What You Need to Do to Reinstate in Arkansas
To reinstate your Arkansas driver's license, you must first resolve whatever caused the suspension or revocation, then submit the required documents to the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The specific steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether for unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another reason. You cannot straightforward renew; you must clear the underlying issue before the DMV will process reinstatement.
Arkansas does not have a single reinstatement process form. Instead, you contact the DMV, confirm what must be resolved, handle that requirement, and then submit proof to the DMV along with a reinstatement fee. The process typically takes two to four weeks after you submit all required documents, though it can be faster if everything is in order.
Key Takeaways
- You must identify the reason your license was suspended or revoked before you can reinstate it, because each reason has different requirements.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, court costs, or child support arrears directly to the responsible agency — not to the DMV.
- You will need to submit proof that the underlying issue is resolved, along with a reinstatement fee (typically $150 to $200), to the Arkansas DMV.
- The DMV will mail you a new license or a temporary driving permit once your reinstatement is approved.
Identify Why Your License Was Suspended or Revoked
Your first step is to find out the exact reason the DMV took your license. You can call the Arkansas DMV at 501-682-7060 or visit an office in person with your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The DMV will tell you whether your suspension is for unpaid fines, DUI, failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, or another reason. Write down the specific reason and any case or citation numbers the DMV provides.
Some suspensions are temporary and lift automatically after a set period (for example, a 30-day suspension for a first minor traffic violation). Others remain in place indefinitely until you take action. The DMV representative will tell you which applies to your case and what you must do to clear it.
Resolve the Underlying Issue
Once you know the reason, you must resolve it before the DMV will reinstate your license. The agency responsible for collecting payment or clearing the issue is not the DMV — it is the court, the child support enforcement office, or another body. Here are the most common scenarios:
Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: Contact the court that issued the citation or fine. You can find the court's contact information on your ticket or by calling the Arkansas DMV. Pay the full amount owed, including any late fees. Ask for written confirmation of payment or a receipt showing the balance is zero. Some courts allow payment by phone or online; others require you to appear in person or mail a check.
DUI suspension: A DUI suspension typically requires you to complete a substance abuse treatment or education program, pay court fines, and sometimes install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. The court will specify which requirements explore to you. You must complete all of them and obtain proof of completion before the DMV will reinstate your license.
Failure to pay child support: Contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement, at 1-800-264-2778. Pay the arrears owed or set up a payment plan. Once the arrears are paid or a plan is in place, the division will notify the DMV that the suspension can be lifted.
Failure to appear in court: Contact the court listed on your notice. You may need to appear before a judge, pay a failure-to-appear fee, or both. Once the court clears the failure to appear, it will notify the DMV.
Gather Documents and Submit to the DMV
After you have resolved the underlying issue, collect proof that you have done so. This typically includes a receipt or letter from the court, child support office, or treatment provider showing the requirement is met. You will also need your current identification (passport, state ID, or other government-issued document) and your Social Security number.
Submit these documents to the Arkansas DMV along with the reinstatement fee. You can do this in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the Arkansas DMV website if your reinstatement type is available online. The fee is typically $150 to $200, depending on the reason for suspension. Pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card (fees vary by payment method).
If you submit by mail, send your documents and fee to the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203. Include a cover letter stating your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason for reinstatement. Keep a copy of everything you send.
What Happens After You Submit
The DMV will review your documents and verify that the underlying issue has been resolved. This usually takes two to four weeks. If everything is in order, the DMV will mail you a new driver's license or a temporary driving permit (valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed). If the DMV needs more information, it will contact you by phone or mail.
Once your license is reinstated, you can legally drive again. If you received a temporary permit, use it until your permanent license arrives. Do not drive before your reinstatement is approved — doing so is illegal and can result in additional charges.
Special Rules for DUI Suspensions and Ignition Interlock
If your suspension was due to a DUI conviction, Arkansas may require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before you can reinstate your license. This device prevents your vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The requirement depends on your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of arrest and whether you had prior DUI convictions.
If an ignition interlock is required, you must have it installed by a certified vendor, provide proof of installation to the DMV, and maintain it for the period specified by the court (typically 6 months to 3 years). The cost of installation and monthly monitoring is your responsibility, usually $60 to $100 per month. You cannot reinstate your license without proof of installation if the court ordered it.
Reinstatement Fees and Payment Methods
The reinstatement fee in Arkansas ranges from $150 to $200, depending on the type of suspension. Some suspensions have a flat fee; others vary. The DMV will tell you the exact amount when you contact them. The fee is non-refundable, even if your reinstatement is denied for incomplete documentation.
You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card at a DMV office. If you mail your reinstatement request, send a check or money order made payable to the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles. If you submit online, you will pay by credit card. Do not send cash by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a temporary permit while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive until the DMV approves your reinstatement and issues a new license or temporary permit. Driving before reinstatement is approved is a criminal offense in Arkansas and can result in additional fines and jail time.
What if I cannot pay the full amount owed to the court right away?
Contact the court or the agency responsible for the debt and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will work with you to set up installments. Once a plan is in place, you may be able to reinstate your license while you pay the remaining balance, though some courts require full payment first. Ask the court directly what it will accept.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my documents?
The DMV typically processes reinstatement requests within two to four weeks of receiving all required documents. If you submit in person, you may receive a temporary permit the same day. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks after approval.
Do I need to take a written test or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a test. You only need to resolve the underlying issue and submit proof to the DMV. However, if your license has been suspended for more than five years, the DMV may require you to pass a written test and vision test before reinstatement.
What if the DMV says my reinstatement was denied?
The DMV will explain why in writing. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, proof that the underlying issue was not fully resolved, or a clerical error. Contact the DMV when ready to find out what is missing and resubmit. You may also request a hearing to challenge the denial.