What you need to do to replace your Arkansas driver's license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arkansas driver's license, you'll visit your local Driver Services office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you visit. Your replacement license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Arkansas does not issue temporary paper licenses while you wait for your replacement to arrive. If you need to drive before your new license comes, you can request a duplicate license at the same visit — this is a second physical card issued when ready, though it costs extra. Most people do this only if they need to show ID right away.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person; replacements cannot be ordered by mail or online.
  • Bring a current photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof you live in Arkansas (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, plus $5 extra if you want a duplicate card issued the same day.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; there is no way to speed this up.
  • If your license was stolen, you do not need to file a police report first, but you may want to for your own records.

Finding your nearest Driver Services office

Arkansas has Driver Services offices in most counties. The main office is in Little Rock, but you can visit any location statewide — you do not have to go to the office in your home county. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website lists all office addresses, phone numbers, and hours.

Call ahead before you go. Office hours vary by location, and some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days. A quick phone call confirms they are open and tells you how busy they are, which can save you a trip.

Documents to bring with you

Bring one current photo ID and one proof of Arkansas residency. Your photo ID must not be expired and must show your full name and date of birth. Acceptable photo IDs include a U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card, or an out-of-state driver's license.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Arkansas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill all work. If you have recently moved and your ID does not show your new address yet, bring both your old ID and a residency document for your new address.

If you are replacing a license that was damaged (not lost or stolen), bring the damaged card with you. If it was lost or stolen, you do not need to bring anything — just tell the staff member which one it is.

The replacement fee and payment options

A standard replacement license costs $20. If you want a duplicate card issued the same day (so you have ID while you wait for the mailed license), add $5 for a total of $25. Driver Services offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

The $20 replacement fee covers the cost of the new card and the mailing. There are no additional hidden fees. If you are under 21, the fee is the same.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you need a replacement license. They will review your documents, confirm your information, and ask you to sit for a new photo. The photo is taken on the spot using the office camera — you cannot bring your own photo or use an old one.

After your photo is taken, you will pay the fee and receive a receipt. The staff member will tell you when to expect your license in the mail. If you ordered a duplicate card, you will receive it when ready before you leave.

Waiting for your replacement license to arrive

Your new license is mailed to the address you provided at the office within 7 to 10 business days. This timeline does not change based on how urgent your need is — there is no expedited mail option. Weekends and holidays add to the wait time, so a license ordered on a Friday may take longer to arrive than one ordered on a Monday.

If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Driver Services office where you applied. Keep your receipt from the day you visited. The office can look up your order and tell you the status or reissue the card if something went wrong in the mail.

If your license was stolen

You do not need a police report to replace a stolen license in Arkansas. The replacement process is the same whether your license was lost or stolen. However, if your license was stolen as part of a larger theft (like a stolen wallet or car break-in), filing a police report is a good idea for your own records and may help with identity theft monitoring.

If you are concerned about identity theft because your license was stolen, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) for free. This does not stop you from getting a new license, but it adds a layer of protection to your credit accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Arkansas requires you to visit a Driver Services office in person. You must have a new photo taken, and there is no way around this step. Online or mail-in replacement is not an option.

What if I don't have a proof of residency document?

You will need one to complete the replacement. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address. Some offices also accept a notarized statement from a family member who lives with you, though policies vary — call ahead to ask.

Can I get my license replaced the same day?

You can get a duplicate card the same day for an extra $5, but your official replacement license still arrives by mail in 7 to 10 days. The duplicate is a temporary solution if you need ID when ready.

Do I need to take a written test or road test to replace my license?

No. A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license does not require any testing. You are straightforward getting a new card with the same information and expiration date as your old one.

What if my name has changed since my old license was issued?

Bring legal proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your photo ID and residency document. The staff member will update your name in the system, and your new license will show the correct name.