What to bring when you renew in Arkansas

To renew your driver's license in Arkansas, you need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Driver Services Division handles renewals, and they have a specific list of documents they will accept for each requirement.

Your current license serves as your primary identification. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address dated within the last 60 days to any Driver Services office.
  • Arkansas allows you to renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations, though the mail-in process takes longer than in-person renewal.
  • Your renewed license will be valid for four years from the date of renewal if you are under 65, or two years if you are 65 or older.
  • The renewal fee in Arkansas is $20 for a four-year license or $10 for a two-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at most locations.

Renewing in person at a Driver Services office

The fastest way to renew is to visit a Driver Services office in person. Bring the documents listed above, fill out the renewal form (DL-43), and pay the fee. The office will take a new photo and issue your renewed license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the location.

Arkansas has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website by searching for your county. Wait times vary by location and time of day — calling ahead can tell you how busy the office is. Bring all required documents with you; if you are missing even one, the office will not process your renewal that day.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail if your license is not expired, you have not been convicted of certain traffic violations in the past four years, and you have not had your license suspended or revoked. To renew by mail, send your current license, the completed DL-43 form, proof of address, and the renewal fee to the address listed on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website.

Mail-in renewal takes four to six weeks from the date the office receives your documents. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. If you need your license sooner, renewing in person is much faster. If your license has already expired, you cannot use the mail-in process — you must renew in person.

License validity and expiration dates

Your renewed license will be valid for four years if you are under 65 years old, or two years if you are 65 or older. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process, but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives. Expired licenses cannot be used for identification at banks, airports, or other places that require a valid ID.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee is $20 for a four-year license if you are under 65, or $10 for a two-year license if you are 65 or older. Most Driver Services offices accept cash, check, and card payments. Some offices may have restrictions on which payment methods they take, so calling ahead is a good idea if you want to pay a certain way.

If you are renewing by mail, include a check or money order with your documents — do not send cash through the mail. If you pay by card in person, there may be a small processing fee added to your total.

What happens if your address or name has changed

If your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The Driver Services office will update your address on your new license at no extra cost.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, bring the certified document that shows the change along with your other renewal documents. The office will issue a license with your new name. If you have changed your name but do not have a certified document, you will need to go to the courthouse in your county to get one before you can renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Arkansas does not offer online renewal. You can renew in person at a Driver Services office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster — you will have your new license within days instead of weeks.

What if I lost my current license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use the mail-in renewal process. You must go to a Driver Services office in person and request a replacement. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The replacement fee is the same as the renewal fee.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Driver Services office?

Most Arkansas Driver Services offices do not require appointments for renewal, but some locations may have started taking them. Call the office in your county to ask whether you need an appointment. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but wait times can be long during busy hours.

What if I have an out-of-state license?

If you have moved to Arkansas from another state, you cannot renew your old license — you must get a new Arkansas license. Visit a Driver Services office with your out-of-state license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and proof that you are a resident of Arkansas (a lease or utility bill). You will take a new written test and vision test.

Can I renew if my license was suspended or revoked?

No, you cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once it is restored, you can then renew.