What You Need to Do to Renew in Arkansas

Arkansas allows you to renew your driver's license in person at any Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) driver license office, or by mail if you meet specific conditions. Most people renew in person because the mail option has strict limits: you can only use it if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you must go to an office.

The renewal process itself is straightforward. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your renewed license on the spot if you're renewing in person. The fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want when you renew.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any DFA driver license office or by mail if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).
  • In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes at most offices, and you receive your new license when ready.
  • A four-year license costs $24.50; an eight-year license costs $36.75; you select the term when you renew.
  • Your Arkansas license is valid for four or eight years from the date of issue, depending on which term you choose.

Renewing in Person at a DFA Office

Walk into any DFA driver license office during business hours with your documents. Offices are located in every county; you can find the nearest one and its hours on the DFA website. Bring your current license, a document showing your Social Security number, and a document showing your current address. A Social Security card works for the first; a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works for the second.

The staff will check your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to review your information on screen. You'll confirm your address, any medical conditions, and whether you want to donate to the anatomical gift program. Then you'll pay the fee and receive your new license before you leave. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them for your photo. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document proving the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew by mail and must go to an office.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is available only if all three of these are true: your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions on your license, and your address has not changed. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail—you must go to an office. If you have any medical restriction codes on your license (such as corrective lenses required), you cannot renew by mail.

To renew by mail, contact the DFA driver license division at 501-682-7060 or visit the DFA website to request a mail renewal form. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Include a copy of your current license. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time the DFA receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

Do not send cash through the mail. Pay by check or money order only. If your renewal is delayed or you don't receive your license within four weeks, call the DFA to check the status.

Documents You Must Bring

You need three categories of documents: your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Your current Arkansas driver's license counts as your primary ID. For proof of Social Security number, bring an original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a birth certificate. A photocopy of your Social Security card is not acceptable.

For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the easiest option. If you've recently moved and don't have a document dated within 60 days, bring a lease or mortgage agreement showing your new address, plus a letter from your landlord or lender confirming your current residence.

If your name has changed, bring the document that proves it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy, not a photocopy.

Fees and License Terms

Arkansas offers two renewal terms: four years or eight years. A four-year license costs $24.50. An eight-year license costs $36.75. You choose which term you want when you renew, whether you're renewing in person or by mail. There is no additional charge for choosing the longer term—you straightforward pay the higher fee once.

The fee covers the license itself and the processing. There are no hidden charges or additional fees for standard renewals. If you need a replacement license (because yours was lost or stolen) rather than a renewal, the fee is the same.

Payment in person can be made by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Payment by mail must be by check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail.

Timeline and When Your License Expires

Your Arkansas driver's license is valid for four or eight years from the date it is issued, depending on which term you selected. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to 180 days before it expires. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail—you must go to an office and renew in person. An expired license is still a valid form of ID for the renewal transaction itself, but you should not drive with an expired license. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.

In-person renewal at an office takes 15 to 30 minutes and you receive your new license before you leave. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DFA receives your packet. Plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is bringing the wrong documents. Photocopies of your Social Security card are not accepted—you must bring the original card. Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days; an old utility bill will not work. If you're unsure whether a document qualifies, call the DFA at 501-682-7060 before you go to the office.

Another mistake is attempting to renew by mail when you don't meet the requirements. If your license has expired, you have medical restrictions, or your address has changed, you must renew in person. Sending a mail renewal form when you don't meet the criteria will delay your renewal.

If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, don't forget to wear them for your photo. If your name has changed and you don't bring proof of the change, the office will ask you to come back with the correct document. Bring everything at once to avoid a second trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arkansas license if it's already expired?

No, you cannot renew by mail if your license is expired. You must go to a DFA driver license office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The office will process your renewal the same way as a standard renewal.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You cannot renew by mail if your address has changed. You must go to an office in person and bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease. The office will update your address and issue your new license.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew by mail?

Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the DFA receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you don't receive it within four weeks, call the DFA at 501-682-7060 to check the status.

Do I have to renew in person if I have a commercial driver's license?

Yes, commercial driver's license holders must renew in person at a DFA office. Mail renewal is not an option for CDL holders. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

What if I lost my current license before I could renew it?

Go to a DFA office in person with proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. The office will issue a replacement license. The fee is the same as a standard renewal. You do not need your old license to renew.