Renew your Arkansas license online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation
If your Arkansas driver's license has expired, you can renew it through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Revenue Division. The method you use depends on how long it has been expired and whether you need it urgently. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your expired license is not valid for driving. If you drive on an expired license in Arkansas, you can be stopped and cited. The fine for driving with an expired license is typically $25 to $100, though it varies by county and the officer's discretion. You may also face insurance complications — many insurers will not cover a claim if you were driving on an expired license at the time of an accident.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas allows online renewal for most people whose licenses expired within the last five years and who have not had certain violations or medical suspensions.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and costs the same as in-person renewal, which is $24.50 for a standard four-year license.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Revenue Division office and may need to retake the written test.
- You cannot legally drive on an expired license, and doing so can result in a fine and may void your insurance coverage in an accident.
- An expired license can affect your ability to get insurance quotes, board a plane, or open a bank account, even if you are not driving.
Online renewal for licenses expired less than five years
The fastest option for most people is online renewal through the Arkansas Revenue Division website. You can renew online if your license expired within the last five years, you have no active medical suspensions, and you have not had certain violations on your record. The process takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
To renew online, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license number. You will also need a valid email address and a payment method — Arkansas accepts credit cards and debit cards. The fee is $24.50 for a standard four-year license. Once you complete the online form and pay, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new physical license will arrive at the address on file.
During the online process, you will be asked to confirm that your address, height, eye color, and other identifying information are still correct. If anything has changed, you will need to renew in person instead. The same applies if you want to change your name on the license — you must do that in person and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Mail renewal as an alternative to visiting an office
If you prefer not to renew online, you can renew by mail. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but you do not have to visit a Revenue Division office. You will need to complete the DL-43 form, which you can read from the Arkansas Revenue Division website or request by phone.
Mail the completed form along with your current expired license and a check or money order for $24.50 to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Revenue Division. Include a return envelope with your address. The address for mailing is listed on the DL-43 form. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no active medical suspensions or certain violations. If either of those conditions applies to you, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a Revenue Division office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have an active medical suspension, or if you have had certain violations. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your name, address, or other information that cannot be updated online.
Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $24.50. If you are renewing after more than five years, you may be asked to retake the written test. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number.
Arkansas has Revenue Division offices in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, and Hot Springs. You do not need an appointment — offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times vary by location and time of day. The offices are typically less busy early in the morning and on weekday afternoons. Your new license is issued on the spot if you pass any required test, or it arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license has been expired for many years
If your Arkansas license has been expired for more than five years, the renewal process is more involved. You will need to renew in person, and you may be required to retake the written knowledge test. The Revenue Division uses this rule to may support that drivers who have been off the road for a long time are still familiar with current traffic laws.
You will not need to retake the driving test — only the written test. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no extra fee for retaking the test. Once you pass, your new license is issued when ready or arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you are nervous about the written test, you can study the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, which is available free on the Revenue Division website. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. Most people who study the guide pass on their first attempt.
How an expired license affects insurance and other services
An expired driver's license can create problems beyond the legal risk of driving. Many insurance companies will not issue a new auto insurance policy if your license is expired, and some will not renew an existing policy. If you are in an accident while driving on an expired license, your insurer may deny your claim, leaving you responsible for all damages.
An expired license can also prevent you from renting a car, boarding a domestic flight, opening a bank account, or explore for credit. Some employers require a valid driver's license as part of the hiring process, even if the job does not involve driving. If you are planning any of these activities, renewing your license should be a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on my expired license while I wait for my renewal to arrive?
No. Your expired license is not valid for driving in Arkansas. Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation that can result in a fine of $25 to $100. If you are in an accident, your insurance may deny your claim. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you should renew in person at a Revenue Division office so you receive your license the same day.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?
You can still renew. For online or mail renewal, you will need your driver's license number, which you can look up on the Arkansas Revenue Division website if you have your Social Security number and date of birth. For in-person renewal, bring your Social Security card or another document with your Social Security number, and the office will look up your license number for you.
How much does it cost to renew an expired Arkansas license?
A standard four-year license costs $24.50. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 7, 2025), the cost is $29.50. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Do I need to renew my license in person if I moved to a different address?
If you moved within Arkansas and want to update your address, you can do so online during renewal if your license expired within the last five years and you have no other restrictions. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
What if my license was suspended or revoked, not just expired?
A suspension or revocation is different from expiration. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it — you must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Contact the Arkansas Revenue Division to find out what steps you need to take. This may include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.