AJB Law Firm · Arizona DUI License Guide

First Alcohol DUI Conviction: License Reinstatement

A step-by-step Arizona MVD guide after a first alcohol-related DUI conviction.

Start with your own MVD record. Conviction requirements can be separate from an earlier administrative suspension. Sign in to AZ MVD Now to review outstanding compliance actions. Do not drive until MVD confirms you have valid driving privileges.

Requirements to check

A first alcohol DUI conviction may trigger a conviction-based license suspension, substance abuse screening/treatment requirements, an SR-22, Traffic Survival School, and a mandatory certified ignition interlock period. The exact terms depend on the offense and record.

Recommended order of operations

  1. Open AZ MVD Now and review every action, including earlier APS or refusal actions.
  2. Verify screening/counseling completion and whether Traffic Survival School is listed.
  3. Confirm SR-22 requirements with MVD; if required, ask your insurer to file it and maintain it for the required period.
  4. Confirm the interlock installation deadline and whether an existing SIIRDL installation can be continued or credited. Do not assume installation alone starts mandatory credit.
  5. Arrange or maintain an MVD-authorized interlock; ensure electronic installation reporting reaches MVD.
  6. Pay all applicable reinstatement/license fees, obtain the correct license status, and confirm you may drive.

Interlock credit and removal

Do not remove an existing device when your APS period ends without checking MVD. Some qualifying SIIRDL time may count toward the later mandatory period. MVD must verify the applicable credit, required duration, compliance, and removal authorization.

SR-22 insurance

Conviction-related financial responsibility requirements often differ from an APS-only suspension. Ask MVD for the required filing and duration before buying or canceling SR-22 coverage. Allowing required coverage to lapse can cause additional licensing problems.

Frequently asked questions

My suspension period ended. Can I drive?

Not automatically. Complete all outstanding MVD requirements and verify that your driving privilege is valid before driving.

What if my license is from another state?

Arizona can restrict your privilege to drive in Arizona. Your home state may impose additional requirements; contact that licensing agency directly.

I already served an APS suspension. Is the conviction suspension automatically satisfied?

Do not assume so. Ask MVD how it applies the administrative and conviction actions and whether any credit or overlap applies.

Official resources

AZ MVD NowMVD DUI informationMVD DUI servicesArizona statutes

Arizona MVD Driver Services: 602-255-0072. Ask MVD to identify the exact compliance action, effective dates, fees, and documentation still outstanding.

Important: This page provides general Arizona information, not individualized legal advice or confirmation of eligibility. The applicable statutes, court orders, MVD notices, and MVD compliance record control. Rules and fees may change. Out-of-state license holders must also contact their issuing state.

AJB Law Firm, LLC · Tucson, Arizona