What you need to replace your Arkansas driver's license
If your Arkansas driver's license is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn out, you can get a replacement through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You do not need to retake the written or road test — you are straightforward replacing the card itself. The process takes about two weeks by mail, or you can walk out the same day if you visit a DMV office in person.
The main requirement is proof of identity. Arkansas accepts your current license as proof even if it is damaged, along with your Social Security number. If your license was stolen, you will need to report it to the DMV when you request the replacement. You do not need a new photo unless your current license photo is damaged beyond recognition, though you can request a new one.
The cost is $20 for a standard replacement. If you need it faster than the standard two-week mail timeline, you can pay an additional fee to have it expedited, though the exact amount varies depending on how quickly you need it.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arkansas driver's license without retaking any tests — the DMV straightforward issues a new card with the same information.
- Visit any Arkansas DMV office in person to receive your replacement the same day, or mail your request and wait about two weeks.
- You need proof of identity (your current license works even if damaged) and your Social Security number to request a replacement.
- A standard replacement costs $20, and expedited options are available for an additional fee if you need it sooner.
- If your license was stolen, report it to the DMV at the time you request the replacement to prevent misuse.
Replacing your license in person at a DMV office
The fastest way to get a replacement is to visit an Arkansas DMV office. Bring your current license (even if it is damaged), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. You will fill out Form DL-43, the process for Replacement Driver's License, and pay the $20 fee. The DMV will take a new photo on the spot unless you ask them not to.
You will receive your replacement license before you leave the office. Arkansas DMV offices are located in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the Arkansas DMV website. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip.
Replacing your license by mail
If you cannot visit an office, you can request a replacement by mail. read or print Form DL-43 from the Arkansas DMV website, fill it out, and mail it along with a copy of your proof of identity (front and back of your current license) and proof of address. Include a check or money order for $20 made out to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — this is the central DMV office in Little Rock. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the DMV receives your request. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. If your license was stolen, include a note explaining that and the date you discovered it missing.
What to do if your license was stolen
Report the theft to the DMV when you request your replacement. This flag prevents someone else from using your license number fraudulently. You can report it in person at any DMV office or include a written note with your mail-in request explaining when and where you believe it was stolen.
You may also want to report the theft to local law enforcement, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. Keep a record of the report number if you file one — it can be useful if questions arise later about transactions made with your stolen license number.
Replacing a damaged or worn license
If your license is still in your possession but damaged — faded, cracked, or the information is no longer readable — you can replace it the same way as a lost license. Bring the damaged card with you to the DMV office, or include it with your mail-in request. The DMV will issue a new one with the same license number and expiration date.
You do not need to explain the damage or provide any documentation of how it happened. straightforward present the card and request a replacement. If the damage is severe enough that your photo is unrecognizable, the DMV may require a new photo, but this is rare.
Expedited replacement options
If you need your replacement faster than the standard two-week mail timeline, Arkansas offers expedited processing. The cost and timeline vary depending on how quickly you need the license. You can ask about expedited options when you visit an office in person or contact the DMV by phone to ask about current expedited fees and timelines.
Expedited mail service is faster than standard mail but slower than in-person replacement. If you need your license within days rather than weeks, visiting a DMV office in person is your only option.
Your license number and expiration date stay the same
When you get a replacement, your license number does not change. Your expiration date also stays the same — you are not renewing your license, only replacing the physical card. This matters if you have provided your license number to employers, banks, or other organizations; you do not need to update them with a new number.
The only thing that changes is the card itself. If your current license expires soon, you may want to renew it at the same time you replace it, though this requires a separate process and additional fees. The DMV can tell you whether it makes sense to do both at once based on your expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Arkansas DMV to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it.
Do I need a new photo for my replacement license?
Not unless your current photo is damaged or unrecognizable. If you visit an office in person, the DMV will take a new photo automatically unless you specifically ask them not to. If you are mailing your request, your current photo will be used unless you note that a new one is needed.
What if I moved and my address changed since I got my current license?
You can update your address at the same time you request your replacement. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) to the DMV office, or include a copy with your mail-in request. There is no additional fee for an address change.
How long does a replacement license take if I mail it in?
Standard processing takes about two weeks from the date the DMV receives your request. Expedited options are available for an additional fee if you need it sooner. Contact the Arkansas DMV to ask about current expedited timelines and costs.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged in the mail?
Contact the Arkansas DMV when ready and explain the damage. They will issue another replacement at no additional cost. Keep the damaged license and the envelope it came in so you can show the DMV if needed.