How to Get and Renew Your Arkansas Driver's License

What You Need to Know About Arkansas Driver's Licenses

An Arkansas driver's license is a state-issued ID that proves you can legally drive in Arkansas and serves as identification for other purposes. The state issues several types of licenses depending on what you drive and whether you're a resident or visitor. Getting one requires you to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test — though some steps can be skipped if you're renewing or transferring from another state.

Arkansas licenses are valid for four years if you're under 21, and six years if you're 21 or older. The state charges different fees depending on the type of license and whether you're a first-time applicant or renewing. You'll explore through your local Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) office, not online — Arkansas does not offer remote process for driver's licenses.

Key Takeaways

Arkansas driver's licenses cost between $20 and $35 depending on the type and whether you're a new applicant or renewing, with no additional fee for a Real ID-compliant license.
You must pass a written knowledge test, vision screening, and road test in person at a DFA office; you cannot take these tests online or by mail.
If you're moving to Arkansas from another state, you have 30 days to get an Arkansas license, and you can transfer your out-of-state driving record to skip the written test.
Arkansas offers a standard driver's license and a commercial driver's license (CDL) for those operating trucks or buses; each has its own testing and fee structure.
Renewal can be done in person or by mail if you're renewing a valid license and have no medical or legal holds, but you must renew in person if your license has been suspended or revoked.

Types of Arkansas Driver's Licenses

Arkansas issues a Class D driver's license for regular passenger vehicles. This is what most people get when they first learn to drive. You can operate cars, pickup trucks, and vans with a Class D license.

A Class A or Class B commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you operate a truck or bus for work. Class A covers trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 26,001 pounds, and Class B covers trucks between 26,001 and 33,000 pounds. CDL applicants must pass additional tests and medical exams beyond the standard license requirements.

Arkansas also issues motorcycle endorsements that attach to a Class D license. To get one, you pass a separate written test and riding test. Some riders take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, which can waive the riding test in Arkansas.

Documents You Need to explore for a New License

Arkansas requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable documents vary, so check the DFA website for the full list before you go to the office.

For proof of identity, you can use a passport, military ID, certified birth certificate, or an out-of-state driver's license. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Arkansas address. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.

If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must sign your process in person. If you're 18 or older, you sign it yourself. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

The Testing Process in Arkansas

All new drivers in Arkansas must pass three tests: a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a road test. Each is administered at a DFA office, and you cannot take them online or by mail.

The written knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 40 minutes to answer 40 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 32 correct (80%) to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back later. If you're transferring from another state and have held a valid license there for at least one year, Arkansas may waive this test.

The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test and during all driving.

The road test is a 15- to 20-minute drive with an examiner in your vehicle. The examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, and highway driving. You must demonstrate safe driving habits and follow all traffic laws. If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period, usually a few days.

Fees and How Long It Takes

A new Class D driver's license costs $20 for applicants under 21 and $25 for applicants 21 and older. The fee covers the license itself and all three tests. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), there is no additional charge — Arkansas includes Real ID compliance in the standard license.

Renewal of a valid license costs $20 for those under 21 and $25 for those 21 and older. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you pay a reinstatement fee of $100 to $200 in addition to the renewal fee, depending on the reason for suspension.

Getting a new license typically takes 15 to 30 minutes at the DFA office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Renewal by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Renewing Your Arkansas License

You can renew your Arkansas driver's license in person or by mail if your license is valid and you have no medical or legal holds. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you're renewing after a suspension or revocation.

To renew in person, go to your local DFA office with your current license and proof of residency. You do not retake the written or road tests. The vision screening is required only if your license has been expired for more than one year. The process takes about 15 minutes.

To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the DFA website or call your local office. Mail the form with your current license and the renewal fee. Do not send cash — pay by check or money order. Mail it to the address on the form. You will receive your new license by mail within 2 to 3 weeks.

Arkansas licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to 90 days before expiration or up to 60 days after expiration. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license rather than renewing.

Moving to Arkansas From Another State

If you're a new Arkansas resident with a valid out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to get an Arkansas license. You do not need to wait until your out-of-state license expires.

When you explore, bring your out-of-state license along with proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. If you've held a valid driver's license in another state for at least one year, Arkansas will waive the written knowledge test. You still must pass the vision screening and road test.

If your out-of-state license has been suspended or revoked, or if you have an active suspension or revocation in Arkansas, you cannot get an Arkansas license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DFA to find out the status of your driving record before you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Arkansas driver's license if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. Arkansas requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you don't have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. If you're not may be able to access for a Social Security number, contact the DFA to ask about alternative forms of identification.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after a waiting period, usually a few days. There is no additional fee for retaking the test. You can schedule your next test at the DFA office or online through the Arkansas DFA website. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

Do I need a Real ID to fly domestically from Arkansas?

Yes. Starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport is required for domestic flights. Arkansas includes Real ID compliance in all new and renewed driver's licenses at no extra cost, so your standard Arkansas license will work for flights.

Can I renew my Arkansas license if it's been suspended?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first clear the suspension or revocation by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the court or DFA. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at a DFA office.

What if I lose my Arkansas driver's license?

Go to your local DFA office and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and residency. The replacement fee is $10. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.