Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Arkansas driver's license in person at any Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) driver services office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes; online renewal, when available to you, can be completed from home and takes a few minutes.
For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
For online renewal, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need to upload a new photo or use the photo from your current license if it is still acceptable to you.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired and who do not need a new photo, but you can always renew in person instead.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address, all brought to a DFA driver services office.
- Your Arkansas license is valid for four years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to six months before expiration.
- The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or in person, and you will receive your new license by mail within two weeks of approval.
When you can renew online versus in person
Online renewal is available if your current license is not expired, you are at least 21 years old, you have no medical restrictions on your license, and you do not need a name change. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a DFA office.
Even if you are allowed to renew online, you can choose to renew in person instead. Some drivers prefer in-person renewal because they want a new photo taken, need to update their address when ready (online changes take time to process), or want to handle everything in one visit. If you renew online but later realize you made a mistake, you can visit an office to correct it.
Finding a DFA driver services office near you
Arkansas has driver services offices in most counties. The DFA 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 some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.
If you live far from an office or have difficulty traveling, you can mail in your renewal process instead of going in person. Contact your local DFA office for the mailing address and the specific form you need to send.
The cost and timeline for renewal
The renewal fee for a four-year Arkansas driver's license is set by state law and does not vary by county or office. The fee covers the license itself and the processing. You pay at the time of renewal, whether you renew online or in person.
If you renew online, you will receive your new license by mail within two weeks of approval. If you renew in person, the office will give you a temporary paper license to use when ready, and your plastic license will arrive by mail within the same timeframe. Your new license is valid for four years from the date it is issued, not from the date you applied.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it using the same process as a regular renewal — online if you meet the conditions, or in person at any DFA office. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to take a written test and a driving test in addition to the renewal process. You must renew in person for this reason. Contact your local DFA office to schedule your tests; they are usually given on specific days and may have a waiting list.
Renewing if you have changed your name
If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. A certified copy means an official document with a raised seal or stamp from the issuing authority — a photocopy is not acceptable.
For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order. The DFA office will verify the document and update your name in the system. Your new license will show your current legal name.
What to do if you lose your license before renewal
If your license is lost or stolen before it expires, you can replace it at any DFA office. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address, the same documents you would bring for renewal. You will pay a replacement fee, which is different from the renewal fee and is usually lower.
If you replace your license and then want to renew it before the four-year expiration date, you can do so using the standard renewal process. The new expiration date will be four years from the date of the replacement, not from the date of your original license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arkansas license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online if you meet the conditions, or you can mail in your renewal process to the DFA. Contact the DFA to request the mailing form and address. You will still need to provide proof of your Arkansas address, which can be a utility bill, lease, or other document sent to an Arkansas address.
What if I need to change my address on my license?
If you renew online, you can update your address as part of the online process. If you renew in person, tell the office staff about your address change and bring proof of your new address. If you do not renew but want to change your address, you can visit a DFA office to update it without renewing your license.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No. If you renew online, you can use the photo from your current license. If you renew in person, you can choose to keep your current photo or have a new one taken at the office. A new photo is free and takes a few minutes.
What if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?
If you have a medical condition that requires restrictions on your license — such as corrective lenses or hand controls — you must renew in person so the office can review your condition and update your restrictions if needed. Bring any medical documentation the DFA requests.
How long is my temporary paper license good for?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your plastic license should arrive by mail before the temporary expires. If it does not, contact the DFA office where you renewed to check the status.