How to Renew Your Arkansas Driver's License

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Arkansas lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how long you want it to last, and whether you need to update your photo. Mail and online renewals are faster and cheaper than going in person, but they have limits — you cannot use them if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.

Your Arkansas license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age. If you are under 65, you can choose either length when you renew. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for four years and you must renew in person. The state sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice — you can renew anytime in the 180 days before expiration.

Key Takeaways

You can renew by mail or online if your license is current and you do not need a new photo, but you must go in person if your license expired more than five years ago or if you are 65 or older.
Online renewal through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website takes about 10 minutes and costs less than mail renewal.
Mail renewal requires sending your current license and a check to the address on your renewal notice, and takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office requires a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of residency, and you walk out with your new license the same day.
You can renew up to 180 days before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Renewing Online Through the State Website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are under 65, your license is still valid, and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license.

The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and choose how long you want your new license to last. You cannot change your address, name, or other details online — if any of that information is wrong, you must renew in person. Once you submit your payment, the state mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days after the state processes your order, which happens within one business day of your submission.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal in terms of who can use it, but it takes longer and costs more. The state sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form, an envelope, and instructions for payment. You sign the form, enclose your current license, and mail everything with a check or money order to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.

The fee for mail renewal is $22 for a four-year license or $42 for an eight-year license — slightly higher than online because the state has to process a paper form. Mail takes one to two weeks to reach the state, processing takes another week, and then the state mails your new license back to you, which takes another five to seven days. Plan for two to three weeks total. If you do not receive your renewal notice, you can call the Arkansas Driver Services office at 501-682-7060 and ask them to mail you a form.

Renewing in Person at a Driver Services Office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you are 65 or older, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your name, address, or other information. Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been more than five years), a Real ID-compliant document proving your identity, and proof of your current address. Real ID documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, state ID card, or military ID. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Find your nearest Driver Services office on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments — check before you go. The fee is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. You will have your photo taken at the office, and your new license is printed and handed to you the same day. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

What Happens if Your License Has Been Expired for More Than Five Years

If your Arkansas license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use mail or online renewal — you must go to a Driver Services office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, a Real ID-compliant identity document, and proof of your current address. The fee is the same as a regular renewal ($20 for four years or $40 for eight years), and you will get your new license the same day.

The state treats this as a standard renewal, not a new license process, so you do not have to take a written test or vision test unless the office staff asks you to. If you have moved since your license expired and your address on file is no longer current, tell the office staff when you arrive — they will update your address as part of the renewal.

Renewing if You Are 65 or Older

If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for only four years instead of eight, and you must renew in person every time. You cannot use mail or online renewal. Bring your current license, a Real ID-compliant identity document, and proof of your current address to any Driver Services office. The fee is $20 for a four-year license. You will have your photo taken and receive your new license the same day.

The state does not require a vision or written test for seniors renewing a current license, but the office staff may ask you to take one if they have concerns. If you have questions about whether you need to take a test, call the Driver Services office ahead of time at 501-682-7060.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Arkansas does not suspend license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but the state may suspend your license for other reasons, such as unpaid child support or a DUI conviction. If your license status is suspended, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Call Driver Services at 501-682-7060 to check your status before you attempt to renew.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person if your name has changed. Bring your current license, a Real ID-compliant identity document (such as a passport or birth certificate showing your new name), and proof of your current address. If you changed your name due to marriage or divorce, bring a marriage certificate or divorce decree. The office will update your name and issue a new license the same day.

How long does it take to receive a license renewed by mail?

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks total: one to two weeks for your form to reach the state, one week for processing, and five to seven days for the state to mail your new license back to you. If you need your license sooner, renew online (five to seven days) or in person (same day).

Can I renew my license if I moved out of state?

No. Your Arkansas license is tied to an Arkansas address. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a driver's license from your new state. If you moved within Arkansas, you can renew by mail or online as long as your license is still valid, but you will need to update your address in person the next time you renew or visit a Driver Services office.

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

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it by mail or online — you must go to a Driver Services office in person and request a replacement. Bring a Real ID-compliant identity document and proof of your current address. The office will issue a new license with a new number the same day. The fee is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license.

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.