Arkansas lets you renew an expired license by mail, online, or in person — the method depends on how long it has been expired and whether you need a new photo
If your Arkansas driver's license has expired, you can renew it without taking a written test or road test in most cases. The state's renewal process is straightforward, but the route you take depends on two things: how recently it expired and whether you need an updated photo on your new license.
Arkansas allows online renewal for licenses expired less than one year, mail renewal for licenses expired less than two years, and in-person renewal for anything older than that. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to visit a Driver Services office in person and bring documents proving your identity and residency.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired less than one year can be renewed online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website.
- Licenses expired between one and two years old can be renewed by mail by sending your current license, a completed form, and the renewal fee to the state.
- Licenses expired more than two years require an in-person visit to a Driver Services office with proof of identity and Arkansas residency.
- You will need a new photo if your license expired more than eight years ago, which means you must renew in person.
- The renewal fee for a standard license is $24.50 for four years or $36.75 for eight years, though fees vary slightly for commercial licenses.
Renewing online if your license expired within the past year
Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no visit to an office. You can renew online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Driver Services portal if your license expired less than one year ago and you do not need a new photo.
To renew online, you will need your current expired license, a valid payment method (debit or credit card), and an email address. The state will mail your new license to the address on file. Processing takes about seven to ten business days after you complete the transaction. You cannot change your address online — if you have moved, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail if your license expired one to two years ago
Mail renewal works for licenses that expired between one and two years ago. You will need to send your expired license, a completed Form DL-43 (the renewal process), and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the Arkansas Driver Services office.
Mail the documents to: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203. Include a return envelope with postage if you want the new license mailed back to you. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. You cannot change your address by mail — if your address has changed, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address. You will need to visit an Arkansas Driver Services office with proof of identity and proof of residency.
Acceptable identity documents include your expired driver's license, passport, military ID, or birth certificate. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Arkansas address. The office will take a new photo, process your renewal on the spot, and issue a temporary license while your permanent one is mailed. In-person renewals usually take 15 to 30 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail within seven to ten business days.
Finding a Driver Services office near you
Arkansas has Driver Services offices in most counties. The main office is in Little Rock, but you can find a location closer to you by visiting the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website and searching their office locator. Some smaller towns share an office with the county clerk's office.
Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have extended hours one evening per week. It is a good idea to call ahead or check online before you go, because some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your license expired more than five years ago, Arkansas treats it as if you are explore for a new license rather than renewing. You will need to visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form).
You will also need to pass a written test on Arkansas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study using the free Arkansas Driver's Manual, which is available on the Department of Finance and Administration website. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a standard four-year license is $24.50. If you want an eight-year license, the fee is $36.75. Commercial driver's licenses have different fees depending on the class and endorsements. Payment by mail must be made by check or money order; online and in-person renewals accept debit or credit cards.
If you are renewing in person and need a duplicate license (a second copy of your current license before the renewal arrives), you can request one for an additional $5. This is useful if you need to drive before your new license arrives by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
No, you cannot legally drive with an expired license in Arkansas. If you are renewing in person, you receive a temporary license that day, which is valid for driving. If you are renewing by mail or online, you should not drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a duplicate license in person for $5.
What if I lost my expired license and do not have it to send in?
If you are renewing by mail or online and no longer have your expired license, you can still renew — just note on the form that your license is lost. If you are renewing in person, bring another form of ID such as a passport or birth certificate instead. You may be charged a small fee for a lost license report, depending on your county.
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 some counties may place a hold on your renewal if you have an outstanding warrant or court order. Contact your local court or the Driver Services office to check whether any holds exist before you renew.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
By mail or online, expect seven to ten business days. In person, you receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail within seven to ten business days. If you need your license faster, ask the office whether they offer expedited mail service when you renew in person.
Do I need a new photo if my license is only slightly expired?
You need a new photo only if your license expired more than eight years ago. If it expired less than eight years ago, you can renew without a new photo by mail or online. If you want a new photo anyway, you must renew in person.