Documents and information you'll bring to the DMV
To renew your Arkansas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Division of Motor Vehicles accepts specific documents for each category — bringing the wrong ones will delay your renewal.
For proof of identity, bring your current Arkansas driver's license or ID card. If you don't have either, you can use a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Arkansas address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
You'll also need your Social Security number. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy, not a photocopy.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current Arkansas driver's license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to the DMV office.
- If you've changed your name, bring the original or certified copy of the document showing the change.
- You can renew in person at any Arkansas DMV office, or by mail if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions.
- The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, or card at the office.
- Processing takes about 10 business days if you renew by mail, or you receive your new license the same day if you renew in person.
In-person renewal at an Arkansas DMV office
Walk into any Arkansas DMV office during business hours with your documents and current license. You'll complete an process form (DL-43) at the office — you don't need to fill it out beforehand. The staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect the renewal fee.
You'll leave with your new license the same day. The office will keep your old license. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them when you come in for your photo. Bring a clear, recent photo if you prefer not to use the DMV photo, though this is optional.
DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Find your nearest office and its hours on the Arkansas DFA website. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead can tell you how busy the office is.
Mail-in renewal if you're may be able to access
You can renew by mail if your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your address or name. If you meet these conditions, the DFA will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions.
Complete the process form included in the notice, enclose your current license and the renewal fee, and mail everything back in the prepaid envelope. Do not send cash — pay by check or money order only. Processing takes about 10 business days from the date the DFA receives your envelope.
If you've moved, changed your name, or have medical restrictions, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Mail-in renewal is not an option in those cases.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A four-year license costs $24.50. An eight-year license costs $36.75. You choose which term you want when you renew. At a DMV office, you can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must pay by check or money order — the DFA does not accept cash or cards through the mail.
The fee covers the license itself and the processing. There are no additional charges unless you request a duplicate or replacement before your renewal date.
What happens after you submit your renewal
If you renew in person, you walk out with your new license. If you renew by mail, the DFA will mail your new license to the address on your process within 10 business days of receiving your envelope. Your old license remains valid until it expires, so you can use it for identification while you wait for the new one to arrive.
If your new license does not arrive within two weeks of mailing your renewal, contact the DFA Division of Motor Vehicles to check the status. Have your old license number ready when you call.
Special situations: medical restrictions and vision changes
If you have medical restrictions on your current license — such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only — you must renew in person. The DMV will review your restrictions and may ask you to pass a vision test or provide a medical form from your doctor.
If your vision has changed and you now need glasses or contacts for driving, tell the DMV staff when you renew. They may require you to pass a vision test before issuing your new license. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a DMV office. Mail-in renewal is only for licenses that are not yet expired. Bring all the same documents — proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number — even though your license is expired.
What if I lost my current license?
You'll need to get a replacement before you can renew. Visit a DMV office with proof of identity and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $11.00. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it using the same process as a regular renewal.
How long is my new license valid?
You choose between a four-year license and an eight-year license when you renew. Both are valid for driving in Arkansas and all other U.S. states. The eight-year license costs more but lasts longer, so you won't need to renew as often.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the DMV office?
No appointment is required, but some DMV offices allow you to schedule one online or by phone to reduce wait time. Check the Arkansas DFA website for your local office's policy. Walk-ins are always accepted during business hours.
What if my address changed but I haven't moved yet?
If you're moving soon but haven't moved yet, use your current address on your renewal. You can update your address at any time by visiting a DMV office or, in some cases, by mail. You don't have to wait until your license expires to change your address.