What you need to do to get an Arkansas driver's license

To get a driver's license in Arkansas, you will visit your local Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) office, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and residency. The whole process usually takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Arkansas issues two types of licenses: a regular Class D license for personal vehicles, and a commercial Class A, B, or C license if you drive trucks or buses for work. This guide covers the Class D license for personal use.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your current Arkansas address to your DFA office.
  • You will take a written test on Arkansas traffic laws, a vision screening, and a road test with a DFA examiner before you receive your license.
  • A temporary permit issued on the day you pass your tests lets you drive legally while your permanent license is mailed to you, which takes about one to two weeks.
  • The total cost is around $25 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license, though fees vary slightly by county office.
  • You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit, and at least 17 to get a full driver's license without parental consent.

Documents you must bring to the DFA office

Bring your original birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport. A photocopy will not work — the DFA examiner must see the original document. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original passport or a Certificate of Naturalization.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form from your employer, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A photocopy of your Social Security card is acceptable for this item.

Bring two documents that show your current Arkansas address. These can be a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a piece of mail from a state or federal agency. Both documents must show your name and address, and at least one must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill or lease is usually the easiest option.

The written test and vision screening

The written test covers Arkansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 25 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DFA office. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

You can study for the test using the Arkansas Driver's License Study Guide, which is free and available on the DFA website. It covers everything that appears on the test. Many people read through it once or twice before taking the test and pass on their first try.

After you pass the written test, a DFA staff member will check your vision using a machine that measures how well you can see. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during this screening. If you fail the vision screening, you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a letter from them saying you can drive safely before you can move forward.

The road test with a DFA examiner

The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. A DFA examiner will sit in the passenger seat while you drive a route they choose in your town. They will watch how you handle turns, stop signs, parking, and highway driving if there is a highway nearby. They are looking for safe driving habits, not perfect driving — small mistakes are normal and will not automatically fail you.

Bring the vehicle you plan to use for the test. It must have working brakes, steering, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. The examiner will check these before you start driving. If anything is broken, you will not be able to take the test that day.

You can take the road test as many times as you need to pass. If you do not pass on your first try, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days or a week depending on how busy your local office is.

Getting your temporary permit and permanent license

Once you pass both the written test and the road test, the DFA office will issue you a temporary permit on the spot. This permit is a piece of paper that proves you have passed your tests and are allowed to drive. You can use it when ready to drive legally in Arkansas and in other states.

Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provided at the DFA office. It usually arrives within one to two weeks, though it can take longer during busy times of year. You do not need to do anything else — the DFA will mail it automatically.

Keep your temporary permit with you while you drive until your permanent license arrives. Once it arrives, you can throw away the temporary permit.

Cost and how long it takes

A five-year driver's license costs around $25, and an eight-year license costs around $40. Some county DFA offices charge slightly different amounts, so ask at your local office for the exact price. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card.

The whole process from your first visit to the DFA office to receiving your permanent license in the mail usually takes two to four weeks. The written test and road test can often be scheduled on the same day or within a few days of each other, depending on how busy your local office is. The longest wait is usually for the permanent license to arrive by mail after you pass your tests.

If you are under 17 or need a learner's permit first

If you are 16 years old, you can get a learner's permit instead of a full driver's license. A learner's permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car, which is a good way to practice before taking your road test. You will need the same documents as for a full license, and you will take the same written test. You do not take a road test for a learner's permit.

You can hold a learner's permit for as long as you need. When you are ready to get your full license, you will go back to the DFA office, take the road test, and pay the license fee. If you are 17 or older, you can skip the learner's permit and go straight to the full license.

If you are under 17 and do not have a parent or guardian with you, you will need written permission from them to get a learner's permit or license. The DFA office can tell you what form to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I fail the road test?

You can take the road test again. There is no limit to how many times you can try. Most DFA offices let you schedule your next test within a few days or a week. You do not have to retake the written test — once you pass it, that score stays good for a certain period.

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. You must go to a DFA office in person to take the written test and the road test. You cannot do either one online or by mail.

What if I move to a different Arkansas county before my license arrives?

Your license will still be mailed to the address you gave at the DFA office. If you move before it arrives, contact the DFA office where you took your test and give them your new address. They can update your mailing address so your license goes to the right place.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else?

You can bring your Social Security card, but you do not have to. A W-2, 1099, or tax return with your Social Security number on it works just as well. A photocopy of your Social Security card is also acceptable.

How long is an Arkansas driver's license good for?

You can choose a five-year license or an eight-year license when you explore. The eight-year license costs more but lasts longer, so you will not have to renew as often. Both are valid for driving in all states.