are “MET,” a “Reinstate Now” button will appear.
- Log In to Your Portal: Go to
azmvdnow.gov. - Click “Reinstate Now”: The system will guide you through the final payment.
- Pay the Fees: You will pay two separate fees at the same time:
- $10.00 Reinstatement Fee
- $10 – $25 Application Fee (the fee for your new license card)
- Get Your License: You can pay with a credit/debit card. Your license will be reinstated instantly in the system. You can print a temporary 30-day paper license, and your new plastic card will be mailed to you.
FAQs
This is the real name for Arizona’s “hardship license.” It stands for Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License (SIIRDL). It is only for drivers with an alcohol-related suspension/revocation. It allows you to drive during your suspension, but only to/from work, school, and your alcohol treatment class, and only in a car with an IID. You can apply for this directly through your azmvdnow.govportal.
This is the #1 problem. You paid the court fine, but you did not pay the MVD reinstatement fee. These are two separate payments to two different agencies. You must log in to azmvdnow.gov and pay the separate $10 reinstatement fee to the MVD.
You must clear your Arizona suspension. You cannot get a license in any other state. The good news is you can do it all online.
1. Log in to azmvdnow.gov (you can create an account as an out-of-state resident).
2. Check your requirements.
3. You can get an “inter-state” SR-22 from an insurer in your new state.
4. You can pay your AZ reinstatement fees online.
5. The MVD will then email you a “Clearance Letter” to give to your new state’s DMV.
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