Renew in person at an Arkansas DMV office or by mail

You can renew your expired Arkansas driver's license through two main routes: visiting a Department of Motor Vehicles office in person, or mailing your renewal process to the state. The in-person route is faster — you walk out with a temporary license the same day — but requires a trip to a DMV location. The mail route takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office or prefer to handle it from home.

Both routes require the same documents: your expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If your address has changed since your license expired, bring a document showing your current address.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew at any Arkansas DMV office and receive a temporary license on the spot, or mail your documents to the state and wait for your new license by mail.
  • You will need your expired license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $49 for an eight-year license, paid at the DMV office or included with your mailed process.
  • If you renew by mail, the state typically processes your process within two to three weeks.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires or any time after it expires — there is no grace period, but you can still drive on an expired license while your renewal is being processed if you have proof of process.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit any Arkansas DMV office with your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis while others use an online reservation system. Check the Arkansas DMV website to find the office nearest you and see whether that location requires a reservation.

The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the renewal fee: $24.50 for a four-year license or $49 for an eight-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while the state produces your permanent card. Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Bring your documents in original form — photocopies of your proof of residency or Social Security proof are not accepted. If you have changed your name since your license expired, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL-43) from the Arkansas DMV website or request one by phone at 501-682-7060. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your expired license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a check or money order for $24.50 or $49 (depending on whether you want a four-year or eight-year license).

Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — typically the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles in Little Rock. The state processes mail renewals within two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided on the process.

Do not send cash through the mail. Make your check or money order payable to the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles. Keep a copy of your process and a record of when you mailed it in case the DMV needs to contact you about missing information.

What to do if your license has been expired for several years

Arkansas does not impose a time limit on how long a license can be expired before you must renew it. You can renew a license that expired five years ago using the same process as a recently expired license — you will still need your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

However, if your address has changed multiple times since your license expired, or if your name has changed, bring documentation of those changes. If you have moved out of state and back, or if your license was suspended or revoked for any reason, contact the DMV before renewing to confirm there are no holds on your record.

Driving while your renewal is being processed

If you renewed in person, your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card. If you renewed by mail, you do not receive a temporary license automatically. However, you can drive on your expired license while your process is being processed if you have proof that you mailed in your renewal — keep a copy of your process or a receipt showing when you sent it.

Law enforcement may ask to see proof of your process if you are stopped. Having a copy of the form you mailed, or a photo of the envelope with a tracking number, protects you during the processing period.

If you cannot find your expired license

You can still renew if your expired license is lost or destroyed. Contact the Arkansas DMV at 501-682-7060 and explain that your license is missing. The DMV can look up your record and issue a replacement without requiring the physical card. You will still need proof of residency and proof of Social Security number, and you will pay the same renewal fee.

If you renew in person without your expired license, bring a photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) along with your proof of residency and Social Security proof. The DMV staff can verify your identity through their system and process your renewal.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Arkansas charges $24.50 for a four-year driver's license or $49 for an eight-year license. These are the only two options available for standard renewals. If you renew in person, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order — do not send cash.

Some DMV offices may accept online payment before your visit, but this varies by location. Call ahead or check the DMV website to see if your local office offers online payment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Arkansas does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if a court has suspended your license for non-payment or failure to appear, the DMV system will flag this and you will not be able to renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court that issued the ticket to resolve the matter before attempting to renew.

What if I moved out of state and now I am back in Arkansas?

You can renew your expired Arkansas license using the standard process. Bring your expired license, proof of your current Arkansas address, and proof of Social Security number. If you obtained a license in another state while your Arkansas license was expired, bring that license as well so the DMV can update their records.

How long does it take to get my new license if I renew by mail?

The Arkansas DMV typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks from the date they receive your process. Mail delivery time is not included in this estimate, so allow extra time for your packet to reach Little Rock and for your new license to be mailed back to you. If you do not receive your license within four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.

Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?

If you renew by mail, the DMV will use the photo from your expired license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The in-person renewal takes longer because staff must take and process a new photograph, but you will have a current photo on your new license.

What if my name has changed since my license expired?

Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name in their system and issue a new license with your current name. This applies whether you renew in person or by mail.