What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your Arkansas License
To reinstate a suspended license in Arkansas, you must first contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, to find out why your license was suspended and what specific steps are required. Most suspensions fall into one of three categories: unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support. Each has a different reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward renew your license online or by mail — you must resolve the underlying issue first, then request reinstatement through the DMV.
The process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you resolve the suspension cause, though it can be faster if you handle everything in person at a Driver Services office. You will need to bring proof that the suspension reason has been cleared — such as a paid receipt, court clearance letter, or child support payment confirmation — along with your driver's license or ID card and payment for the reinstatement fee.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Arkansas Driver Services Division before taking any action to learn the exact reason for your suspension and what documents you need to clear it.
- Most suspensions are caused by unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support, and each requires different proof of resolution.
- You must resolve the underlying issue with the court, collection agency, or child support office before the DMV will reinstate your license.
- The reinstatement fee in Arkansas is $100, payable by cash, check, or money order at a Driver Services office or by mail.
- Processing takes two to four weeks by mail or same-day if you visit a Driver Services office in person with all required documents.
Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Your first step is to contact the Arkansas Driver Services Division directly. Call 501-682-7060 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time) or visit the website at dfa.arkansas.gov/driver-services. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call. The staff member will tell you the specific reason for the suspension and what document or payment you need to clear it.
Write down the exact suspension reason, the date it took effect, and the name and phone number of the agency or court involved. If the suspension is related to a traffic fine or court cost, ask for the case number and the amount owed. If it is related to child support, ask which child support enforcement office is handling it. This information will save you time when you contact the responsible agency.
Clearing a Suspension for Unpaid Traffic Fines or Court Costs
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must contact the court that issued the citation or the collection agency handling the debt. The Driver Services Division will provide you with the court name and case number. You can pay the fine in full, set up a payment plan, or request a hearing to contest the fine.
Once you have paid in full or the court has agreed to a payment plan, ask the court clerk for a written clearance letter or receipt showing that the fine has been satisfied or that a payment arrangement is in place. Some courts will send this directly to the Driver Services Division; others will give it to you to submit. Keep a copy for your records. If you set up a payment plan, you may still be able to request a temporary driving permit while you make payments — ask the court about this option.
Clearing a Suspension for Failure to Appear in Court
A failure-to-appear suspension means you missed a court date for a traffic or criminal matter. To clear this suspension, you must contact the court that issued the warrant and resolve the underlying case. This usually means appearing in court on a new date, paying any fines, or working out a resolution with the prosecutor.
Once the case is resolved, ask the court for a written order showing that the failure-to-appear warrant has been recalled and the case is closed or settled. The court will either send this to the Driver Services Division or give it to you. Do not attempt to reinstate your license until you have this document in hand — the DMV will check with the court before processing your request, and if the warrant is still active, your reinstatement will be denied.
Clearing a Suspension for Unpaid Child Support
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Office of Child Support Enforcement, initiated the suspension. You must contact that office at 501-682-8398 or visit the website at humanservices.arkansas.gov/child-support to arrange payment or a modification of your support obligation.
You can pay the full amount owed, set up a payment plan, or request a hearing to modify your support order if your circumstances have changed. Once you have made a payment or reached an agreement, ask the child support office for a written clearance letter stating that you are in compliance or that a payment plan is in place. The office will send this to the Driver Services Division, but you should also request a copy for yourself. Keep in mind that if you are behind on current support payments, the suspension may not be lifted until you are current.
Submitting Your Reinstatement Request and Fee
Once you have resolved the suspension cause and have your clearance letter or receipt, you can request reinstatement. You have two options: submit your request by mail or visit a Driver Services office in person.
By mail: Send the following to the Arkansas Driver Services Division, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203: your completed reinstatement request form (available on the dfa.arkansas.gov/driver-services website), a copy of your clearance letter or receipt, your driver's license or ID card, and a check or money order for $100 made payable to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. Processing takes two to four weeks.
In person: Visit any Arkansas Driver Services office with your driver's license or ID card, your clearance letter or receipt, and $100 in cash, check, or money order. The office will process your reinstatement on the spot, and you will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your new license is printed and mailed to you. This is the fastest option if you need to drive when ready.
What Happens After You Submit Your Reinstatement Request
The Driver Services Division will verify that the suspension cause has been cleared by checking with the court or child support office. If everything is in order, your license will be reinstated and a new license card will be printed and mailed to you within two to four weeks. If you submitted your request in person, you will receive a temporary permit when ready.
If the DMV finds that the suspension cause has not been fully resolved — for example, if the court shows that you still owe a balance or if the child support office shows you are not in compliance — your reinstatement request will be denied. You will receive a letter explaining the reason. Contact the responsible agency again to clear up the issue, then resubmit your reinstatement request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
Not by mail. If you submit by mail, you cannot drive until your new license arrives. If you visit a Driver Services office in person, you will receive a temporary permit valid for 30 days, which allows you to drive while your permanent license is being printed and mailed.
What if I cannot pay the full amount owed right away?
Contact the court or child support office that caused the suspension and ask about a payment plan. Many courts and child support offices will agree to a plan and may lift the suspension once you make the first payment or sign the agreement. Ask whether the suspension can be lifted while you are making payments.
Do I have to pay the $100 reinstatement fee if the suspension was a mistake?
If the Driver Services Division made an error and the suspension should never have been issued, you may be able to request a fee waiver. Contact the division directly with proof of the error. If a court or child support office made the error, that agency may need to send a corrected clearance letter before the fee is waived.
How long does reinstatement take if I go in person?
If you visit a Driver Services office with all required documents and the $100 fee, your license will be reinstated when ready and you will receive a temporary permit. Your permanent license card will arrive by mail within two to four weeks.
What if my license has been suspended for more than one reason?
You must clear all suspension causes before the DMV will reinstate your license. Contact the Driver Services Division to find out each reason, then resolve each one separately. Once all are cleared, submit a single reinstatement request with clearance letters or receipts for each cause.