What you need to do to replace your Arkansas license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arkansas driver's license, you visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you explore. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Arkansas does not issue temporary paper licenses while you wait, so plan for a gap between when you explore and when your new card arrives. If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at the DMV office, which is valid for 30 days and printed on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at an Arkansas DMV office with a valid ID and proof of your current address.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license or $25 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and payment is cash or card.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; there is no way to speed this up or pick it up in person.
  • If you need to drive when ready, request a temporary 30-day driving permit at the DMV office on the day you explore.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because Arkansas requires it to issue or replace a license.

Documents to bring to the DMV

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current address. For identity, the DMV accepts a passport, military ID, state ID card, or a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a Social Security card. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card with you, bring a document that shows it — a W-2, tax return, or benefit statement. If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can get a driver's license in Arkansas.

If your license was stolen, you do not need a police report to replace it, but having one can help if you later discover fraudulent use of your name. If your license was damaged, bring the old card with you so the DMV can see the damage and process it as a replacement rather than a new issue.

Where to go and how to find your local DMV office

Arkansas has DMV offices in every county. To find the one nearest you, visit the Arkansas DMV website and use their office locator tool, or call 501-682-7060 to ask for the address and hours of your local branch. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer wait times, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month.

Many Arkansas DMV offices do not take appointments, so you arrive and wait your turn. A few offices in larger cities offer online appointment scheduling through the DMV website. Check your local office's page before you go to see whether appointments are available in your area.

The fee and payment methods

A standard replacement license costs $20. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license — which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025 — the fee is $25. Arkansas accepts cash and debit or credit cards at all DMV offices.

The fee covers the replacement license only. If you also request a temporary driving permit while you wait for your new license to arrive, there is no additional charge — the permit is included with your replacement process.

What happens after you explore

After you pay and have your photo taken, the DMV gives you a receipt with a confirmation number. Your new license is printed at a central facility and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can occasionally take longer if there are mail delays in your area.

You can track your license using the confirmation number on your receipt by calling the DMV or checking the Arkansas DMV website. If your license does not arrive within 14 days, contact your local DMV office to report it and request a replacement.

Getting a temporary driving permit while you wait

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the DMV clerk for a temporary driving permit when you submit your replacement process. The permit is printed when ready and is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. It is a paper document, not a card, and you must carry it with you along with your receipt.

The temporary permit allows you to drive a personal vehicle but does not work for commercial driving or as ID for other purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal building. If your new license arrives before the 30 days are up, the temporary permit becomes invalid and you should discard it.

REAL ID versus standard license: which one to choose

A standard Arkansas driver's license costs $20 and works for driving and most everyday ID needs. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $25 and also works for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings — a requirement that takes effect May 7, 2025. If you fly domestically or visit federal offices, REAL ID is the better choice because you will eventually need it anyway.

To get REAL ID, you must bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus one additional document that proves your citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. This can be a passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or visa. If you do not have one of these documents, you can only get a standard license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Arkansas requires you to explore in person at a DMV office so they can take a new photo and verify your identity. There is no online or mail-in replacement option.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still must explore at an Arkansas DMV office in person. If you are out of state and cannot travel back to Arkansas when ready, you can request a temporary driving permit by mail — contact your local DMV office for the form and instructions.

Do I need a new license if my address changed but the card is not lost or damaged?

No. You can update your address at the DMV without replacing the card itself. Address changes are free and can be done in person or online through the Arkansas DMV website.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

You will need to bring a document proving the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your other documents. The DMV will issue a new license with your current name. The fee is the same as a standard replacement.

How long is a replacement license valid?

Arkansas driver's licenses are valid for four years from the date of issue. Your replacement license will expire four years from the date you explore, not four years from the date your original license would have expired.