Renewing Your Arkansas License: The Basic Path
Arkansas driver's licenses expire every four or eight years depending on your age and license type. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office. The online and mail routes are faster and cost less than going to an office, but not everyone qualifies for them — your license must not be expired more than one year, and you cannot have certain violations or restrictions on your record.
The state charges $20 for a four-year renewal and $40 for an eight-year renewal if you renew in person or by mail. Online renewals cost $17.50 for four years or $35 for eight years. You will need your current license number and a valid email address to renew online. If you cannot renew online or by mail, you must visit a Driver Services office in person with your current license and proof of residency.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas licenses expire every four or eight years; check your card for your expiration date before you renew.
- Online renewal through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website is the fastest option and costs $2.50 less than in-person renewal.
- You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired more than one year, if you have unpaid traffic violations, or if your license was suspended or revoked.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office requires your current license and a document proving your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail; in-person renewal produces a temporary license on the spot.
Online Renewal Through the Arkansas Website
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration runs the online renewal system. You start at the state's official driver services website and enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will confirm your identity and show you your current license information. You then choose your renewal length (four or eight years), pay the fee with a debit or credit card, and receive a confirmation number by email.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works only if your license is not expired more than one year, you have no active suspensions or revocations, and you have no unpaid traffic violations in Arkansas. If the system rejects you, it will tell you why — usually because of a violation or suspension — and you will need to resolve that issue before you can proceed. Your new physical license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.
Mail Renewal and What to Send
To renew by mail, you must request a renewal form from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. You can call their main line or visit a Driver Services office to request the form, or you can read it from the state website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $20 (four-year) or $40 (eight-year) to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically 10 to 14 business days from the time the state receives your envelope — so send it at least three weeks before your license expires. Like online renewal, mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired more than one year, if you have an active suspension or revocation, or if you have unpaid violations. Do not send cash. Keep a copy of everything you mail and note the date you sent it.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Office
If you cannot renew online or by mail, or if you prefer to renew in person, visit any Arkansas Driver Services office. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days all work. You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Call ahead or check the state website to find the office nearest you and its hours.
At the office, tell the clerk you want to renew. They will verify your information, take a new photo if required, and collect your fee. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal costs $20 for four years or $40 for eight years, the same as mail renewal.
When Your License Is Expired or Suspended
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use the online or mail renewal path. You must go to a Driver Services office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your fee. The office will process your renewal the same way as a current license renewal, and you will receive a temporary license on the spot.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at all until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what you must do to restore it. This might involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving unpaid traffic violations. Once your license is restored, you can renew through any of the three methods.
Choosing Between Four-Year and Eight-Year Renewal
Arkansas offers both four-year and eight-year renewal terms. The choice is yours at the time of renewal. An eight-year license costs twice as much upfront ($40 in person or by mail, $35 online) but spreads the cost over twice as long. A four-year license costs $20 in person or by mail, or $17.50 online. If you plan to move out of state or expect your address to change, a four-year renewal may be simpler because you will not need to update your license as often.
Your current license shows which term you chose last time, but that does not lock you into the same choice. You can switch from four-year to eight-year or vice versa whenever you renew. The state does not offer any discount for choosing one over the other beyond the base price difference.
Address Changes and License Updates
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must update it when you renew. Online renewal will ask you to confirm or change your address before you pay. If you renew by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address — the same documents that work for initial proof of residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days).
If you need to change your name, you cannot do it during a straightforward renewal. You must visit a Driver Services office in person and bring your current license plus a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will issue a new license with your updated name. This is treated as a new license rather than a renewal and may cost more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arkansas license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal works the same way. For mail renewal, request the form and mail it with your payment to the address provided. You will need your current Arkansas license and must meet the other renewal requirements (not expired more than one year, no active suspensions).
What happens if I let my license expire?
You cannot legally drive with an expired license. If your license has been expired for one year or less, you can still renew online or by mail. If it has been expired more than one year, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation.
How do I know when my Arkansas license expires?
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license card. It is also listed in your renewal notice, which the state mails to you about 60 days before expiration. If you did not receive a notice, check your license card or contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?
No. You cannot renew online or by mail if you have unpaid violations in Arkansas. You must resolve the violation — usually by paying the fine or appearing in court — before you can renew. Once the violation is cleared from your record, you can renew through any method. If you are unsure whether you have unpaid violations, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration before you attempt to renew.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. In-person renewal may require a new photo depending on how old your current photo is and the office's policy. Ask when you arrive, or call ahead to confirm.