What you need to get a driver's license in Arkansas
To get a driver's license in Arkansas, you will need to visit your local Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) driver services office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the fee. The process takes at least two visits — one for the written test and one for the driving test — and you cannot schedule them on the same day. Arkansas does not issue licenses by mail or online.
The state issues different types of licenses depending on your age and what you want to drive. A standard driver's license lets you drive a regular passenger vehicle. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. A motorcycle endorsement allows you to ride a motorcycle. Each type has its own test and fee.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax document, and proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease.
- You will take a written test about traffic laws and road signs at your first visit, and a separate driving test at a second visit at least one day later.
- The written test costs $10 and the driving test costs $20, plus the license fee itself, which depends on your age and how long you want the license to last.
- You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit, 16 and a half to take the driving test, and 18 to get an unrestricted license without parental consent.
- Arkansas driver services offices have different hours and may have wait times, so calling ahead or checking online can help you plan your visit.
Documents you must bring to the DFA office
Arkansas requires you to bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If you do not have all three categories, you cannot get a license that day.
For identity, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy from the vital records office) or a valid passport. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For your address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The name on your address document should match the name on your identity document.
If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form at the DFA office. Bring that person with you, or bring a notarized consent form if they cannot attend.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 25 questions about Arkansas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is on a computer at the DFA office, and you get your results when ready. If you fail, you can take it again the same day for another $10, or come back another day.
The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, stopping for school buses, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. Arkansas provides a free study guide called the Arkansas Driver's License Study Guide on the DFA website. You can also find practice tests online through the DFA site. Most people study for a few hours to a few days before taking the test.
You do not need to schedule the written test in advance at most offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices have longer wait times than others, so calling ahead can tell you how busy it is.
The driving test and how it works
The driving test happens at least one day after you pass the written test. You must schedule this test in advance by calling your local DFA office or booking online through the DFA website. The test costs $20 and takes about 15 to 20 minutes. An examiner rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow) and watches you perform basic driving tasks like starting, stopping, turning, parking, and backing up.
You must bring your vehicle's registration and proof of insurance to the test. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you drive. If anything is broken, you will not be able to test that day.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you will need to pay the $20 fee again and schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt requires a new appointment and a new fee.
Fees and how long a license lasts
The total cost depends on your age and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard driver's license for someone 21 or older costs $25 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. For someone under 21, the license costs $20 for four years. These prices do not include the $10 written test fee and the $20 driving test fee, which you pay separately.
A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and requires additional testing. A motorcycle endorsement adds to the cost of your regular license. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most DFA offices. Some offices accept credit cards, but not all, so call ahead to confirm.
If you already have a license from another state
If you move to Arkansas and already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written and driving tests again. Instead, you can exchange your out-of-state license for an Arkansas license. You still need to bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address, and you still pay the license fee. The exchange usually takes less time than getting a new license because you skip the tests.
If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take both tests. If your license is suspended or revoked in another state, Arkansas may not issue you a license until that suspension or revocation is lifted.
Learner's permits and graduated licensing for teens
Arkansas has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. You can get a learner's permit at age 16 by passing the written test. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m.
You must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. Once you pass the driving test, you get an intermediate license, which lets you drive alone during the day but not at night (between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.) and not with passengers under 21 unless a parent or guardian is in the car. At 18, you can get an unrestricted license with no parental consent needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online or by mail?
No. Arkansas requires you to renew your license in person at a DFA office. You cannot renew by mail or online. You will need to bring the same documents as you did for your original license — birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address — even if you are just renewing.
What if I lost my birth certificate or Social Security card?
You can get a replacement birth certificate from the Arkansas Department of Health, Vital Records section, or order it online through their website. A replacement Social Security card comes from the Social Security Administration office in your area. Both take time to arrive, so start the process early if you need them for your DFA visit.
Do I have to take the tests again if I let my license expire?
If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew it without retaking the tests. If it expired more than five years ago, you will need to take both the written and driving tests again, just as if you were getting a license for the first time.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. Each attempt costs $20 and requires a new appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you do have to schedule each test separately through your local DFA office.
Where do I find my nearest DFA driver services office?
The Arkansas DFA website has a list of all driver services offices with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours. You can also call the main DFA number to find the office closest to you. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan when to go.