Restricted Driver License

If your driver license has been suspended or revoked, you may be eligible for a restricted license that lets you drive under certain conditions.

Two Types of Restricted Licenses

Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License (SIIRDL)

A SIIRDL lets you drive anywhere in Arizona—as long as you have a Certified Ignition Interlock Device installed in your vehicle. The time you serve with a SIIRDL may count toward your total interlock requirement if it is issued after January 1st 2023 and you’re over the age of 21. 

Restricted Permit

A Restricted Permit lets you drive only between specific locations.

Are You Eligible?

In cases involving driver license suspension or revocation resulting from a DUI-related violation date on or after February 1, 2006, you may be eligible for a SIIRDL. MVD will send notice of eligibility to qualified drivers—check your AZ MVD Now account to verify eligibility.

Common Eligibility Requirements

• Contact MVD to verify eligibility or receive notice from MVD
• No other outstanding actions on your record
• Ignition interlock installed within 90 days before SIIRDL issuance (install must be received electronically by the Department)
• Completed mandatory alcohol treatment programs (if required) and submitted proof of completion to MVD
• Submitted proof of future financial responsibility (SR-22)
• Paid all applicable fees

Only previously licensed drivers may be eligible for a special restricted driver license under Arizona law.

Important Information About SIIRDL

A SIIRDL is voluntary and not a requirement. By getting a SIIRDL, you waive any right to a hearing.

Your SIIRDL expires when the suspension or revocation that the SIIRDL is attached to ends. When your SIIRDL expires, your official interlock timeframe will start. You must go to an MVD office to get a new license to legally drive. Your time with your SIIRDL may be credited towards your overall interlock time, but is not counted towards a deferment. Learn more about Deferment.

Any violation during your SIIRDL period may result in cancellation of your restricted license.

Getting Your SIIRDL

After completing all requirements and installing your interlock device, you must have your SIIRDL issued. Specific steps are required to establish a starting point for your required ignition interlock time frame. To have a SIIRDL issued, visit an MVD or Third Party office.

Commercial Driver License Holders

If you hold a commercial license, you must apply in person at an MVD office for a Class D SIIRDL. This will downgrade your CDL to a standard Class D license.

After Your SIIRDL Expires

After SIIRDL expires, you may need to:

• Complete a Revocation Application
• Continue SR-22 insurance
• Maintain your ignition interlock device
• Reinstate your driving privileges
• Pay reinstatement fees at any MVD or Third Party office.

Cancellation Options

Cancellation options vary by age:

Over 21: You may voluntarily cancel and surrender your SIIRDL anytime during the restricted period by providing a completed Driver License/ID Cancellation Request. The written request must be notarized and include your name, DOB, and DL number. Mail your request to:

Motor Vehicle Division
MVD Support Services
P.O. Box 2100, Mail Drop 539M
Phoenix, Arizona 85001-2100

To avoid additional requirements, complete cancellation before removing the device.

Under 21: You must petition the court for permission to cancel. If approved by the court, surrender your license with the court abstract to MVD.

If you choose to quit driving before your restricted license time ends, you won't be eligible to apply for a new license until your suspension or revocation period is over, even if you surrender the SIIRDL.

For more information, view our SIIRDL pamphlet.

Six-Month Deferment Eligibility

Some first-time violations may qualify to remove the interlock device after 6 months, followed by a 6-month probationary period.

Eligibility Criteria

• Violation occurred on or after January 1, 2012
• Violation was a standard DUI with no accident involved
• No previous conviction of a DUI within 84 months
• Completed at least 16 hours of substance abuse education
• No extensions or suspensions with your interlock device
• At least 6 months since reinstatement date

Contact an MVD or Third Party office if you meet the eligibility criteria. If approved, your Ignition Interlock Deferment letter will be uploaded to your AZ MVD Now account and mailed to your address on file.

Restricted Permits

You may get a restricted permit if your suspension was either for:

• Insurance violations
• DUI (with restrictions)

Your driving record must show no other open/current/active actions. 

Note: Restricted permits are issued on paper only. You will not receive a physical card for your permit.

For Insurance Violations

• Apply at: Any MVD or Third Party office
• When: Immediately
• Driving allowed: To/from work, during work, to/from school
• Duration: Entire suspension period
• Required: Proof of Future Financial Responsibility (SR-22) 

For DUI

• Apply at: MVD office only (not third-party locations)
• When: After serving minimum 30 days of suspension
• Driving allowed: To/from work, during work, to/from school, to/from treatment center in Arizona
• Required: Proof of Future Financial Responsibility (SR-22) and/or complete alcohol/drug screening from an approved facility
• Does not require an Certified Ignition Interlock Device to be installed