Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Arkansas driver's license in person at any Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster and handles complications on the spot. The mail route works only if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.

Before you go or send anything, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll also need to pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on how long your new license will be valid.

Arkansas offers two renewal lengths: a four-year license and an eight-year license. The eight-year option costs more but means you won't need to renew again for eight years. Check the DFA website or call your local office to confirm current fees, as they can change.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at a DFA office takes about 30 minutes and handles address changes, name changes, and medical updates on the spot.
  • Mail renewal is an option only if your license expired less than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
  • You need your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of current address, and payment for the renewal fee.
  • Arkansas offers both four-year and eight-year licenses; the eight-year option costs more but extends the time before your next renewal.
  • You can find your nearest DFA office and current fees on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website.

Renewing in person at a DFA office

Walk into any DFA office during business hours with your documents and fee payment. You'll fill out form DL-43 (the renewal process), which the office provides. The staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. The whole visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to update your address, change your name, or add or remove medical restrictions, in-person renewal is the only way to do it—the mail process cannot handle these changes.

To find the DFA office nearest you, visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website and look for the Driver Services office locator. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours. Call ahead if you're unsure about wait times or if you have questions about which documents you need.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available only if your current license expired less than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions on your license, and your address has not changed since your last renewal. If any of these conditions don't explore to you, you must renew in person.

To renew by mail, complete form DL-43 and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your current license, proof of Social Security number, and your fee payment. Do not send cash—use a check or money order. Mail your packet to the address shown on the DFA website for mail renewals. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the office receives your packet, so mail it well before your license expires.

Keep a copy of everything you send, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process once it's processed.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. Contact your local DFA office to learn what documents and tests you'll need.

If your license expired five years ago or less, you can still renew by mail or in person using the renewal process described above. There is no penalty for renewing a license that has been expired for a short time, as long as you don't drive on it before it's renewed.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses follow different rules than regular licenses. You must renew a CDL in person at a DFA office; mail renewal is not an option. You'll need to pass a written test and a skills test (driving test) unless you're renewing without changes to your CDL class or endorsements.

Bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, proof of current address, and your fee payment. You'll also need to provide medical certification if your CDL has medical restrictions. The DFA office will tell you whether you need to take the tests based on what type of renewal you're doing. Plan for a longer visit than a regular license renewal—CDL renewals often take an hour or more.

Paying the renewal fee

Arkansas charges different fees depending on whether you choose a four-year or eight-year license. The eight-year license costs more upfront but means you won't need to renew again for eight years. Both options are available to most drivers.

At a DFA office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you're renewing by mail, send a check or money order only—do not send cash. Make the check or money order payable to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. The exact fee amounts change periodically, so check the DFA website or call your local office to confirm the current cost before you send your payment.

What to do if you need your license before the new one arrives

Your old license remains valid to drive on until your new license arrives in the mail. If you need proof of renewal before the new license arrives—for example, if you're moving and need to show proof of a current address—ask the DFA office for a temporary paper license or receipt. Some offices issue these on the spot; others mail them with your new license.

If your old license is lost or damaged and you can't drive on it, contact your local DFA office when ready. They can issue a temporary license or advise you on your options while your renewal is being processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Arkansas does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at a DFA office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster and handles any changes to your address, name, or medical restrictions.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DFA office if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your other documents. The office will update your address on your new license.

Do I need an eye exam to renew my license?

Arkansas does not require an eye exam for license renewal. However, if you have vision restrictions on your current license, you may need to provide updated medical certification. Ask your local DFA office if your specific situation requires this.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

After in-person renewal, your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. After mail renewal, processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the office receives your packet. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.

What if I renewed but my license still hasn't arrived?

If more than two weeks have passed since your in-person renewal or three weeks since you mailed your renewal packet, contact your local DFA office. Bring your receipt or confirmation number if you have it. The office can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if needed.