How to renew your Arkansas driver's license

You can renew your Arkansas driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have before expiration and whether your license is still valid. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online without taking a new written or road test. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.

Arkansas licenses are valid for four or eight years, depending on your age and the type of license you hold. Standard licenses for drivers under 65 are valid for eight years; licenses for drivers 65 and older are valid for four years. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.

Key Takeaways

  • Arkansas allows online and mail renewal for licenses that expired fewer than five years ago, with no test required.
  • You must renew in person at a Driver Services office if your license expired more than five years ago.
  • Standard Arkansas licenses are valid for eight years for drivers under 65 and four years for drivers 65 and older.
  • You can start the renewal process up to one year before your license expires.
  • The fee for renewal varies by license type and age, and you will need a valid form of payment and identification.

Renewing online through the Arkansas DMV website

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration operates the online renewal system. You can renew at adem.arkansas.gov if your current license is still valid or expired fewer than five years ago. The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and you can complete it from home.

To renew online, you will need your current Arkansas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). You will also need to provide your current mailing address. After you submit your information, the system will verify your identity and process your renewal. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information on your license, or if you need to update your photo. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, you will need to complete Form DL-43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), which you can read from the Arkansas DMV website or request by phone. Mail renewal is an option if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you do not need to change any information on your license.

Include your completed form, your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a copy of proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your materials, and your new license will be mailed to you.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with a motorcycle endorsement, you cannot renew by mail and must renew in person.

Renewing in person at a Driver Services office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to update your photo, or if you are renewing a CDL or motorcycle endorsement. Visit your local Driver Services office during business hours. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Arkansas DMV website.

Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if you still have it), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a valid payment method. If you are renewing a license that expired more than five years ago, you will need to pass a vision test and may need to take a written test depending on the reason for the lapse.

Processing at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on your license type and how many years you are renewing for. A standard eight-year renewal costs less than a four-year renewal. Commercial driver's licenses and licenses with endorsements (motorcycle, hazmat) have higher fees. You can find the exact fee for your situation on the Arkansas DMV website or by calling your local Driver Services office.

You can pay by debit card, credit card, or check. If you are renewing online, you must use a debit or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order. If you are renewing in person, you can use any of these methods, and some offices also accept cash.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your license if it is currently suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Arkansas DMV. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or driving under the influence convictions.

Contact your local Driver Services office or call the Arkansas DMV to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your suspension is lifted, you can proceed with renewal using any of the methods described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than five years?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. You will need to pass a vision test and may need to take a written test. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and payment.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online or by mail?

No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Driver Services office. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and payment.

What if I need to change my address when I renew?

If you are renewing online, you can update your address as part of the online process. If you are renewing by mail or in person, you can change your address at the same time. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Do I need to take a new written or road test when I renew?

No, not for a standard renewal. You only take a written or road test if your license expired more than five years ago, or if you are renewing a CDL or license with an endorsement for the first time.