Documents and proof you must bring to the DMV

Arkansas requires you to bring five categories of documents when you explore for a driver's license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Arkansas residency, proof of legal presence, and your current license or ID if you have one. You do not need all of these at once — the state accepts multiple documents in each category, so you can choose which ones work for you.

The proof of identity document must show your name, date of birth, and either a photo or a signature. A U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state all work. If you do not have a passport, a certified birth certificate (the long-form version with a raised seal, not a photocopy) counts as identity proof. A school ID with a photo and signature, a military ID, or a tribal ID also satisfy this requirement.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov. You do not need to bring the original — a copy is acceptable.

Proof of residency and legal presence

Proof of Arkansas residency must show your name and a current address in Arkansas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. You can also use a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government check. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, Arkansas allows you to use a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or another organization that serves you, dated within 30 days.

Proof of legal presence in the United States is required by federal law. A U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state satisfies this. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can bring your Permanent Resident Card (green card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a visa, or an I-94 arrival/departure record. Tribal members can bring a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe. If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your I-94 or a letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing your status.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of your Social Security number (card or tax form), proof of Arkansas residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of legal presence (passport or green card).
  • Residency proof must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current Arkansas address; a utility bill or bank statement works.
  • If you do not have a permanent address, a letter from a shelter or social services agency dated within 30 days counts as residency proof.
  • Non-citizens can use a green card, visa, EAD, or I-94 to prove legal presence; refugees and asylees can bring an I-94 or USCIS letter.
  • Bring your current license or ID if you have one, though it is not required if you are explore for your first license.

What to do if you do not have all documents

If you cannot find your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The replacement takes about two weeks, but you do not have to wait — bring a W-2, tax return, or bank statement showing your Social Security number instead.

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the Arkansas Department of Health, Vital Records section. The cost is $12 for a certified copy, and you can order by mail or in person. Processing takes about one week by mail. While you wait, you cannot use an uncertified photocopy or a hospital birth record — the state requires the official certified document with a raised seal.

If your residency proof is older than 60 days, ask your utility company, bank, or landlord for a current statement. Most will issue one for free or a small fee. If you have just moved to Arkansas and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead showing your move-in date works just as well.

The process process and fees

Once you have your documents, go to your local Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles office. You can find the office nearest you on the state DMV website. Bring all five categories of documents, your completed process form (DL-43), and your payment. Arkansas charges $24.50 for a four-year driver's license or $36.50 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card — most offices do not accept credit cards.

At the office, you will take a vision test, a written knowledge test, and a driving test. The knowledge test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. The driving test takes about 20 minutes and tests your ability to start the car, turn, stop, back up, and park. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

After you pass both tests, the DMV will take your photo and issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within 5 to 7 business days, depending on the office. If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or come back later. If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it.

Real ID and standard licenses

Arkansas offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The standard license works for driving and everyday identification but cannot be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. A Real ID license costs an extra $10 and requires one additional document: a certified birth certificate, passport, or passport card showing your citizenship or legal presence.

If you already have a passport or passport card, you meet the Real ID requirement. If you do not, you will need to order a birth certificate before you explore. Most people explore for a new license choose the Real ID option because the extra cost is small and the license lasts as long as a standard one.

Renewing or replacing an expired license

If your Arkansas license has expired, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person. Mail renewal costs $24.50 and takes about two weeks. Online renewal is available if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have not had any address changes; it costs $24.50 and is when ready. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes the same time as a new process but does not require you to retake the knowledge or driving tests.

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you must explore for a replacement in person. Bring the same five document categories as you would for a new license. A replacement costs $24.50 and you do not retake the tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the certified original?

No. Arkansas requires a certified birth certificate with a raised seal from the state vital records office. A photocopy, hospital birth record, or uncertified copy will not be accepted. You can order a certified copy from the Arkansas Department of Health for $12.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must have a Social Security number to get an Arkansas driver's license. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov to explore. The process takes about two weeks.

Do I need to bring my current out-of-state license to the DMV?

You do not need to bring it, but it is helpful. If you do bring it, the DMV will take it and send it to your previous state. If you do not bring it, you can surrender it by mail or in person to that state's DMV later.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?

Most Arkansas DMV offices issue your license on the spot. If the office is busy or your photo needs to be processed, your license will be mailed to you within 5 to 7 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one day. There is no extra fee for retakes. You do not have to retake the knowledge test unless it has expired since your last attempt.