How to Renew Your Arkansas Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Arkansas driver's license in person at any Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route requires your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that require an in-person visit. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person. The DFA website has a tool that tells you whether your specific situation qualifies for online renewal before you start the process.

Key Takeaways

Arkansas allows online renewal for current, unrestricted licenses, but expired licenses more than one year old require an in-person visit to a DFA office.
In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes a few minutes, but you will receive your new license by mail rather than when ready.
Your new license is valid for four years from the issue date, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
If you have changed your name, address, or medical information, you must renew in person or update your record before renewing online.

Online renewal: timing and cost

Online renewal through the Arkansas DFA website costs $20 and takes about five minutes. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your current license remains valid, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving.

You can renew online up to one year before your license expires. This means if your license expires on March 15, you can start the online process as early as March 15 of the previous year. Starting early gives you a buffer if mail delivery is slower than expected or if the DFA needs to contact you about your process.

In-person renewal at a DFA office

To renew in person, visit any DFA office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time. Check the DFA website for the office nearest you and whether that location offers time slots.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (dated within 60 days), and be prepared to pay the renewal fee. In-person renewal costs $25 and you receive your new license when ready. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them with you, as the DFA will take a new photo and may test your vision.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than 90 days ago, you can still renew online if it meets the other requirements (no medical restrictions, no name or address changes). If your license has been expired for 90 days or longer, you must renew in person. The DFA treats this as a new issuance rather than a straightforward renewal, which means you will need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test depending on how long it has been expired.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to pass both the written and driving tests, just as if you were obtaining a license for the first time. This is why renewing before expiration is much simpler than waiting until after.

Changing your address, name, or medical information

If you have moved, changed your name, or have new medical information (such as a new vision prescription or a condition that affects your ability to drive), you cannot renew online. You must visit a DFA office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address or name change (such as a lease, utility bill, or marriage certificate), and any medical documentation the DFA requests.

Address changes can sometimes be made online through the DFA website without renewing your license, which may save you a trip. Check the website to see whether you can update your address separately. If you can, doing so before you renew online will make the renewal process faster.

License validity and renewal windows

An Arkansas driver's license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This means you have a 16-month window to renew — the 12 months before expiration plus the 4 months after expiration during which you can still renew without additional testing.

After your license has been expired for more than four months, you will need to retake the written test. After one year of expiration, you will need to pass both the written and driving tests. Renewing within the first four months after expiration is the easiest path if you miss the important date before your license expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Arkansas does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but the court that issued the ticket may place a hold on your license. Contact the court in the county where you received the ticket to find out whether a hold exists. If one does, you will need to resolve it before the DFA can issue your new license.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew online without your current license number. You will need to visit a DFA office in person and bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of residency. The DFA will issue a replacement license and you can renew it at the same time if it is close to expiration.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online, the DFA uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DFA takes a new photo. You can request a new photo during online renewal, but you would need to visit an office in person to have it taken.

How much does it cost to renew in Arkansas?

Online renewal costs $20. In-person renewal costs $25. Both licenses are valid for four years. If you renew in person and your license is expired, the cost may be higher depending on how long it has been expired.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person and bring documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DFA will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.