Renew in person at an Arkansas DMV office or by mail
Arkansas lets you renew your driver's license either in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles office or by mail, depending on your situation. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and happens the same day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires you to stay home. You cannot renew online in Arkansas, even if your license is still valid.
Your renewal method depends on whether your license is expired, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail without a new photo. If it expired more than five years ago or you want a new photo, you must go in person.
Key Takeaways
- Mail renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years and you do not need a new photo; otherwise you must visit a DMV office in person.
- Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to any in-person renewal.
- Arkansas driver's licenses are valid for four years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at DMV offices.
- If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address in person or by mail before renewing.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current or expired Arkansas driver's license to the DMV office. If you cannot find it, bring a state ID card or passport instead. You also need one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work.
Have your Social Security number ready. The DMV will ask for it during the renewal process. If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change. If you have moved to a new address, bring proof of that address even if you plan to keep the same address on your license.
Renewing by mail if your license is not too old
Mail renewal is available only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you do not need a new photo. To renew by mail, send your current or expired license, the renewal fee of $24.50, and a completed Form DL-43 (the renewal form) to the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles. You can read Form DL-43 from the Arkansas DMV website or call 501-682-7060 to request it by mail.
Include a check or money order made out to the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — it is the DMV's Little Rock office. Your renewed license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving during that time.
Finding a DMV office and what to expect
Arkansas has DMV offices in most counties. The main office is in Little Rock at 1900 West Seventh Street. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Arkansas DMV website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go, especially if you are traveling far.
Bring all your documents and arrive early if possible — wait times vary by location and time of day. The renewal process itself takes about 30 minutes once you reach the counter. You will answer questions about your health and driving record, take a new photo, and pay the fee. Your new license is printed on the spot, though it may take a few minutes. You can drive home with your old license and use the new one when ready.
Renewing early and understanding license validity
You can renew your Arkansas driver's license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not extend your license beyond the normal four-year validity period — your new license will still expire four years from the date you renew, not four years from when your old one would have expired. This means if you renew six months early, your new license will expire 3.5 years later, not four years.
If you are close to expiration and unsure whether to renew now or wait, renew now only if you need a new photo or have changed your address. Otherwise, waiting until closer to the expiration date gives you the full four years of validity on your new license.
What to do if your license is expired by more than five years
If your Arkansas license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring the same documents as any in-person renewal — your expired license, proof of address, and your Social Security number. The DMV will take a new photo as part of the process.
Bring your expired license even though it is old. If you have lost it, bring a state ID card, passport, or other government-issued photo ID instead. The renewal fee remains $24.50. The process is the same as a standard renewal, and your new license is ready the same day.
Payment and what happens after renewal
The renewal fee for a four-year Arkansas driver's license is $24.50. At DMV offices, you can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order only — the DMV does not accept cash or card payments by mail. Make checks payable to the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles.
After you renew in person, your new license is printed when ready and you leave with it. If you renew by mail, your new license arrives in two to three weeks. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue driving and using it as identification. Once your new license arrives, you can destroy the old one or keep it as a record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arkansas license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. Your Arkansas license is tied to an Arkansas address. If you have moved out of state, you should get a license from your new state instead. If you still have an Arkansas address (such as a family member's home), you can renew using that address and bring proof of it.
What if I have changed my name since my license was issued?
Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your legal name change along with your other renewal documents. The DMV will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. This applies whether you renew in person or by mail.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
A new photo is required if your license expired more than five years ago. If it expired within five years, you can renew by mail without a new photo. If you want a new photo even though your license is recent, you must renew in person — the DMV will take one as part of the process.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the Arkansas DMV to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.
Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?
If you renew in person, you receive your license the same day. If you renew by mail, your license is mailed to the address on your process. The DMV does not hold licenses for pickup by another person.