What you need to do right now

To replace a lost driver's license in Arkansas, you will 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 whole process takes about 30 minutes. Your replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online or by mail — Arkansas requires you to appear in person.

If your license was stolen (not just lost), you should also report it to the police and get a report number. Bring that number with you to the Driver Services office; it protects you if someone tries to use your old license for fraud.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address to get a replacement.
  • The replacement fee in Arkansas is $20 for a standard driver's license, and you pay it at the office when you explore.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up the same day.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to the Driver Services office.
  • You will need to have a new photo taken, so plan to look presentable when you visit.

Documents to bring to the Driver Services office

Bring one form of valid government-issued photo ID. This can be a passport, military ID, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that together prove your identity — such as a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a school ID plus a bank statement with your name on it.

You will also need proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (like a tax return or court document) with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill counts if it shows your address.

If your license was stolen, bring your police report number or a copy of the report itself. This is not required, but it protects you and speeds up the process.

Finding your nearest Driver Services office

Arkansas has Driver Services offices in most counties. The easiest way to find the one nearest you is to visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website and search for "Driver Services locations." You can also call 501-682-7060 to ask for the address and hours of your local office.

Some offices are busier than others. If you can, visit early in the morning or on a weekday rather than Friday afternoon. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted — but calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea.

What happens at the office

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and give your documents to the clerk. They will verify your identity and address, ask you a few questions about your license (like whether you want to keep the same address or update it), and then take you to have a new photo taken. The photo booth is in the office.

After your photo is taken, you will go to the payment window and pay the $20 replacement fee. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. The clerk will give you a receipt and tell you that your new license will arrive by mail.

Keep your receipt. It shows the date you applied and can be useful if your new license does not arrive within 10 business days.

How long it takes and what to do while you wait

Your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provided at the office within 7 to 10 business days. This timeline assumes you applied on a weekday; applications submitted on Friday may take slightly longer because the office is closed over the weekend.

While you wait, you can drive legally using your receipt from the Driver Services office. Keep it with you in your car. If you are pulled over, show the officer your receipt and explain that your replacement license is in the mail. Most officers will accept this.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, call the Driver Services office where you applied. Have your receipt ready so they can look up your process.

If your license was stolen

File a police report as soon as you realize your license is stolen. You can do this in person at your local police station or, in some cities, online through the police department's website. Get the report number or a copy of the report itself.

Bring this report number or copy to the Driver Services office when you explore for your replacement. It alerts the state that your old license should not be used and helps protect you if someone tries to commit fraud with it.

You may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft. This is a separate step from replacing your license, but it is a good precaution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive before my replacement license arrives?

Yes. Your receipt from the Driver Services office is proof that you applied for a replacement. Keep it in your car and show it to a police officer if you are stopped. You are legal to drive while your new license is in the mail.

What if I moved and my address changed since I got my last license?

Tell the clerk at the Driver Services office that you want to update your address. They will update it in the system, and your new license will be mailed to your new address. Bring proof of your new address with you.

Do I have to pay the $20 fee if my license was damaged, not lost?

Yes. The replacement fee is the same whether your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. You pay $20 at the office when you explore.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can bring two other documents that together prove your identity. Examples include a school ID plus a utility bill, or a bank statement plus a Social Security card. Ask the clerk what documents they will accept before you leave home.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to the address you provide at the office. You cannot pick it up in person or have someone else collect it. It will arrive at your home address within 7 to 10 business days.