Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
SR-22 Guides
SR-22 By State
Coverage
Car Models
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Suspended license in Arizona
Most drivers can easily restore their license and avoid an insurance spike.
Updated
Arizona takes license suspensions seriously, especially if it’s related to a DUI. On the other hand, minor offenses may require nothing more than a period without driving and a few minor fees to get your license back. Plus, suspended drivers here have more high-risk insurance options than other states, especially if they use a specific nonprofit.
How do I find out if my license is suspended in Arizona?
Arizona provides multiple ways to get notified of your suspension or check your driving record. Those include:
- By mail. You should receive a suspension notice sent directly to your address on the MVD’s file. If not, you can request your driving record by sending a Motor Vehicle Record Request Form along with $3 for uncertified record or $5 for a certified record.
- Online. Use the Arizona Department of Transportation services page to request, pay for and print your driving record.
- In person. Go to your local MVD office to request your driving record personally.
Driving under the influence
If you’re found driving with a 0.08 percent blood alcohol level or more, you can receive a license suspension immediately. Refusing an alcohol or drug test can also bring a suspension of at least one year.
Reasons your license might be suspended in Arizona
In Arizona, you can get a license suspension for accumulating too many points, driving impaired or even receiving multiple moving violations in the same year. Other reasons for a suspension:
- Eight or more points on driving record
- At fault in a fatal accident
- Committing crimes with a vehicle
- Driving without insurance
- DUI offense
- Failing to appear in court
- Failing to attend driver improvement courses
- Failing to pay fines, violations or traffic tickets
- Hit-and-runs
- Reckless driving
- Refusing a drug or alcohol test
- Too many moving violations
What happens if you get a suspended license in Arizona?
If you’re issued a suspended license, you can’t drive for a specific time, depending on the violation. Also, you’ll need to pay a $10 reinstatement and $10 to $25 application fee that varies based on your age. Some offenses like aggressive driving or running a red light require driver improvement training as well.
Can I drive with a suspended license in Arizona?
No, you can’t drive with a suspended license unless you have special permission from the MVD. If you’re found driving with a suspension, you could get the suspension increased up to one additional year along with up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
How to reinstate a suspended license in Arizona
Arizona offers several ways to reinstate your license, but some methods include stipulations. You can apply for reinstatement in person, online or by mail.
- In person. Visit the MVD to get your license reinstated in person.
- Online. You can pay fees and apply for reinstatement through the Arizona Driver License Reinstatement page online. You’ll need a credit card for online payment.
- By mail. The MVD’s mailing address is PO Box 2100, MD 555M, Phoenix, AZ 85001. However, you’ll need to send payments as a cashier’s check or money order.
Steps to license reinstatement
To get your license back, you’ll typically be required to pay a fine to get your license back, and the amount varies based on your age. If your license was suspended for not paying fines, you’ll need to pay these and bring the receipt to the MVD.
- Apply for your license reinstatement and pay the applicable fees.
- Submit proof of financial responsibility for DUI offenses, alcohol or drug test refusals or uninsured violations. This is usually an SR-22 form from your insurance company.
- Receive your new driver’s license.
When can I drive my car again?
You can drive your car after completing your suspension term and any other requirements, such as paying fines, serving jail time or community service and submitting an SR-22. After these requirements, you’ll need to receive your new driver’s license before getting back on the road.
However, some cases might qualify for a special restricted driver’s license if you meet certain requirements after a DUI suspension. For example, you may need to get an ignition interlock system installed on your car. This system is wired to the DUI offender’s car and requires them to breath into an alcohol breath analyzer. If alcohol levels stay below the required range, the system allows the vehicle to start.
How to get car insurance with a suspended license in Arizona
While getting a suspension might be putting a mark on your record, you do have insurance options to help you stay protected. These options may also help you file an SR-22 to prove financial responsibility so that you can get your license back.
Consider these insurer options after suspension:
- Standard insurers. Some local or well-known companies cover many drivers, but these may charge a high premium to offset your higher driving risk.
- High-risk companies. Specialized, high-risk companies could mean guaranteed coverage, and maybe even better value and coverage. However, you might have to do your research to find the best options.
- WAIP providers. Western Association of Automobile Insurance Plans (WAIP) is a nonprofit connection service that can help high-risk drivers find affordable insurance.
Compare car insurance after a suspended license in Arizona
Bottom line
In Arizona, you could get a suspension for several reasons that don’t involve heavy offenses like driving impaired or aggressive driving. These minor cases may have low-cost fees to get your license back. But even those with major convictions might need to compare car insurance to stay protected during and after a suspension.
Frequently asked questions about suspended licenses in Arizona
More guides on Finder
-
Denied life insurance
Learn the common health reasons that lead to denials and how to get life insurance anyway.
-
It’s too late to insure for Hurricane Delta, but here’s what to do instead
With landfall expected Friday, know what your current policy covers and how to get federal government disaster relief.
-
Driving without car insurance
Since driving uninsured comes with steep penalties, look at your coverage options or consider alternatives.
-
How to spay or neuter your pet
Learn this procedure’s costs, benefits and post-operative care so you know what to expect for your pet.
-
States with the strictest driving laws
If you’re relaxed behind the wheel, you’ll want to steer clear of these states with the strictest driving laws.
-
Life insurance for transgender people
What you need to know when buying life insurance as a transgender individual.
-
How to get your claim paid without receipts
No receipts? See how you can still get your insurance claim paid with different types of policies.
-
Compare jet ski insurance
Cruise with confidence knowing you could pay for any damage that happens while riding your jet ski.
-
Americo life insurance review 2020
Get your money back if you outlive your life insurance policy.
-
How to safely reopen your business
Glean from others’ experience what it will take to safely reopen the doors of your business once shelter-at-home orders are lifted.
Ask an Expert