What you need to do to renew in Arkansas
Arkansas lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how long you want it to last, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people can complete a mail or online renewal in under 10 minutes, but in-person renewal takes longer because you'll wait in line and have your photo taken.
Your current license must not be expired by more than five years for you to use mail or online renewal. If it's expired beyond that, you must go to a Driver Services office in person. Arkansas licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age and the type of license you hold.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website is the fastest option if your license is current or expired less than five years.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the address on the renewal notice you receive.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need a new photo.
- The renewal fee varies by license type and validity period — a four-year license costs less than an eight-year license.
- You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
Renewing online through the state website
Online renewal is available through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card). The system will verify your identity using information from your license record and ask you to confirm your address and other details.
Once you complete the online form and pay the fee, the state will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving legally during that time. Online renewal does not include a new photo — your existing photo will be used on your renewed license.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, watch for a renewal notice from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. This notice will arrive about 30 to 60 days before your license expires and will include a form you need to complete. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and payment to the address printed on the notice.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — expect 2 to 3 weeks for processing, plus mailing time in both directions. Like online renewal, you keep your current photo. Your existing license stays valid until your new one arrives. If you don't receive a renewal notice, you can contact a Driver Services office to request the renewal form, or you can visit in person.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
In-person renewal is necessary if your license expired more than five years ago, if you want a new photo, or if you prefer to complete the process when ready. You'll need to bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Bring two forms of identification if your license is expired.
Visit any Driver Services office during business hours. You'll fill out a renewal form, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. Processing is when ready — you'll receive a temporary paper license that's valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Driver Services offices are located in most counties; you can find the office nearest you on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website.
Understanding the renewal fee and license validity periods
Arkansas charges different fees depending on the type of license and how long you want it to last. A standard driver's license can be renewed for either four years or eight years. The eight-year option costs more upfront but is cheaper per year. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have different fees and validity periods — CDLs are valid for four years and cannot be renewed by mail or online.
Payment methods vary by renewal type. Online and mail renewals accept credit cards and debit cards. In-person renewals accept cash, check, credit card, and debit card. If you're unsure of the exact fee for your situation, the renewal notice you receive will state the amount, or you can call a Driver Services office to ask.
What happens if your license is expired or will expire soon
If your license is currently expired, you can still renew by mail or online as long as it expired less than five years ago. The renewal process is the same — you don't need to do anything extra or pay a penalty. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as you notice the expiration date has passed.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring all required documents and be prepared to take a new photo and pass a vision test. You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last day. Many people renew early to avoid the rush and may support they have a valid license for travel or identification purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arkansas driver's license if I've moved to another state?
Yes. If you still have an Arkansas address on file or can provide one, you can renew by mail or online. If you've moved and need to update your address, you can do so during the renewal process. If you've established residency in another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state instead.
What if I lost my current driver's license and can't send it in with my mail renewal?
Contact a Driver Services office to report the loss and request a replacement license. You'll need to renew in person and bring identification and proof of address. The office can issue a replacement and renew your license at the same time.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?
Online renewals are processed within 1 to 2 business days, and your new license is mailed when ready after. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit your online form. Your current license remains valid during this time.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my license?
Not for mail or online renewal — your existing photo will be used. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. New photos are required if your license expired more than five years ago.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license by mail or online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a Driver Services office. You'll need to bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and medical certification if required. CDLs are valid for four years.