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 — the reason determines what steps you take next. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, keeps the record of why your license was taken away. You can contact them by phone at 501-682-7060 or visit their office in Little Rock to learn the specific cause and what you must do to clear it.
Once you know the reason, you will typically need to resolve the underlying issue (such as paying traffic fines, completing a DUI program, or paying child support arrears), then submit a reinstatement request to the state. The process takes different forms depending on whether your license was suspended for a traffic violation, a DUI conviction, unpaid fines, medical reasons, or another cause. Some reinstatements happen when ready after you meet the requirements; others require a waiting period.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, to find out exactly why your license was suspended or revoked before you take any other step.
- Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue — paying fines, completing a DUI program, or settling child support — before the state will reinstate you.
- You will need to pay a reinstatement fee (the amount varies by reason for suspension) and submit a reinstatement request form to the state.
- Some reinstatements are when ready once you meet all requirements; others have a mandatory waiting period that the state will tell you about.
Common Reasons Your Arkansas License Was Suspended or Revoked
Arkansas suspends or revokes licenses for several reasons, and each has its own reinstatement path. The most common are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, a DUI or DWI conviction, failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, driving with a suspended license, accumulating too many points on your driving record, or medical reasons (such as a seizure disorder or vision loss).
If your suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay what you owe to the court that issued the citation. If it is for a DUI or DWI, you will likely need to complete an alcohol education program, pay fines, and serve any required suspension period before reinstatement is possible. If the suspension is for child support arrears, you must contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement, to arrange payment or a payment plan. The Driver Services Division can tell you which category applies to you.
Steps to Reinstate After Resolving the Underlying Issue
Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension — paid the fines, completed the DUI program, or settled the child support debt — you are ready to request reinstatement. Contact the Driver Services Division by phone or in person to confirm that your case is cleared and to ask what form you need to submit.
You will need to complete a reinstatement request form (the Driver Services Division will provide this) and pay a reinstatement fee. The fee amount depends on the reason for your suspension and ranges from around $100 to $200, though you should confirm the exact amount when you call. Submit the form and fee to the Driver Services Division office in Little Rock, either in person or by mail. The address and current mailing instructions are available on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website.
After you submit your request, the state will process it. Some reinstatements are approved when ready; others have a mandatory waiting period. The Driver Services Division will tell you how long to expect when you submit your request. You will receive written confirmation once your license is reinstated, and you can then renew your license or obtain a replacement if needed.
Reinstatement After a DUI or DWI Conviction
A DUI or DWI suspension in Arkansas follows stricter rules than most other suspensions. The length of the suspension depends on whether it is your first offense and whether you refused a breath or blood test. A first DUI with a test refusal typically results in a one-year suspension; a first DUI with a positive test result typically results in a six-month suspension.
Before you can request reinstatement, you must complete an alcohol education program approved by the Arkansas Department of Human Services. You must also pay all fines and court costs associated with your conviction. Once the mandatory suspension period has passed and you have completed the program, you can submit a reinstatement request to the Driver Services Division along with proof that you finished the education program. You will also need to pay the reinstatement fee.
Some people with a DUI suspension may be able to obtain a restricted license before the full suspension period ends, which allows driving to work, school, or medical appointments. Ask the Driver Services Division whether you are may be able to access for a restricted license and what additional requirements explore.
Reinstatement for Unpaid Fines or Court Costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. The Driver Services Division can tell you which court has your case and how much you owe, but you will need to contact the court directly to make the payment.
Once the court confirms that you have paid in full, it will notify the Driver Services Division. You can then request reinstatement by submitting a reinstatement request form and paying the reinstatement fee. In many cases, reinstatement happens within a few business days of the court's notification to the state. Some courts allow you to pay online or by phone; others require payment in person. Call the court listed on your citation to ask about payment methods.
Reinstatement for Child Support Arrears
Arkansas suspends driver's licenses for people who fall behind on child support payments. To reinstate your license, you must contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement, at 1-800-264-2778 or visit their office to arrange payment or a payment plan for the arrears you owe.
Once you have paid the arrears in full or set up a payment plan that the state accepts, the Division of Child Support Enforcement will notify the Driver Services Division. You can then submit a reinstatement request form and pay the reinstatement fee. The reinstatement is usually processed within a few business days. If you are on a payment plan, you must stay current on your payments to keep your license active; falling behind again can result in another suspension.
What Happens If You Drive With a Suspended License
Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Arkansas is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. A second offense within five years carries up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A third or subsequent offense within five years is a felony.
Beyond the criminal penalty, driving on a suspended license will extend your suspension period and may result in additional fines. It can also complicate your reinstatement because the court may impose new conditions before the state will allow you to drive again. If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, ask the Driver Services Division about a restricted license or hardship license, which may allow limited driving for essential purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate my Arkansas license?
If you meet all requirements and submit your reinstatement request in person, reinstatement can happen the same day or within a few business days. If you mail your request, allow one to two weeks for processing. Some suspensions have a mandatory waiting period that begins after you resolve the underlying issue; the Driver Services Division will tell you if yours does.
Can I get a restricted license while my license is suspended?
Yes, but only for certain reasons. DUI suspensions and some other suspensions may may have access to you for a restricted license that allows driving to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. Contact the Driver Services Division to ask whether your suspension qualifies and what you must do to request one.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended?
Call the Driver Services Division at 501-682-7060 or visit their office in Little Rock. They will look up your record and tell you the reason and what you need to do to clear it. You can also check online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website if you have your driver's license number.
Do I have to take a new written or road test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake any test. You straightforward resolve the underlying issue, submit a reinstatement request, and pay the fee. Your original license remains valid once it is reinstated.
What if I moved out of Arkansas after my license was suspended?
You can still request reinstatement by mail. Send your reinstatement request form and fee to the Driver Services Division office in Little Rock. Include a copy of your current address and any documents that prove you have resolved the underlying issue (such as a court receipt showing payment of fines). Once reinstated, you can renew your license in your new state or obtain an Arkansas replacement if you plan to return.