What You Need to Do to Replace Your Arkansas License

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Arkansas driver's license, you must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and residency. Arkansas does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost or stolen licenses. The process takes about 15 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license by phone or through the mail. You must appear in person because the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration requires you to sign the process form and have your photo taken or verified. If your license is damaged but still readable and in your possession, you may be able to renew it by mail during a regular renewal cycle, but a replacement for a lost or stolen card always requires an office visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current Arkansas address to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license.
  • The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard license and $25.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you must pay in cash, check, or debit card at the office.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required by the DMV to process your replacement.

Documents You Must Bring to the Driver Services Office

Bring one form of government-issued photo identification and one document that proves your current address in Arkansas. Your photo ID can be a passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license. If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, you can bring two documents from the secondary ID list, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card.

For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and current Arkansas address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Do not bring a PO box address as proof of residency — the address must be a physical street address in Arkansas.

If you are replacing a license because it was stolen, bring a copy of the police report if you filed one. The DMV does not require it, but having it on hand can speed up the process if the office has questions about the theft.

Where to Find a Driver Services Office and Hours

Arkansas has 42 Driver Services offices across the state. The main office is located in Little Rock at 1900 West Seventh Street. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website under the Driver Services section. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some have different hours, so confirm before you go.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. If you live in a rural area far from the nearest office, you may have to travel 30 minutes or more. Check the website for your county's office location and any special hours or closures.

Replacement Fees and Payment Methods

A standard Arkansas driver's license replacement costs $20.50. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (which meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access), the fee is $25.50. You must pay at the office in cash, by check, or by debit card. Credit cards are not accepted at most Driver Services offices.

The fee covers the replacement license only. If you also need to update your address, change your name, or add an endorsement (such as a motorcycle endorsement), those services may have additional fees. Ask the office staff what your total cost will be before you complete the process.

What Happens If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen, you should consider filing a police report, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report is not required by the Arkansas DMV to process your replacement, but it creates an official record and may help you if someone uses your stolen license number fraudulently.

When you explore for the replacement at the Driver Services office, tell the staff that your license was stolen rather than lost. This may flag your file internally and help the office monitor for suspicious activity. If you suspect your license information has been used fraudulently, contact the police non-emergency line and the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report.

Timeline for Receiving Your New License

You will receive a temporary paper license at the Driver Services office when ready after you complete your process and pay the fee. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification purposes. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provide on your process within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact the Driver Services office where you applied. Provide your process number (printed on your temporary license) and the date you applied. The office can check the status of your order and reissue the license if it was lost in the mail.

Special Situations: Damaged Licenses and Address Changes

If your license is damaged but still in your possession and readable, you may be able to renew it by mail during your regular renewal cycle without visiting an office. However, if the damage makes it unreadable or unusable, you should treat it as a replacement and visit a Driver Services office in person.

If you are replacing your license and also need to change your address, you can do both at the same time during your office visit. Bring your proof of new address along with your other documents. If you are replacing your license and also need to change your name (due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. These updates do not add to the replacement fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my Arkansas license at a different office than the one where I got it?

Yes. Any Driver Services office in Arkansas can process your replacement. You do not have to return to the office where you originally received your license. Bring the same documents (photo ID and proof of address) to any office in the state.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You must still visit an Arkansas Driver Services office in person to replace it. If you are traveling and cannot return to Arkansas when ready, you can request a temporary extension or explore for a replacement when you return. Contact the Driver Services office by phone to ask about your options.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No, a police report is not required by the Arkansas DMV. However, filing one creates an official record and is recommended if you are concerned about identity theft or fraudulent use of your license number.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that timeframe, contact the office where you applied.

Can I get a REAL ID license when I replace my lost license?

Yes. When you visit the Driver Services office, tell the staff you want a REAL ID-compliant license. The fee is $25.50 instead of $20.50. You will need to bring the same documents, plus proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form).