Your expired Arkansas license can still be renewed, but the steps depend on how long it has been expired

An expired Arkansas driver's license is not automatically invalid for all purposes, but it cannot be used for identification when driving or boarding a plane. The good news is that Arkansas allows you to renew an expired license without retaking the written or road test in most cases — you just need to act within the right timeframe and bring the correct documents to a driver services office.

How you renew depends on whether your license expired recently or years ago. Arkansas divides this into two categories: licenses expired less than five years, and licenses expired more than five years. The longer your license has been expired, the more documents you will need to bring and the more steps the process requires.

Key Takeaways

  • An expired Arkansas license can be renewed at any driver services office without retaking tests if it expired within the last five years.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency, and you may need to pass the vision test.
  • You can renew in person at any Arkansas driver services office, by mail if your license expired less than one year ago, or online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website if you meet certain conditions.
  • Renewing an expired license costs the same as a regular renewal — currently $24.50 for a four-year license or $49 for an eight-year license in Arkansas.
  • If you need to drive before your renewal is processed, you cannot legally use an expired license; you will need a temporary permit or to wait for your new license to arrive.

Renewing a license expired less than five years

If your Arkansas license expired within the last five years, the renewal process is straightforward. You do not need to retake the written test or the road test. You can renew in person at any Arkansas driver services office, or by mail if your license expired less than one year ago.

To renew in person, bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of Arkansas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will also have your vision checked. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes at a driver services office. You will pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic license is mailed to you.

To renew by mail, you must have an expired license that is less than one year old. Complete the DL 43 form (process for Renewal of Driver License), include a copy of your expired license and proof of residency, and mail both to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Processing by mail takes about two to three weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license first, then your plastic license.

Renewing a license expired more than five years

If your Arkansas license has been expired for more than five years, Arkansas treats this similarly to a new license process in terms of documentation, though you still do not retake the written or road test. You will need to bring more proof of identity and residency than you would for a recent renewal.

Bring your expired license, your Social Security card or other proof of your Social Security number, two forms of proof of Arkansas residency (such as utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, or government mail dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your license was issued (such as a marriage certificate or court order). You will also have your vision checked. In some cases, the driver services office may ask you to pass the vision test or answer basic road sign questions, though a full written test is not required.

This renewal must be done in person at a driver services office. There is no mail-in option for licenses expired more than five years. Processing takes about the same time as a recent renewal — you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days and your plastic license by mail within two to three weeks.

Online renewal for Arkansas licenses

Arkansas offers online renewal through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website, but only if you meet specific conditions. Your license must not be expired more than five years, you must have a valid email address on file, and you must not have any medical restrictions or changes to your information since your last renewal.

If you are may be able to access, you can renew online by logging into your account on the Arkansas DFA website, paying the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and uploading a new photo if required. You will receive a temporary paper license by email when ready and your plastic license by mail within two to three weeks. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal.

Driver services office locations and hours

Arkansas has driver services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. It is a good idea to check the website or call ahead, because hours vary by location and some offices require appointments during busy times.

If you live far from an office or have difficulty traveling, you can renew by mail if your license expired less than one year ago. Otherwise, you will need to visit an office in person.

Cost of renewing an expired Arkansas license

The renewal fee for an expired Arkansas license is the same as for any other renewal. A four-year license costs $24.50 and an eight-year license costs $49. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at a driver services office. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order. If you renew online, you must use a credit or debit card.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is the same — there is no additional fee. However, you will need to bring additional proof of identity and residency, and you cannot renew a Real ID license by mail.

What to do if you need to drive before your renewal is complete

You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have applied for a renewal. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you have limited options. If you are renewing in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, which you can use to drive when ready. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will also receive a temporary paper license, though it may take a few days to arrive by mail.

If you cannot wait for a temporary license, you can request a duplicate license at a driver services office if your current license is still valid but lost or damaged — but this does not explore if your license is straightforward expired. Your only legal option is to wait for your temporary or new license to arrive, or to arrange for someone else to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired Arkansas license to board a plane?

No. The Transportation Security Administration requires a valid, unexpired government-issued ID for domestic flights. An expired Arkansas driver's license will not be accepted. You can use a passport, passport card, or military ID instead, or you can renew your license before your flight.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

Bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, along with your other renewal documents. If your license expired more than five years ago, a name change is one of the reasons you may need to bring additional documentation. The driver services office will update your name during the renewal process.

Can I renew my expired Arkansas license if I no longer live in Arkansas?

No. You must be an Arkansas resident to hold an Arkansas driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you will need to obtain a license from your new state. If you have moved to Arkansas and your out-of-state license is expired, you can explore for an Arkansas license as a new applicant.

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

You will receive a temporary paper license when ready (in person) or within a few days (by mail or online). Your plastic license is mailed to you and usually arrives within two to three weeks. During busy periods, it may take longer. You can use the temporary paper license to drive during this time.

What if my vision has changed since my license expired?

You will have your vision checked during the renewal process. If you do not pass the vision test, you may be required to obtain glasses or contacts and retake the test, or your license may be issued with a vision restriction. Bring your current glasses or contacts to the driver services office if you wear them.