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Your Arizona License Was Suspended. Here's What You Need to Know.
The first 30 days after an Arizona DUI suspension — no driving at all. After that, a restricted license is available. Here's how it works.
Last updated: March 6, 2026
Arizona has a hard 30-day suspension. No exceptions.
What Just Happened to Your License
When you were arrested for DUI in Arizona, two separate things happened to your license.
The criminal case — handled by the court. This is the DUI charge itself.
The civil suspension — handled by the MVD (Motor Vehicle Division). This is automatic and happens separately from the criminal case.
If you didn't request an MVD hearing within 30 days of your arrest, your license was automatically suspended. The suspension period for a first DUI with a BAC of .08 or higher is 90 days.
Arizona's 90-day suspension has two parts: the first 30 days are a hard suspension — no driving permitted at all, not even for work. A restricted license is only available after day 30.
The First 30 Days — No Driving
Arizona is stricter than most states on this point. The first 30 days of your suspension are a mandatory hard suspension. There is no restricted license, no occupational license, no exception. You cannot drive.
This applies even if you have a perfect driving record, even if you need to drive for work, even if it causes significant hardship.
After day 30, a restricted license becomes available — but only if you take action.
The Restricted License — Days 31 Through 90
After your 30-day hard suspension, Arizona allows a restricted license for the remaining 60 days.
What it allows:
- • Driving to and from work
- • Driving to and from a DUI education or treatment program
- • Driving for essential needs with MVD approval
What it does NOT allow:
- • Driving for recreation
- • Driving outside approved purposes
The restricted license requires an IID installed in your vehicle.
How to Get an Arizona Restricted License
Wait out the 30-day hard suspension
There is no process to start until day 31. Mark your calendar from the date your suspension began.
Install an MVD-approved IID
Have an ignition interlock device installed by an MVD-approved provider. The provider reports installation directly to the MVD.
Get an SR-22
Contact your insurance company and have them file an SR-22 with the MVD.
Pay the reinstatement fee
$50 reinstatement fee + $10 service fee to the MVD.
Apply for the restricted license at an MVD office
Bring your IID installation certificate and SR-22 confirmation.
Cost to expect: IID installation ($70–$150) + IID monthly ($60–$90/month) + SR-22 ($15–$50/month) + $60 MVD fees
The IID — What You Need to Know
Arizona requires an IID for all DUI convictions. The length of the requirement depends on the type of DUI.
IID periods in Arizona:
- • Standard DUI (BAC .08–.149): 12 months from reinstatement
- • Extreme DUI (BAC .15–.199): 12 months minimum, often longer
- • Super Extreme DUI (BAC .20+): 18 months minimum
- • Aggravated DUI (felony): 24 months minimum
Your 90-day suspension ending does NOT end your IID requirement. Arizona's IID requirement runs for 12–24 months from the date of full reinstatement — not from your arrest date.
The IID period begins when your full license is reinstated — not when your suspension started. This means you will be driving with an IID long after your suspension is over.
To remove the IID, you need MVD confirmation that your required period is complete. Contact your IID provider to verify your status before scheduling removal.
Getting Your Full License Back
Complete your full 90-day suspension
Including the restricted license period.
Complete any required DUI education or treatment program
Ordered by the court.
Confirm SR-22 is still active
Arizona requires SR-22 for 3 years. Your insurance must maintain the filing with the MVD.
Confirm IID period is complete
The IID must remain for the full required period from reinstatement date.
Apply for full reinstatement
At the MVD or online at servicearizona.com.
Real Talk
The hard 30 days is the part nobody warns you about. Other states let you get a restricted license right away — Arizona does not. Plan for it. Arrange rides, work remote if you can, ask for help.
After day 30, the restricted license is there. Get it as soon as you're eligible. Don't wait another day sitting at home if you don't have to.
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