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 you have to do next. Arkansas suspends licenses for different violations: unpaid traffic fines, DWI convictions, accumulating too many points, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. Each reason has its own reinstatement path, and you cannot skip steps or move forward until you have resolved the underlying issue.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division handles reinstatements. You will need to contact them directly to learn the specific requirements for your suspension, pay any required fees, and submit proof that you have met the conditions. Once approved, you can renew your license through the normal process or take a new test if the department requires it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your suspension reason determines what you must do first — you cannot reinstate until the underlying issue is resolved.
  • The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division is the only office that can tell you what your specific requirements are.
  • Most reinstatements require you to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on why your license was suspended.
  • Some suspensions require you to pass a written test, vision test, or both before your license is restored.
  • You must show proof that the suspension reason has been addressed — such as proof of payment, court clearance, or completion of a DWI program.

Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended

Before you can move forward, you need the specific reason your license was suspended. Call the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division at 501-682-7060 or visit their office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. They will tell you the suspension date, the reason, and what you must do to reinstate.

Common suspension reasons in Arkansas include: accumulating 12 or more points within three years; conviction for DWI or refusal to take a breath test; failure to pay traffic fines or court costs; failure to appear in court; failure to pay child support; or driving with a suspended or revoked license. Each has different reinstatement steps, so getting the exact reason from Driver Services is your first move.

Meeting the Conditions for Your Specific Suspension

Once you know why your license was suspended, you must resolve that issue before reinstatement is possible. If your suspension was for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay them in full. If it was for failure to appear in court, you must appear or resolve the case. If it was for DWI, you may be required to complete a DWI education program or substance abuse treatment, depending on the conviction.

For point-based suspensions (when you accumulated too many violations), you straightforward wait out the suspension period — Arkansas typically suspends for 30 days for a first offense, 60 days for a second, and longer for subsequent suspensions. Once the suspension period has passed, you can move to the reinstatement step. For child support-related suspensions, you must bring your account current or arrange a payment plan with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement.

Keep documentation of everything you do to resolve the suspension reason. If you paid fines, keep the receipt. If you completed a program, keep the certificate. If you appeared in court, keep the court order. You will need to show this proof when you reinstate.

Paying the Reinstatement Fee

Arkansas charges a reinstatement fee, but the amount depends on the reason for your suspension. The fee typically ranges from $100 to $200, though some suspensions may cost more. Call Driver Services at 501-682-7060 to confirm the exact fee for your situation before you pay.

You can pay the fee by phone, by mail, or in person at a 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, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason for reinstatement. If you pay in person, bring a photo ID and be prepared to show proof that you have met the suspension conditions.

Submitting Your Reinstatement Request and Required Documents

After you have resolved the suspension reason and paid the reinstatement fee, submit your reinstatement request to Driver Services. You can do this by mail, phone, or in person. Include proof that you have met the conditions — such as a paid receipt, court clearance letter, DWI program completion certificate, or child support payment confirmation.

If you are reinstating after a DWI suspension, you may also need to provide proof of insurance or proof that you have installed an ignition interlock device, depending on your conviction. Driver Services will tell you exactly what documents they need when you call. Do not guess — ask them to list everything required, and gather it all before you submit.

Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days after Driver Services receives your complete request. If documents are missing, they will contact you and the process will be delayed. Once approved, you will receive written confirmation, and your license will be reinstated.

Taking a Test if Required

Some suspensions require you to pass a written test, vision test, or both before reinstatement. This is common for DWI-related suspensions and for suspensions due to reckless driving or multiple violations. Driver Services will tell you whether a test is required when you call.

If you must take a written test, you can study using the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, available free on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You take it at a Driver Services office, and you must pass with a score of 80 percent or higher. If you must take a vision test, it is administered at the same office on the same day.

Schedule your test appointment by calling Driver Services or visiting an office in person. Bring a photo ID and any documents Driver Services requested. There is no fee for the test itself, but you will have already paid the reinstatement fee.

Renewing Your License After Reinstatement

Once your license is reinstated, it is valid only until its original expiration date. If your license expires soon after reinstatement, you will need to renew it. You can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on how much time is left on your license and whether you have had any violations since reinstatement.

To renew by mail, send a completed process for Renewal of Driver License (Form DL-43) to Driver Services with your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee (typically $24.50 for a four-year license), and proof of your Social Security number and residence. To renew online, visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website if you are may be able to access. To renew in person, visit any Driver Services office with your current license, proof of residence, and the renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does reinstatement take in Arkansas?

Processing usually takes 5 to 10 business days after Driver Services receives your complete request with all required documents. If documents are missing, the timeline extends. Call Driver Services at 501-682-7060 to check the status of your reinstatement while it is being processed.

Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is illegal in Arkansas and can result in additional charges, fines, and license suspension. You must wait for written confirmation that your license has been reinstated before you drive.

What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee all at once?

Contact Driver Services at 501-682-7060 to ask about payment plans. Some offices may work with you on a schedule, but this is not may provide. It is worth asking before you assume you cannot reinstate.

Do I need a new photo for reinstatement?

Not necessarily. If your license is straightforward being reinstated, you may keep your current photo. However, if your license has expired or if Driver Services requires a new photo for your specific suspension type, you will need to provide one. Ask when you call to confirm what is needed.

What happens if I drive before my license is officially reinstated?

Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Arkansas. You can be charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license, which carries fines up to $500 for a first offense and possible jail time for repeat offenses. Your license suspension will also be extended.