Renewing Your Arkansas License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Arkansas driver's license online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website, by mail, or in person at a driver services office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements — you'll get a temporary digital license when ready and your physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you'll wait in line at an office.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and how long it's been since your last renewal. If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a driver services office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website costs $24.50 and takes 7 to 10 business days for your physical card to arrive.
  • You can renew by mail if your license expired within the last 5 years, and the process takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you must renew in person at a driver services office and may need to pass the vision and written tests again.
  • In-person renewal at any Arkansas driver services office is when ready and costs $24.50, but you'll need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

Online Renewal: What You Need and How It Works

To renew online, go to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's online renewal portal. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $24.50. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you've had a name change since your last renewal, or if you need to update your address.

After you complete the online form and pay, you'll receive a temporary digital license on your screen that you can screenshot or save. This temporary license is valid for 30 days while your physical card is being printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address before renewing, you must do that in person or by mail.

Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline

Mail renewal is available if your license expired within the last 5 years and you have no suspensions, revocations, or name changes. You'll need to fill out the renewal form (DL-43), include a copy of your current license, and mail both to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. The fee is $24.50, which you can pay by check or money order.

Send your renewal packet to: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you don't receive it within 4 weeks, contact the driver services office to check the status.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you have a suspension or revocation on your record, if you've had a name change, or if you need to update your address or other information. Bring your current license (or expired license if you've lost the current one), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Arkansas address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

The fee is $24.50. You'll receive your new license on the spot. If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you'll need to pass the vision screening and may need to retake the written knowledge test — the office staff will tell you whether that's required when you arrive. Arkansas has 42 driver services offices statewide; you can find the one nearest you on the Department of Finance and Administration website.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

You cannot renew your license while it is under suspension or revocation. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation — this might mean paying outstanding traffic fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew in person at any driver services office. Bring proof that the suspension has been cleared (a letter from the court or the Department of Finance and Administration). You cannot renew online or by mail while a suspension or revocation is active.

Real ID Compliance and Renewal

Arkansas driver's licenses are Real ID compliant by default. This means your license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You don't need to do anything special during renewal — your new license will automatically be Real ID compliant.

If you prefer a non-Real ID license (sometimes called a standard license), you can request one, but it cannot be used for domestic air travel or federal building access. Most people keep the Real ID version. Your license will show a gold star in the upper right corner if it is Real ID compliant.

Address Changes and Other Updates During Renewal

If you're renewing in person, you can update your address, phone number, or other information at the same time. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you're renewing online or by mail, you cannot change your address — you'll need to do that separately in person or contact the driver services office.

If you've had a legal name change since your last renewal, you must renew in person. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the legal document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will issue your new license with the updated name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arkansas license if it's been expired for 10 years?

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license expired more than 5 years ago. You must go to a driver services office in person. You'll need to pass the vision screening and may need to retake the written test. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

How long does the temporary digital license last?

Your temporary digital license is valid for 30 days from the date you renew online. During that time, your physical card is being printed and mailed. Your physical license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but the temporary version covers you for the full 30-day window in case there's a delay.

What if I need my license before the mail renewal arrives?

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks, so if you need your license sooner, renew in person at a driver services office instead. You'll get your new license the same day. Online renewal is also faster — you get a temporary digital license when ready and your physical card in 7 to 10 days.

Do I need to take a new photo during renewal?

If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license will be used on your new license. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo. You cannot request to keep your old photo if you're renewing in person.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a driver services office. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the legal document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will issue your new license with the updated name and take a new photo.