What you need to do to reinstate a suspended Arkansas license
To reinstate a suspended license in Arkansas, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific steps for that reason. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division handles reinstatement. Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $100 for most suspensions), resolve the underlying issue, and submit proof to the state. The process typically takes two to four weeks after you submit everything correctly.
Your suspension reason determines what you do next. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines requires proof of payment. A suspension for unpaid child support requires a release letter from the Arkansas Department of Human Services. A suspension for drug convictions requires completion of a substance abuse program. A suspension for medical reasons requires a doctor's clearance. You cannot reinstate until you have completed the specific requirement for your suspension type.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division to learn the exact reason your license was suspended before you take any other step.
- Most reinstatements require a $100 fee plus proof that you have resolved the underlying issue — unpaid fines, child support, DUI requirements, or medical clearance.
- You can check your suspension status and pay the reinstatement fee online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website, or by mail or in person at a driver services office.
- After you submit proof of resolution and the reinstatement fee, allow two to four weeks for processing before your license becomes active again.
- If your suspension was for a DUI or drug conviction, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device before reinstatement is approved.
How to find out why your Arkansas license was suspended
Call the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division at 501-682-7060 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff member will tell you the suspension reason, the date it took effect, and what you must do to reinstate.
You can also check your suspension status online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website. Go to the Driver Services page and look for the license status check tool. Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show whether your license is suspended, the reason, and sometimes the next steps. If the online tool does not give you enough detail, call the number above.
Reinstatement steps for traffic violations and unpaid fines
If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court directly — the citation on your ticket shows which court has jurisdiction. Ask the court clerk for the exact amount due, including any late fees or collection costs. Pay by the method the court accepts (usually check, money order, or in-person payment).
Once the court receives payment, ask for a written receipt or confirmation letter showing the debt is satisfied. Keep this document. Then submit the receipt, your reinstatement fee ($100), and a completed reinstatement form to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. You can mail these to the Driver Services Division, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203, or deliver them in person at a driver services office. Processing takes two to four weeks after the department receives your complete submission.
Reinstatement steps for child support arrears
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement. They manage all child support cases in the state. Call 1-800-264-2778 or visit their website to locate your case. You will need to work with them to either pay the full amount owed or set up a payment plan.
Once you have paid in full or established a plan that the Division of Child Support Enforcement approves, ask them for a release letter or clearance document stating that your case is no longer grounds for suspension. This letter is your proof of resolution. Submit it along with your $100 reinstatement fee and reinstatement form to the Driver Services Division. Mail to P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203, or deliver in person. The department will process your reinstatement within two to four weeks.
Reinstatement steps for DUI and drug-related suspensions
A suspension for DUI (driving under the influence) or drug-related convictions requires more than a fee. Arkansas law requires you to complete a substance abuse program before reinstatement. The program must be approved by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Contact Driver Services at 501-682-7060 to ask which programs are approved in your area. Complete the full program and obtain a certificate of completion from the provider.
For DUI suspensions, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This device prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The requirement depends on your blood alcohol level at arrest and whether you had prior DUI convictions. Ask Driver Services whether an interlock is required for your case. If it is, you must have it installed before you submit your reinstatement request.
Once you have completed the substance abuse program and installed any required interlock device, submit your certificate of completion, proof of interlock installation, your $100 reinstatement fee, and a reinstatement form to Driver Services. Mail or deliver in person to P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203. Processing takes two to four weeks.
Reinstatement steps for medical suspensions
If your license was suspended for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder, loss of consciousness, or a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — you must obtain medical clearance before reinstatement. Contact your doctor or the medical provider who treated the condition. Ask them to complete an Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration medical form (Form DL-43 or similar). The form certifies that you are medically safe to drive.
Your doctor may need to perform tests or a follow-up evaluation before signing the form. Once you have the completed medical form, submit it along with your $100 reinstatement fee and reinstatement form to Driver Services. Mail to P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203, or deliver in person. The department will review the medical documentation and process your reinstatement within two to four weeks.
How to submit your reinstatement request and fee
You have three ways to submit your reinstatement fee and documentation. Online: Visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website and look for the online reinstatement payment option. You can pay the $100 fee by credit card or debit card and upload supporting documents. By mail: Send your reinstatement form, $100 fee (check or money order), and proof of resolution to Driver Services Division, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203. Include a copy of your driver's license or ID. In person: Visit a driver services office with your documents and fee. Offices are located in Little Rock and other major cities across Arkansas.
No matter which method you use, keep copies of everything you submit. Write your driver's license number on all documents. If you pay by check or money order, make it payable to "Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration." After you submit, the department will send you a confirmation letter or email within two to four weeks. Your license will be reinstated on the date shown in that confirmation.
What happens if your reinstatement is denied
Your reinstatement request can be denied if the documentation you submit does not match what the state has on file, if you did not include the full $100 fee, or if you did not fully resolve the underlying issue. For example, if you paid part of a traffic fine but not all of it, or if your child support payment plan was not approved by the Division of Child Support Enforcement, the state will deny your request and explain why.
If your reinstatement is denied, the denial letter will tell you what is missing or what still needs to be done. Fix the problem and resubmit. There is no additional fee for a second submission if you are correcting an error on your first attempt. If you disagree with the denial or do not understand what is required, call Driver Services at 501-682-7060 and ask to speak with a supervisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the state notifies you that it has been reinstated. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait for the confirmation letter from Driver Services before you drive.
What if I cannot afford the $100 reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division at 501-682-7060 and explain your situation. Some circumstances may allow for a fee waiver or payment plan, though this is not may provide. You must ask before submitting your reinstatement request. If you cannot pay the fee, your license cannot be reinstated.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
No. The reinstatement process is straightforward and you can complete it yourself. However, if your suspension is related to a court case or criminal charge, you may want to consult a lawyer to make sure you understand all your obligations before you proceed.
How long does reinstatement take if I submit everything by mail?
Processing typically takes two to four weeks after the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration receives your complete submission. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so allow an extra week for mail to reach the state and another week for their confirmation to reach you. Submitting in person or online is faster.
What if my suspension was for a reason I do not understand or think is wrong?
Call Driver Services at 501-682-7060 and ask for a detailed explanation. If you believe the suspension was issued in error, ask about the appeal process. You may need to provide documentation or contact the agency that reported the suspension (such as a court, the child support division, or a medical board) to resolve the issue.