What you need to do to get your Arkansas license back
To reinstate your Arkansas driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended or revoked, then complete the specific steps the state requires for that reason. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Driver Services Division handles reinstatement. You cannot straightforward renew; you must formally request reinstatement and meet all conditions before your license becomes valid again.
The process differs depending on whether your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, DWI-related offenses, accumulating too many points, failure to pay child support, or other violations. Each path has its own requirements, fees, and waiting periods. Starting by contacting Driver Services or checking your suspension reason online will tell you exactly what you need to do.
Key Takeaways
- Your suspension reason determines what steps you must complete before reinstatement is possible — unpaid fines, DWI programs, and child support arrears each have different requirements.
- Arkansas charges a reinstatement fee (the amount varies by suspension type) that you must pay before your license becomes active again.
- You can check your suspension status and reason through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's online system or by calling Driver Services directly.
- Some suspensions require proof of completion — such as a DWI education course certificate or a payment receipt — before you can request reinstatement.
- After you meet all requirements and pay the fee, reinstatement is usually processed within one to two business days.
How to find out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the specific reason it was suspended. Arkansas Driver Services maintains a record of every suspension and the cause. You can look this up yourself online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website, or you can call Driver Services directly at 501-682-7060 to speak with someone who can tell you when ready.
When you contact them, have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. They will tell you the suspension reason, whether any conditions must be met before reinstatement (such as paying fines or completing a course), and the reinstatement fee amount. Write down all of this information — you will need it to move forward.
Reinstatement requirements by suspension type
Traffic violations and unpaid fines: If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic ticket or court fine, you must pay the full amount owed before reinstatement. Once you pay, Driver Services will process your reinstatement within one to two business days. You can pay by mail, phone, or in person at a Driver Services office.
DWI or DUI suspension: DWI-related suspensions require more steps. You must complete an alcohol education program approved by the Arkansas Department of Human Services, obtain a certificate of completion, and submit it to Driver Services. You must also pay the reinstatement fee. Some DWI suspensions include a mandatory waiting period before you can even request reinstatement — this period is typically 30 days for a first offense, but longer for repeat offenses. After the waiting period ends and you have your course certificate, you can request reinstatement.
Point accumulation: If you accumulated too many points on your driving record, your suspension is automatic. You must wait out the suspension period (usually 30 days for a first suspension, longer for repeat suspensions) and then pay the reinstatement fee. No additional requirements explore unless the suspension was also DWI-related.
Child support arrears: If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, you must work with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement. You will need to either pay the full amount owed or enter into a payment agreement. Once the agency confirms you are in compliance, they notify Driver Services, and your reinstatement can proceed. You still pay the reinstatement fee to Driver Services.
The reinstatement fee and how to pay it
Arkansas charges a reinstatement fee that varies depending on why your license was suspended. The fee typically ranges from $100 to $200, but the exact amount depends on the suspension type and whether it is a first or repeat suspension. Driver Services will tell you the exact fee when you call or check online.
You can pay the reinstatement fee by mail, by phone, or in person at any Driver Services office. If you pay by mail, send a check or money order to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, along with a note stating your name, driver's license number, and the reason for payment. If you pay by phone, call 501-682-7060 during business hours. Payment must clear before your reinstatement is processed.
What happens after you meet all requirements
Once you have completed all requirements for your suspension type and paid the reinstatement fee, Driver Services will process your reinstatement. This usually takes one to two business days. You do not need to take a new written test or vision test unless your license has expired or Driver Services specifically requires it.
After reinstatement is approved, you can drive legally again. If you paid by mail, your reinstated license will be mailed to you. If you paid in person at a Driver Services office, you may receive a temporary driving permit on the spot. Check with the office about their current process when you visit.
Reinstating a license suspended for multiple reasons
If your license was suspended for more than one reason — for example, unpaid fines and DWI — you must satisfy all conditions before reinstatement. You cannot partially reinstate a license. This means you may need to pay fines, complete a DWI course, wait out a mandatory period, and pay the reinstatement fee all before your license becomes active.
In this situation, contact Driver Services and ask them to list every condition you must meet and in what order. Some conditions must be completed before others (for instance, you cannot request reinstatement during a mandatory waiting period, even if you have paid all fines). Getting the full list upfront prevents delays.
If you cannot meet requirements right away
If you owe fines but cannot pay the full amount when ready, contact the court that issued the ticket. Many courts offer payment plans that allow you to pay over time. Once you are on a payment plan and making payments, you may be able to request a temporary driving permit from Driver Services while you complete the plan, though this is not may provide and depends on the court's decision.
If you are waiting out a mandatory suspension period, you cannot speed up the process. The waiting period must pass before you can request reinstatement, even if you have met all other requirements. Use this time to complete any courses or gather any documents you will need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have requested reinstatement?
No. Your license remains suspended until reinstatement is officially processed and approved. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. Wait until you receive confirmation that your reinstatement has been approved before you drive.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay the fee?
Reinstatement is typically processed within one to two business days after payment clears. If you pay in person at a Driver Services office, the process may be faster. If you pay by mail, allow extra time for your check to arrive and clear before the clock starts.
Do I need to retake the written driving test to get reinstated?
No, unless your license has expired or Driver Services specifically requires it for your suspension type. Most reinstatements do not require a new test. Driver Services will tell you if a test is required when you contact them about your suspension.
What if I do not know which court issued my traffic ticket?
Call Driver Services at 501-682-7060 and provide your driver's license number. They can tell you which court has the case and how much you owe. They can also provide the court's contact information so you can arrange payment or a payment plan directly.
Can I reinstate my license online?
You can check your suspension status online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website, but you cannot complete the full reinstatement process online. You must contact Driver Services by phone or mail to pay the fee and request reinstatement. Some offices may offer in-person reinstatement as well.