License Renewal in Arkansas

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) rates driving with an expired license as one of its top driving violations in the state and, therefore, guarantees that drivers who get pulled over with an expired license will get ticketed. So get your license renewed before it expires.

NOTE: Applying as a new resident or driver? Check out our first-timers page.

AR Enhanced Security IDs

The Arkansas DFA has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses—called Voluntary Enhanced Security IDs—in place of standard driver’s licenses, which allow you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings. You can choose to receive a REAL ID upon your renewal—details are outlined below.

Check Your Renewal Notice

If you have a valid Class D or Class M AR driver's license, then you must renew your license every 8 years by your birthday. 

To help remind residents of the need to renew their license, the DFA sends a renewal notice by mail, which will also indicate if you must take a vision test and/or have any outstanding tickets or fines that need to be paid.

If you didn't receive a license renewal notice, you still must renew your license before it expires. To ensure that you receive your renewal notices, make sure to always update your personal information with the DFA for things such as a change of address or a name change, as they are only able to use what's on file.

Expired or Suspended Licenses

Renewing your license will be slightly different if your current driver's license has already expired or is suspended. Make sure that you have paid any outstanding tickets or citations before renewing! If you're unsure about your record, you can check your driver history or contact the AR DFA to check the status of your license

Renew Your AR Driver's License

Currently, the AR DFA does not allow online or by-mail renewals, unless you are out of state (see below). Therefore, to renew your license, you must go in person to your local Revenue office

Make sure you bring:

  • Your soon-to-be expired driver's license.
  • Payment for the $40 renewal fee, using cash or a check/money order made payable to the AR DFA.
  • Corrective lenses or contacts for the vision test, if necessary.
  • All proofs of legal presence, identity, Social Security number, and 2 documents of residency as outlined in the state’s list of required documents ONLY IF you:
    • Already have an Enhanced Security Driver’s License but need to make changes or corrections to your name, date of birth, gender, Social Security number, or driver’s license number. You don’t need these documents if the only change is your address.
    • Have a regular driver’s license and want to upgrade to an Enhanced Security Driver’s License.

You will be issued your renewed license before you leave. Note: If you ever lose it, make sure you get your license replaced ASAP.

NOTE: If you’re upgrading to an Enhanced Security DL/ID, you MIGHT be issued a temporary license and receive your permanent license in the mail.

Out-of-State Arkansas License Renewal

Military Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.

If you are working or going to school out-of-state, or a member of the armed services serving abroad, and your Arkansas driver's license is about to expire, you may renew it by mail. To renew by mail, you must request to have a renewal application sent to your present out-of-state address by doing one of the following:

  • Calling (501) 682-7059
  • E-mailing Driver Services
  • Sending a letter of request to:
    • Driver Services
    • P.O. Box 1272
    • Little Rock, AR 72203

If you send a request by e-mail or letter, make sure to include your:

  • Full name as it appears on your license
  • Driver's license number or Social Security number
  • Permanent Arkansas address
  • Temporary out-of-state address
  • Contact phone number

Once you receive your application:

  • Complete the renewal application in full.
  • Include your $40 renewal fee in the form of a check or money order made payable to the "Department of Finance and Administration."
  • Return everything to:
    • Driver Services
    • P.O. Box 1272
    • Little Rock, AR 72203

Update Your Driving Skills

People aren't automatically good drivers just because they have a license. That's why, although it is not required, taking a supplemental traffic school class every once in a while will help you freshen up on your traffic law knowledge. It may even lower your insurance rates, as some companies offer breaks for taking a class. Call your company to find out if they provide rate reductions for completing a traffic school course. If they don't, you might want to check with other companies to see who will.

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