What to do after a DUI in Arizona?
A screening comes first. It assigns your class level, you complete that class, and the certificate goes to the court, the MVD, or both.
After a DUI, the process can feel confusing. Court paperwork, MVD requirements, screenings, classes, and certificates all involve different steps.
The key is completing each step in the right order:
Arizona DUI Compliance Checklist: Quick Overview
- Determine whether your requirement comes from the court, the Arizona MVD, or both.
- Complete your alcohol screening.
- Enroll in the program assigned through your screening.
- Complete your required program hours.
- Receive your certificate of completion and submit it where required.
Why the Order Matters
Screening first, then the class.
Your paperwork may say DUI classes, but that does not always tell you the exact program you need. The screening determines your required program level and number of hours.
Starting with the screening helps you avoid enrolling in a program that does not match your requirements.
The Compliance Process, Step by Step
Once you know which requirement applies, the process follows these five steps:
Step 1: Find Out Who’s Asking
Your requirement might come from the court, the Arizona MVD, or both. They’re separate processes, and completing one does not automatically satisfy the other.
The court deals with your case. If a judge ordered a screening and a class, there’s a deadline attached.
The MVD deals with your license. It has its own conditions before you can drive again, and they’re separate from whatever the court asked for. ADOT publishes what’s required on its site.
Not sure which one applies? Check your paperwork. Court orders have a case number and name a court. MVD letters come from the Motor Vehicle Division and talk about your license.
Most people receive both.
Step 2: Complete Your Alcohol Screening
Alcohol screening in Arizona is an interview with a qualified professional. It takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
The screener asks about your history with alcohol, the circumstances of the offense, and your background to determine the program level recommended for your situation.
DUI screening in Arizona may apply to two separate requirements: a court-ordered screening and an MVD alcohol screening.
A court-ordered screening satisfies your sentence. An MVD screening handles the license side. If you need both, they can usually be done together.
What to have ready:
- Your citation or court paperwork
- Case number
- License number
- Date of the offense
Get your screening done this week
Stonewall DUI Services handles court-ordered and MVD alcohol screening in Arizona entirely online. Our process helps clients understand the requirements connected to their Arizona court or MVD obligations and complete the appropriate next step.
Step 3: Enroll at the Level Your Screening Assigns
Your screening result names a specific number of hours. In Arizona that’s typically 16, 36, 56, 72, or 108.
If your screening says 36 hours, you need to complete a program that meets that requirement. Courts check the hours on the certificate against what was ordered, and a shortfall means starting again.
Learn more about Arizona DUI classes and available program options.
The provider must also meet Arizona licensing requirements for your certificate to be valid. Ask before you enroll.
Step 4: Finish the Class
Every required session must be completed before a certificate can be issued.
Online delivery allows you to complete your program around your work and personal schedule without needing to attend in-person sessions, which can be especially helpful when managing transportation and other responsibilities.
Don’t leave it until two weeks before your deadline. A 36-hour program takes time to complete properly, and providers can’t compress it.
Step 5: Get Your Certificate Where It Needs to Go
Your DUI certificate of completion is the proof that you’ve done what was asked. It has to reach the court, the MVD, or your probation officer, depending on who ordered what.
Certificate submission procedures vary by provider. Some providers submit completion information directly, while others require students to handle delivery themselves.
Stonewall files completion certificates electronically within 24 hours of course completion, helping clients move forward with their compliance requirements without relying on traditional paper processing.
Keep a copy of your certificate for your records.
What Happens If You Miss a Deadline
Missing a court deadline may create additional compliance issues and could require further action with the court.
Failing to complete an MVD requirement can delay license reinstatement until the required steps have been completed.
If your deadline is approaching and you have not started, begin as soon as possible and keep documentation showing your progress. Starting the process is an important step toward meeting your requirements.
Understand Your DUI Requirements Before You Enroll
Not sure whether your requirement is a court order, an MVD condition, or both? Share the details from your paperwork, and Stonewall’s team can help you understand which requirements may apply and what step comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a DUI screening in Arizona if the court only ordered classes?
Usually, yes. The screening is what sets your class level, so even an order that just says “DUI classes” normally means a screening comes first. If your paperwork already names a number of hours, bring that with you to the screening.
Can I do the screening and classes online?
Yes. Stonewall DUI Services offers online screening and classes designed to help you complete Arizona DUI requirements remotely.
How long does the whole process take?
The screening itself is under an hour. After that, it depends on the level you’re assigned. A 16-hour program is over fairly quickly, while a 108-hour program runs for months, which is why it helps to get started sooner rather than later.
Can I pick my own class length?
No, and it’s worth knowing that early. Your level comes out of the screening, and courts check the hours on your certificate against what was ordered.
What’s on a DUI certificate of completion?
Your name, the program you finished, the number of hours, and the provider’s license details. Courts look at that hours figure, so it needs to match what you were ordered to complete.
What’s the difference between a court screening and an MVD alcohol screening?
The process is the same, but they go to different places. One satisfies your sentence, the other goes toward getting your license back. Having both is normal.
How does Stonewall submit my certificate of completion?
Stonewall submits completion certificates electronically after course completion. This helps reduce delays and allows you to move forward with your compliance requirements.
How do I know a provider is legitimate?
Ask whether they’re licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services, and ask how they file your certificate once you’re finished. A legitimate provider answers both questions immediately and can give you their license number.
Start With the Right Step
The screening determines the program level you need, and each step that follows builds on that result.
Starting with the correct screening helps you understand your requirements, complete your program, and stay on track throughout the compliance process.
