How to Get Your License Back After a DUI in Arizona

In Arizona, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a serious traffic offense in which a driver operates a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Under Arizona DUI laws, offenders may experience severe consequences, such as driver's license suspension and fines. The Arizona Department of Transportation, via the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), will revoke or suspend a convicted DUI offender's license for the duration of the court-imposed penalty.

Step 1: Know the Terms of Your Suspension

DUI offenders in Arizona will lose their driving privileges for a set period. The court or the MVD determines the duration of the suspension by considering factors like the number of prior DUI convictions, the driver's age, and the vehicle type. So, a first-time offender is likely to get a shorter suspension than repeat offenders. Here is a table that outlines the different license suspensions in Arizona.

Step 2: Fulfill Court and DMV Requirements

Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division and courts are responsible for imposing license suspensions and conditions for DUI offenses. The former only handles driver's license-related conditions, while the latter has authority over all penalties, including fines, jail terms, and license suspension.

The MVD will conduct an administrative hearing upon receiving a request from DUI offenders. Offenders are generally required to request a hearing within 30 days of the arrest event. Before making a decision, the agency will review submissions from concerned parties and determine whether the suspension will run its full course.

Arizona courts also conduct hearings on DUI cases and may impose license suspension as part of the penalties. After a guilty verdict, the court will report license-related conditions to the MVD.

The court's decision may sometimes differ from that of the MVD. In such cases, the MVD's decision takes precedence. This means the MVD's judgment will still stand even after the court passes a not-guilty verdict.

Step 3: Complete a DUI Education or Treatment Program

In Arizona, DUI offenders must complete court-imposed programs before they can reinstate their license. After a DUI conviction, the court orders the offender to undergo a DUI screening at any of the DUI-licensed program provider centers. Offenders must face a DUI screening within 30 days of the court order. The screening helps determine the program and the required hours you need to complete it.

Under Arizona laws, level one DUIs must complete a 16-hour DUI education program and a 20-hour DUI treatment program. Level two DUIs are, however, only required to undergo a 16-hour DUI education program.

Note: Level one DUI is a broad category for offenders with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. In contrast, level two DUI is often used to classify first-time offenders.

DUI offenders in Arizona must pay all costs associated with the DUI screening and program. The costs may differ since DUI licensed program providers are responsible for setting the costs.

How to enroll in a DUI treatment or education program in Arizona

After a court conviction for DUI, you must first undergo a DUI screening with a licensed provider. The Arizona Department of Health Services maintains a searchable database of licensed providers in the state.

The DUI screening result will determine the duration and type of DUI program you must complete. So, take the result to the nearest DUI screening provider. In most cases, the DUI screening provider also offers these courses. Enroll in the program by providing the court referral, screening result, and means of identification to the program provider.

Step 4: Get SR-22 Insurance or Equivalent

The SR-22 insurance documents prove you have the minimum auto insurance coverage. DUI offenders need an SR-22 certificate to either obtain a restricted driver's license or to reinstate their license. Furthermore, you must maintain the document for three years after reinstating your license.

DUI offenders can obtain an SR-22 from any insurance company that handles SR-22 filings. You must notify the insurer that you need the document for a DUI-related conviction. Note that your SR-22 certificate must meet the following requirements:

• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident.
• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person.
• $15,000 property damage liability per accident.

Step 5: Pay Reinstatement Fees

Drivers may pay reinstatement fees to the Arizona Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division. The agency charges a $10 suspension fee along with an application fee. The application fee differs based on the offender's age. For instance, offenders above 51 must pay a $10 reinstatement fee. Other offenders must make payments according to this outline:

• $25 for ages 39 and younger.
• $22 for ages 40 to 44.
• $15 for ages 45 to 49.

The MVD accepts payments online or offline. For online payments, offenders must use the agency's official payment platform. For offline payments, you may mail or submit the payment in person at their physical location. Note that the agency does not accept cash for mail-based payments.

Note: The MVD will charge a $50 reinstatement fee if the suspension was due to an Admin Per Se. In this context, the admin per se is a suspension as a result of the offender's alcohol content or refusal to take a test.

Step 6: Submit Your License Reinstatement Application

You can submit a license reinstatement application by following this guide:

1. First, contact the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division to determine your eligibility for license reinstatement. You can contact the agency at (602) 255-0072.
2. Fill out the required sections in the Revocation Application form.
3. Get a licensed evaluator to complete the application.
4. Attach an SR-22 certificate to the application form.
5. Submit these documents along with the required fee via mail to:
   Drop 530
   Driver Improvement Unit
   Motor Vehicle Division.
   P.O. Box 2100
   Phoenix, AZ 85001-2100.

What If You're Denied License Reinstatement in Arizona?

The Motor Vehicle Division may deny requests for license reinstatement if:

• The offender did not complete the court-mandated DUI program.
• There are unpaid fees or fines.
• You do not have an SR-22 certificate.
• The license suspension has not elapsed.

Regardless of the reasons, you can appeal by requesting an administrative hearing with the Arizona Department of Transportation's Executive Hearing Office at:

Arizona Department of Transportation
Mail Drop 507M
P.O. Box 2100
Phoenix, AZ 85001-2100

Physical address:
3838 North Central Avenue
3rd Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85012

The hearing request must include the following:

• Your data, including full name, birthdate, and contact information.
• Your Arizona Driver's License Number.
• The reason for requesting a hearing.
• The document identifier for the notice received from the department.

Note: You must request a hearing within 15 days of receiving the agency's response.

Hardship Licenses: Driving with Limited Privileges

In Arizona, DUI offenders can request a special ignition interlock restricted driver's license (SIIRDL). This license allows offenders to drive to a specified list of locations, including the following:

• Place of employment.
• School
• Medical-related visits.
• Scheduled appointment with probation officers.

DUI offenders must fulfill these criteria before applying for an SIIRDL:

• Complete a 90-day license suspension.
• Complete the mandatory DUI alcohol treatment.
• Install an ignition interlock device.
• Obtain an SR-22 insurance certificate.

You can apply for a special interlock ignition restricted driver's license by visiting the MVD at:

3838 North Central Avenue
3rd Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85012

How Long Does It Take to Get Your License Back After a DUI?

In Arizona, you can reinstate your license after the suspension period elapses. For example, first-time offenders can get their license back after the six-month license suspension. You must fulfill the set requirements before reinstating your license in Arizona.