Get your Arkansas driver's license at your local Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) driver services office

Arkansas has one state agency that issues driver's licenses: the Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division. You cannot get a license from a county clerk, city hall, or any other office — only from a DFA driver services location. There are 42 driver services offices across the state, so most people can reach one within 30 to 45 minutes of home.

You must visit in person. You cannot mail in your process, renew online, or use a third-party service. Bring all required documents (which you gathered before arriving) and be ready to take a written test, vision test, and photo on the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Arkansas driver's licenses are issued only by the Department of Finance and Administration at 42 offices statewide; no other agency or office can issue one.
  • You must visit in person with all required documents, take a written test and vision test, and have your photo taken on the same visit.
  • Office hours and wait times vary by location; calling ahead or checking online can tell you which office is least busy.
  • The fee for a first-time driver's license in Arkansas is $24.50 for a four-year license or $49 for an eight-year license.

How to find the DFA driver services office nearest you

The Arkansas DFA maintains a list of all 42 driver services offices on its website, organized by county. Each office listing includes the street address, phone number, and hours of operation. Hours vary — some offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while others have different schedules or close for lunch.

Call the office before you go. Wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are typically less crowded than Friday afternoons. The staff can tell you how busy they are when you call and may be able to give you an estimate of how long you will wait.

If the office nearest you has a long wait, you can visit a different location. Your address does not have to match the office location — you can go to any DFA driver services office in the state.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring the original documents you gathered before your visit. The DFA will not accept photocopies or digital images for most documents. You need proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of Arkansas residency (such as a utility bill or lease).

If you are under 18, you also need a completed Parental Consent Form signed by a parent or legal guardian. The DFA provides this form on its website, or you can pick one up at the office. If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental consent.

Bring your completed process form (DL-43) if you filled it out at home. You can also fill it out at the office, but doing it beforehand speeds up the process. The DFA website has a printable version.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A staff member will review your documents to make sure everything is there and correct. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will tell you what you need to fix or bring back.

Next, you will take a written test on a computer or paper. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you may have to wait and come back later.

You will also take a vision test. The staff will check whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test.

Finally, you will have your photo taken for the license. Wear something you are comfortable with — the photo will be on your license for four or eight years depending on which term you choose.

License fees and how long the license lasts

A four-year driver's license costs $24.50. An eight-year driver's license costs $49. You choose which term you want when you explore. First-time drivers often choose the four-year license because it is cheaper, but the eight-year license costs less per year if you plan to keep it longer.

You will receive your temporary license on paper the day you pass your test. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive using the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

What to do if you fail the written test

If you score below 70 percent on the written test, you can retake it when ready or later the same day. There is no extra fee for retaking the test at the same visit. You do not have to come back another day unless you choose to study more first.

The DFA provides study materials on its website, including a sample test and a driver's manual. Many people study these materials before their first visit to avoid having to retake the test.

Bring proof of passing your driving test if you took one elsewhere

If you took a driving test (the behind-the-wheel test) at a private driving school or through another state's program, bring the certificate or proof of passing. Arkansas will accept a passing driving test from another state if you are moving to Arkansas. The DFA staff will tell you whether your certificate counts.

If you do not have proof of a driving test, you will need to schedule one with a DFA-approved examiner after you pass the written test. This is a separate appointment and happens at a different time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment ahead of time, or is it first-come, first-served?

Most Arkansas DFA driver services offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You cannot reserve a time slot in advance. However, some offices may have different policies, so call ahead to ask. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.

What if I do not have all my documents when I arrive?

The DFA will not issue a license if documents are missing. You will have to leave and come back with the missing items. It is worth calling the office before your visit to confirm you have everything, so you do not make a wasted trip.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must be present for the photo and to sign the license process. You cannot send someone else to do it for you. You must visit the office in person.

How long does the whole process take on the day I visit?

The time varies by office and how busy it is. Plan for 30 minutes to an hour from check-in to leaving. This includes waiting, document review, the written test, vision test, and photo. If you fail the written test and retake it, add another 15 to 30 minutes.

What if I move to a different county after I get my license?

You do not have to update your license if you move within Arkansas. Your address on the license does not have to match your current residence. However, you can update it by visiting any DFA driver services office and paying a small fee, or you can wait until your license expires and renew it with your new address.