What you need to get an Arkansas driver license

Arkansas issues driver licenses through the Department of Finance and Administration's Driver Services Division. To get your first license or renew an existing one, you will need to visit a driver services office in person — there is no online option for initial issuance or renewal, though you can check your license status online before you go.

The documents you bring depend on whether you are getting your first license or renewing. For a first license, you need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax return), and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). For renewal, you typically need only your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed.

Arkansas also requires you to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices specific to Arkansas roads.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person to get or renew an Arkansas license — online renewal is not available.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency dated within 60 days for a first license.
  • You will take a vision test and written knowledge test at the office on the day you explore.
  • Arkansas driver licenses are valid for four years for adults and two years for drivers under 21.
  • The fee for a four-year license is $24.50; a two-year license for drivers under 21 costs $12.50.

Where to find a Driver Services office

Arkansas has Driver Services offices in most counties. The main office is in Little Rock at 1900 West Seventh Street, but you can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your county. The Department of Finance and Administration website lists all office locations, hours, and phone numbers.

Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check online before you go, because hours vary by location and some offices close for lunch. Wait times can be long during peak hours, especially early in the morning or near the end of the month.

How the written test works

The Arkansas written test has 50 questions and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to pay the fee again.

Arkansas provides a study guide called the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, which you can read from the Department of Finance and Administration website or pick up at any Driver Services office. The test questions come directly from this guide, so studying it before you go will improve your chances of passing on your first attempt.

License validity and renewal timing

An Arkansas driver license is valid for four years if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, your license is valid for two years. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, which means you can start the renewal process early if you know you will be busy closer to the expiration date.

Arkansas does not currently offer online renewal for any driver. You must return to a Driver Services office in person to renew, even if your address has not changed. Bring your current license and proof of residency if your address is different from what is on your license.

Costs and payment methods

A four-year driver license costs $24.50. A two-year license for drivers under 21 costs $12.50. Driver Services offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or damaged), the cost is $11.00.

Some offices may charge an additional fee if you need a replacement license issued before your current one expires. Ask at the office when you arrive, or call ahead to confirm the exact cost for your situation.

What to do if your license is lost or suspended

If your license is lost or stolen, go to any Driver Services office and request a duplicate. Bring proof of identity and pay the $11.00 fee. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic replacement will arrive by mail within two weeks.

If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. Suspensions happen for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or medical conditions. Contact the Driver Services Division to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Some suspensions are automatic once the underlying issue is resolved; others require you to file paperwork or pay a reinstatement fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arkansas license by mail or online?

No. Arkansas does not offer mail or online renewal for any driver. You must visit a Driver Services office in person, even if nothing on your license has changed. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date to spread out the trip.

What if I move to Arkansas from another state?

You must get an Arkansas license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Arkansas residency. You will take the vision and written tests. Your out-of-state license is valid until you get your Arkansas license.

Do I need to take the written test again if I am renewing?

No. If you are renewing an existing Arkansas license and have no medical conditions or violations that would require retesting, you do not take the written test again. You only need to pass the vision test and bring your documents.

How long does it take to get a license after I explore?

You receive a temporary paper license at the office on the day you explore. Your plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive legally with the paper license until the plastic one arrives.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at most offices. You will need to pay the license fee again. Study the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide before your next attempt — the test questions come directly from it.