What You Need to Know About Arkansas License Renewal
In Arkansas, you can renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or other information has changed. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require you to appear in person.
Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which renewal method works for you and includes a barcode you'll need if you renew by mail. If you lose the notice, you can still renew — you just need your license number and other identifying information.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- Online renewal is the fastest option and works for most drivers whose information hasn't changed significantly.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires your renewal notice with its barcode.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if you have a REAL ID license, certain endorsements, or if your address changed.
- The renewal fee varies depending on your license type and how many years you're renewing for.
Renewing Online Through the Arkansas DMV Website
Online renewal is the quickest way to renew if you're may be able to access. You'll go to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website, find the Driver Services section, and select online renewal. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and show you what information is on file.
Online renewal works for standard driver's licenses and commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) in most cases, but not for REAL ID licenses. If your address has changed, you can update it online during renewal. Once you complete the process and pay the fee with a credit or debit card, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if you need to change your name, add or remove endorsements, or if your vision or medical information has changed. In those cases, you'll need to visit a Driver Services office in person.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal takes longer than online but requires no visit to an office. You'll use the renewal notice that arrives in your mailbox, which includes a barcode and instructions specific to your situation. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, include your payment, and mail it to the address shown on the notice.
Processing time for mail renewals is typically 10 to 14 business days from the time the office receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving on an expired license. If you're close to your expiration date, online renewal or an in-person visit is faster.
You can pay by check or money order. Do not send cash. If you've lost your renewal notice, contact a Driver Services office to request a new one or ask whether you can renew online instead.
Renewing in Person at a Driver Services Office
In-person renewal is required if you hold a REAL ID license, have a commercial driver's license with certain endorsements, or if you need to update your name or address through a legal document. You'll also need to visit an office if your vision has changed or if you have medical conditions that affect your driving.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Arkansas address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you're renewing a REAL ID license, you'll also need to bring proof of citizenship — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers — and two forms of identification.
Visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website to find the Driver Services office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call ahead if you're unsure. In-person renewals are usually processed the same day, and you'll receive a temporary paper license to use until your card arrives by mail.
Renewal Fees and License Validity
Arkansas driver's 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 typically valid for eight years. Licenses for drivers 65 and older are valid for four years. Commercial driver's licenses have their own validity periods based on federal regulations.
The renewal fee depends on how many years you're renewing for and your license type. Standard license renewals cost less than commercial license renewals. You'll see the exact fee during online renewal or on your renewal notice. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online accepts credit and debit cards, mail accepts checks and money orders, and in-person offices accept cash, checks, and cards.
What to Do If Your License Expires Before You Renew
If your license expires before your renewal is processed, you cannot legally drive. However, if you've submitted your renewal process by mail or in person before the expiration date, you may be able to drive on a temporary basis while waiting for your new card. Ask the Driver Services office or include a note with your mail renewal explaining your situation.
If your license has already expired and you haven't renewed, you'll need to renew when ready. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation. Once you renew, your new license will be valid from the date it's issued, not from your old expiration date.
Changing Your Address or Other Information During Renewal
If you've moved to a new address in Arkansas, you can update it during online renewal without visiting an office. straightforward enter your new address when prompted, and your renewed license will be mailed to that address. Make sure your new address is correct before submitting — the license will be mailed there.
If you need to change your name, add or remove endorsements (such as motorcycle or hazmat), or update medical information, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring the legal document that supports the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, for example. The office will verify the document and process your renewal the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before the renewal notice arrives?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your license expires. You don't have to wait for the renewal notice to arrive. If you're renewing online, you'll just need your license number and personal information. If you're renewing by mail without the notice, contact a Driver Services office to request one.
What happens if I renew online but my information is wrong?
If you notice an error after submitting your online renewal, contact a Driver Services office right away. Depending on the error and how far along your renewal is, you may be able to correct it before your new license is printed. If your new license arrives with an error, you can request a corrected license at an office.
Do I need a REAL ID license to renew, or can I keep a standard license?
You can keep a standard driver's license if you don't need to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. If you want to switch to a REAL ID license during renewal, you must visit a Driver Services office in person and bring proof of citizenship and identity. Standard licenses are simpler to renew and don't require as much documentation.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 10 to 14 business days from the date the office receives your envelope. In-person renewal is processed the same day, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
What if I'm renewing a commercial driver's license?
Commercial driver's licenses have stricter renewal rules than standard licenses. You may be able to renew online or by mail depending on your endorsements and medical status, but some CDL renewals require an in-person visit and a medical examination. Check your renewal notice or contact a Driver Services office to confirm which method applies to you.