Registration FAQs

Registration questions usually fall into two general categories: new registrations and renewals. If you are registering your vehicle for the first time, then your questions might be unique and involved, but here are some general questions and responses.

I just moved to Arkansas. How long do I have to register my car?

You have 30 calendar days to register and tag your cars. Penalties will be assessed for late registration.

Can I renew my tags online?

Yes, you can renew your Arkansas tags online, using the STAR system. You can also renew:

• By telephone at (888) 389-8336

• In person at your local OMV

• At participating Wal-Mart stores

• By mail to:
  • Department of Finance and Administration
  • Office of Motor Vehicle
  • P.O. Box 3153
  • Little Rock, AR 72203-3153

How can I get a duplicate registration?

If you can't find your original registration and need to get a replacement, head to a revenue office. Make sure to have some information handy to identify the vehicle, such as its vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number.

My renewal stickers were lost in the mail. What should I do?

If this should happen to you, don't worry. Just call the registration line at (501) 682-4710 and explain the situation to them. They will check into your situation, and then advise you on what to do next. If it's simply a matter of the registration getting lost in the mail, you won't have to pay again for another.

How can I get replacement tags?

If you lost your tags or they were stolen, go to a revenue office. They will look into your situation, and then if everything seems in order, will issue replacement tags.

How do I receive a replacement title?

Go to a state revenue office. You'll need to complete and sign an application for title and then pay the $5 fee. Be sure to bring a document or have some information handy that will help identify the vehicle, such as the registration certificate, the vehicle's license plate or title number, or the VIN.

If there's a current lien on the title, you'll need to complete form 10-315, Permission to Issue a Replacement Title. The lienholder will then be mailed the title. If there's a direct lien on the vehicle, the lienholder will need to release that lien, or send a letter of permission.

It will take about two weeks to issue the duplicate title. If you need it quicker than that, apply for a rush title at:

• Charles D. Ragland Taxpayer Services Center

• Room 1040

• 1900 West 7th St.

• Little Rock, AR 72201

You'll receive the rush title within three to five business days.

If you're outside of Arkansas, simply download the title form. If that's not possible, call (501) 682-7076 to have the form mailed to you. When you're completing the form, make sure to include where you want the title sent. Also, include a copy of the registration, and, if needed, any lien releases. Then, send it all to:

• Department of Finance and Administration

• Special License Unit

• P.O. Box 1272

• Little Rock, AR 72203

Checks for the $5 replacement fee should be made out to the Department of Finance and Administration.

What about nonoperational vehicles?

Arkansas does not require you to pay registration fees on a nonoperable vehicle. If you place your vehicle in storage, you're not required to pay registration on it, regardless of how long it remains dormant.

When you bring the vehicle back to life, you'll need to re-register it. Do this by visiting your local Revenue Office, making sure to bring your vehicle's old registration certificate.

My motorcycle has a sidecar where my dog rides when we travel. Must it be registered? How much does it cost?

Motorcycle side cars must be registered with the state. The fee is only $2. Other registration fees are listed online, too.

I have an old Studebaker cruiser. Does it qualify for an antique license plate?

Your Studebaker qualifies for an antique specialty license plate if it meets certain criteria: It must be more than 25 years old and it must not be altered from the manufacturer's original specifications. The car may be restored, but it must be as close to the original as possible.

How much does it cost to register my boat?

Registration fees in Arkansas are determined by the size of the motorboat or sailboat and are valid for three years. Renewal costs are the same:

• Motorboats and sailboats less than than 16 ft. long: $7.50

• Motorboats and sailboats 16 ft. to less than 26 ft. long: $15

• Motorboats and sailboats 26 ft. to less than 40 ft. long: $51

• Motorboats and sailboats 40 ft. and more: $105

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.