Renewing Your Arkansas License: In-Person or by Mail
Arkansas lets you renew your driver's license either in person at a Driver Services office or by mail, depending on how much time is left on your current license and whether you need a new photo. If your license expires within the next six months and you have a valid Social Security number on file, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. If your license has already expired or you want a new photo, you must go in person.
The mail-in route takes about two to three weeks from the time the Department of Finance and Administration receives your form. In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is usually faster — most people complete it in under an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Mail renewal works only if your license expires within six months and you have a valid Social Security number on file with the state.
- In-person renewal is required if your license has already expired, if you want a new photo, or if you cannot use the mail option.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and payment — either a check or money order for mail renewal, or cash, check, or card at an office.
- Arkansas Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday; some locations have extended hours on certain days.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks of approval, whether you renewed in person or by mail.
Mail Renewal: What You Need and How to Send It
To renew by mail, read or request the DL 43 form from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website. Fill it out completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and signature. You do not need to have the form notarized.
Include your current driver's license and one document that proves your current Arkansas address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Do not send original documents; copies are fine. Mail everything along with a check or money order for the renewal fee (the amount varies depending on how long your new license will be valid) to the address listed on the form.
The Department of Finance and Administration will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address on file. If something is missing or incorrect, they will contact you. Keep your old license until the new one arrives.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Office
Find your nearest Driver Services office on the Department of Finance and Administration website. Bring your current driver's license, one proof of residency document (same as above — utility bill, lease, mortgage, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and payment. You can pay with cash, check, card, or money order.
Walk in during business hours — offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations stay open until 6 p.m. on certain days. You do not need an appointment. A staff member will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.
What Happens If Your License Has Already Expired
An expired license cannot be renewed by mail — you must go to a Driver Services office in person. Bring the same documents: your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The process is identical to a regular in-person renewal, but staff will note that your license was expired when you came in.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Arkansas, even if you have already submitted your renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement before your new license arrives, you could face a citation. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may need to pass a written test and vision screening in addition to the standard renewal steps — ask the office when you arrive.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The renewal fee depends on the type of license and how long it will be valid. A standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The Department of Finance and Administration website lists the exact current fees. If you are renewing by mail, you must pay by check or money order. At an office, you can pay with cash, check, card, or money order.
Some Driver Services offices accept card payments in person, but not all — call ahead if you plan to pay by card and want to confirm. If you are mailing in your renewal and do not have a check or money order, you can visit an office instead and pay however you prefer.
What to Expect After You Submit Your Renewal
Once the Department of Finance and Administration processes your renewal — whether you submitted it by mail or in person — your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file. This usually takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a temporary license or email confirmation; the first notice you get will be your new license in the mail.
If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the Department of Finance and Administration to check the status. Have your license number and date of birth ready. If there was an error in the address on file, your license may have been mailed to the wrong place — the department can help you locate it or reissue it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arkansas license online?
No. Arkansas does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a Driver Services office, but there is no digital option. Mail renewal is the closest to remote renewal available.
What if I moved to a different address since my last license?
Update your address when you renew. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address on the DL 43 form. If you are renewing in person, tell the staff member your new address and bring proof of residency at that new address. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
If you renew in person, you will get a new photo automatically. If you renew by mail, your old photo will be used on your new license. If you want a new photo but prefer to renew by mail, you will need to visit an office instead.
What if my name changed since I got my current license?
Bring legal proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your other renewal documents. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of the name-change document. If you are renewing in person, bring the original or a certified copy.
How long is my new license valid?
Arkansas driver's licenses are valid for either four or eight years, depending on which you choose when you renew. The longer license costs more but does not require renewal as often. You pick the term when you submit your renewal.