Arizona Hardship License After DUI
Arizona requires 25/50/15 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteArizona at a Glance
25/50/15
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
$10
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Arizona
Arizona operates under a traditional tort system where the at-fault driver pays for damages. The state requires continuous proof of financial responsibility, and after a DUI conviction, proof must take the form of SR-22 filing maintained without lapse for 36 consecutive months. Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division enforces one of the strictest ignition interlock requirements in the country — all DUI offenders must install an IID before applying for restricted driving privileges, even first-time offenders with BAC below .15.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
Ignition Interlock Insurance Endorsement
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
What Drivers Pay in Arizona
$225–$414/mo
Typical monthly rate in Arizona, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
Drive Legally on Your Restricted License
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteIf your license is suspended
Restricted Driver Permit (DUI: Special Ignition Interlock Restricted License)
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Arizona require SR-22 filing after a DUI?
Arizona requires 3 years of continuous SR-22 filing after a DUI conviction, measured from the date you reinstate your license or receive restricted driving privileges, not from the conviction date. If your insurance lapses for any reason during the 36-month period, the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division receives electronic notification within 24 hours and the SR-22 clock resets to day one.
Can I get a hardship license immediately after a DUI in Arizona?
Arizona does not allow immediate hardship license applications after DUI conviction. First-time DUI offenders must wait 30 days from conviction before applying for a Special Restricted Driver License, and the application requires proof of ignition interlock installation and SR-22 filing before MVD will approve restricted driving privileges. Extreme DUI (.15 BAC or higher) and second offense DUI cases face 90-day wait periods before eligibility.
Does Arizona require ignition interlock for first-time DUI?
Yes. Arizona mandates ignition interlock devices for all DUI convictions including first offense below .15 BAC. Installation must be completed and verified before MVD will issue a Special Restricted Driver License. First-time offenders install IID for 12 months minimum, extreme DUI cases require 18 months, and second offense or aggravated DUI convictions trigger 24-month IID periods.
What is a Special Restricted Driver License in Arizona?
Arizona's Special Restricted Driver License is the state-native term for hardship driving privileges after DUI suspension. The license allows driving to work, school, medical appointments, DUI program classes, and ignition interlock service appointments during specified hours. You must maintain continuous SR-22 filing, keep the ignition interlock device installed and calibrated, and carry proof of restricted license approval at all times while driving.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance After DUI
Mandatory proof-of-insurance filing that Arizona MVD requires for 36 consecutive months after DUI conviction. The SR-22 is not a separate policy — it is an endorsement your carrier files electronically confirming you maintain continuous liability coverage at or above state minimums.
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Liability-only policy with SR-22 filing for drivers who do not own a vehicle. Covers you when driving borrowed or rented vehicles and satisfies Arizona's SR-22 requirement during suspension periods or after vehicle impoundment following DUI arrest.
Ignition Interlock Insurance
Insurance endorsement confirming your carrier knows an ignition interlock device is installed in your vehicle. Arizona law requires IID for all DUI offenses — first-time offenders install for 12 months minimum, repeat offenders and extreme DUI cases face 18–24 month requirements.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Non-standard policies from carriers specializing in post-DUI drivers and high-risk profiles. These carriers accept SR-22 filings as standard business and price risk individually rather than declining coverage outright after major violations.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and repairs when an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. Arizona requires carriers to offer UM/UIM at limits matching your liability selection — rejection must be documented in writing.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Arizona's 25/50/15 minimums are among the lowest in the country and insufficient for most serious accidents — a single hospitalization or totaled newer vehicle can exceed state minimums.