What happens when your Arkansas license is suspended or revoked
When your Arkansas driver's license is suspended or revoked, you lose the legal right to drive in the state. A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored automatically on a specific date, or after you complete certain requirements. A revocation is more serious and permanent until you take action to have it reinstated.
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division handles all reinstatement decisions. Before you can drive again, you must understand why your license was taken away and what the state requires you to do to get it back.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas suspensions end automatically on a set date, but revocations require you to file a reinstatement request with the Driver Services Division.
- The most common reasons for suspension are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, and driving with a suspended license.
- You must pay all fines, court costs, and reinstatement fees before your license can be restored.
- The reinstatement process typically takes two to four weeks once you submit your request and all required documents.
Suspension versus revocation in Arkansas
A suspension automatically ends on the date set by the court or the Driver Services Division. You do not need to file paperwork or pay a fee to have a suspension lifted — it straightforward expires. However, you cannot drive during the suspension period, even if the suspension is almost over.
A revocation is different. Your license is cancelled, and you must formally request reinstatement. The state will not restore your driving privileges unless you submit a reinstatement petition, pay all required fees, and meet any other conditions the court or Driver Services Division imposed.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, driving with a suspended license, and accumulating too many points on your driving record. Revocations are usually issued for serious violations like DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status, or multiple suspensions within a short time.
Steps to reinstate a suspended license
If your license is suspended and the suspension period has ended, you can straightforward renew your license at any Arkansas Driver Services office or online through the state website. Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security card. There is no additional reinstatement fee for a standard suspension that has expired.
If your suspension is still active, you must first resolve the issue that caused it. Contact the court that issued the suspension to find out what you owe. This might include traffic fines, court costs, or other penalties. Once you pay everything in full, the court will notify the Driver Services Division, and your suspension will be lifted.
You can also contact the Driver Services Division directly at 501-682-7060 to ask about your suspension status and what steps you need to take. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.
How to request reinstatement after a revocation
To reinstate a revoked license, you must file a formal petition with the Arkansas Driver Services Division. You can request the petition form by calling 501-682-7060, visiting a Driver Services office in person, or downloading it from the state website. The form asks for your personal information, your driver's license number, and details about why your license was revoked.
Along with the petition, you must submit proof that you have met all conditions for reinstatement. These conditions vary depending on why your license was revoked. For a DUI revocation, you may need to show proof of completion of a substance abuse treatment program or a DUI education course. For a habitual traffic offender revocation, you may need to show proof that you have paid all outstanding fines and court costs.
Mail your completed petition and supporting documents to the Driver Services Division at P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee, which is typically $200 to $300 depending on the reason for revocation. The state will review your petition and notify you by mail of the decision within two to four weeks.
Fees and costs you will need to pay
The reinstatement fee for a revoked license in Arkansas ranges from $200 to $300. The exact amount depends on the violation that led to the revocation. You must pay this fee when you submit your reinstatement petition.
In addition to the reinstatement fee, you may owe other costs. If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay those in full before reinstatement. If you were required to take a DUI education course or substance abuse treatment, you will pay the course provider directly — these costs are separate from the state reinstatement fee.
Once your license is reinstated, you will also need to renew it if it has expired. A standard Arkansas driver's license renewal costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license.
What to do if your reinstatement request is denied
If the Driver Services Division denies your reinstatement petition, they will send you a written explanation of why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete paperwork, failure to pay all required fees, or failure to meet the conditions set by the court.
Review the denial letter carefully and correct any errors or missing information. If you did not pay all required fees, gather proof of payment and resubmit your petition with the fee. If you did not complete a required course or program, finish it and submit proof of completion with a new petition.
You can request a hearing before the Driver Services Division if you believe the denial was made in error. The hearing request must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the denial. Contact the Driver Services Division at 501-682-7060 to ask how to request a hearing in your case.
Driving legally while your reinstatement is pending
You cannot drive while your license is suspended or revoked, even if you have submitted a reinstatement petition. Driving during a suspension or revocation is a separate criminal offense in Arkansas and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension period.
If you need to drive for work or essential purposes while your reinstatement is pending, you can request a limited driving permit from the Driver Services Division. A limited permit allows you to drive to and from work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You must submit a written request explaining why you need the permit and what driving you plan to do.
Not all revocations may have access to for a limited permit. DUI revocations, for example, may not be may be able to access for a limited permit during the first part of the revocation period. Call the Driver Services Division to ask whether your situation qualifies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a revoked license in Arkansas?
The Driver Services Division typically takes two to four weeks to review your reinstatement petition and notify you of the decision by mail. The timeline can be longer if your petition is incomplete or if the division needs to verify information with the court or other agencies.
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have paid all my fines?
No. You cannot drive until the court notifies the Driver Services Division that your suspension has been lifted. Even if you have paid all fines, the suspension remains in effect until the court processes the payment and updates the state system. This can take several business days.
What if I lost my reinstatement petition form?
You can request a new form by calling the Driver Services Division at 501-682-7060, visiting a Driver Services office in person, or downloading it from the Arkansas state website. There is no charge for the form itself.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
You do not need a lawyer to file a reinstatement petition. The process is straightforward and you can handle it yourself. However, if your revocation was related to a criminal charge or if your reinstatement request was denied, you may want to speak with a lawyer about your options.
What happens if I drive with a suspended or revoked license?
Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Arkansas. You can be arrested, fined up to $1,000, and sentenced to jail time. Your license suspension or revocation will also be extended, making it even longer before you can drive again.