Arizona Hardship License Guide

Arizona offers a restricted driver license for suspended drivers who meet specific eligibility criteria — the state calls it a Restricted License and typically requires SR-22 filing with 25/50/15 liability minimums. Application fees run $10–$50, processing takes 7–21 days, and ignition interlock installation may be required depending on your suspension cause.

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Non-Standard Auto · SR-22 · Senior · Teen Drivers

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Updated July 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Arizona

Arizona operates a fault-based liability system and requires all drivers to carry proof of financial responsibility — typically satisfied through liability insurance. Suspended drivers seeking a Restricted License must demonstrate financial responsibility through SR-22 filing and meet Arizona Motor Vehicle Division eligibility criteria. The state hardship program is open to most suspension causes, including DUI, uninsured operation, unpaid fines, and points accumulation, though eligibility requirements and restrictions vary by cause.

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25/50/15
Liability Insurance
Arizona requires $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 property damage as the statutory minimum. These limits cover damage you cause to others but provide no protection for your own injuries or vehicle. One moderate injury claim can exhaust these minimums in hours — consider higher limits if you own assets worth protecting.
Typically required
SR-22 Insurance
Arizona Motor Vehicle Division requires SR-22 filing for most Restricted License applicants — it's a continuous proof-of-insurance certificate your carrier files electronically with the state. The filing itself costs $15–$50, but the underlying policy premium increases substantially because you're now classified as high-risk. If your policy lapses even one day, the carrier notifies MVD immediately and your restricted driving privilege is suspended.
25/50/15
Non-Owner SR-22
Drivers without a vehicle can satisfy Arizona's SR-22 filing requirement through non-owner liability policies — they provide state-minimum liability coverage when you drive borrowed or rented vehicles. Non-owner SR-22 premiums run $300–$600 annually, substantially less than standard policies, and the filing remains valid as long as the policy stays active. This is the most cost-effective path for suspended drivers who don't own cars.
Varies by device
Ignition Interlock Insurance
Arizona requires ignition interlock installation for most DUI-related Restricted Licenses — device rental runs $70–$150 monthly, plus $100–$200 installation and calibration every 30–60 days. Most carriers don't charge extra for insuring interlock-equipped vehicles, but some exclude coverage if the device is bypassed or tampered with. Monthly interlock costs often exceed the insurance premium itself for minimum-coverage policies.
State-Mandated Minimum Coverage · Arizona

Arizona Minimum Coverage

CoverageMinimum
Bodily Injury (per person)$25,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)$50,000
Property Damage$15,000

License Reinstatement Fee$10

Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your Arizona quote.

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How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Arizona?

Arizona SR-22 insurance premiums vary dramatically by suspension cause — DUI filers typically pay $180–$300 monthly for minimum coverage, while uninsured-operation filers see $120–$220 monthly. Non-owner SR-22 policies run $25–$50 monthly. Restricted License application fees, interlock rental, and filing costs stack on top of premiums.

What Affects Your Rate

  • DUI filers pay 80–150% more than uninsured-operation filers in Arizona due to perceived crash risk.
  • Phoenix metro premiums run 15–25% higher than rural Arizona due to collision frequency and theft rates.
  • SR-22 filing duration in Arizona ranges from 1–3 years depending on suspension cause — longer filing periods mean extended high-risk premium surcharges.
  • Drivers under 25 with SR-22 requirements see premiums 40–70% higher than drivers over 25 with identical violations.
  • Non-owner SR-22 premiums in Arizona average $300–$600 annually — substantially less than standard policies because there's no vehicle to insure.
Minimum Coverage
$180–$300/mo
State-minimum 25/50/15 liability with SR-22 filing. Covers legal obligation only — no protection for your vehicle or injuries.
Standard Coverage
$240–$400/mo
Higher liability limits (50/100/25 or 100/300/50) with SR-22. Provides meaningful protection if you cause a serious accident.
Full Coverage
$320–$550/mo
Liability, collision, and comprehensive with SR-22. Required if you finance or lease a vehicle. Protects your vehicle value in addition to legal liability.

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