What you need to do to renew in Arkansas
You can renew your Arkansas driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services office. Mail renewal is the slowest but requires no trip. Online renewal is fastest if you meet the requirements — you must have a Real ID-compliant license, be between 21 and 64 years old, and not have any medical conditions flagged on your record. In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and works for anyone, regardless of age or license type.
Your license is valid for four years from the date of issue. Arkansas sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website is the fastest option if your license is Real ID-compliant and you are between 21 and 64.
- Mail renewal costs less than in-person renewal but takes two to three weeks, and you must include your current license and a check or money order.
- In-person renewal at any Driver Services office works for all ages and license types and produces your new license the same day.
- The renewal fee is $20 for a four-year license if you renew by mail, or $24.50 if you renew in person.
Renewing online through the state website
Go to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and confirm that your license is Real ID-compliant.
If the system approves your renewal, you pay the fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. This option is free to use and requires no trip to an office.
Renewing by mail
Request a renewal process by calling the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration at 501-682-7777, or read the form from their website. Fill out the process completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license and a check or money order for $20 payable to the State of Arkansas.
Mail the package to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. Do not mail cash — use a check or money order only. Keep a copy of the process for your records in case the mail is delayed.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
Find your nearest Driver Services office on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring a check, debit card, or credit card to pay the $24.50 fee.
Arrive during office hours — most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You will fill out an process at the office, have your photo taken, and receive your new license the same day. No appointment is required, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Call ahead if you want to know the current wait.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it using any of the three methods above — online, by mail, or in person. The fee remains the same. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, so renew as soon as you notice the expiration date has passed.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. You will need to retake the written test and the driving test. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal, plus proof of your Social Security number and current address. Plan for a longer visit — the full process takes about an hour.
Renewing a Real ID-compliant license versus a standard license
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star or circle in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. If your current license is Real ID-compliant, you can renew it online or by mail and keep the same status. If your current license is standard (no star), you can renew it by mail or in person, but it will remain standard unless you upgrade.
To upgrade from a standard license to Real ID-compliant during renewal, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of current address, and a document proving your identity and date of birth — a passport, birth certificate, or certified copy of your birth certificate. The fee is the same as a standard renewal. Real ID-compliant licenses are required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings starting May 7, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have changed my name or address?
Yes. If you changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. If you changed your address, bring proof of your current address. You can renew by mail or in person with these documents. Online renewal will not work if your name or address has changed — use mail or in-person renewal instead.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license. You must go to a Driver Services office in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a document proving your identity. The fee is $24.50. The office will issue a new license the same day.
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. In-person renewal produces your license the same day. You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives if you renewed online or by mail.
What if I am over 64 — can I still renew online?
No. Online renewal is available only for drivers between 21 and 64. If you are 65 or older, renew by mail or in person. The fee and process are the same as for younger drivers.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
No appointment is required. Walk in during office hours and bring your documents. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Calling ahead can tell you how busy the office is, which helps you choose the best time to visit.