How to renew your Arkansas driver's license
You can renew your Arkansas driver's license in person at any Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) driver services office, or online through the Arkansas DFA website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license expired within the last three years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
If you renew in person, bring your expired license, proof of your current address (a utility bill or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo and issue your renewed license on the spot. If you renew online, you'll upload a photo yourself, pay the fee, and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card at an office location, or by card online. If you're over 65, the renewal fee is lower — $12.25 for four years or $18.38 for eight years.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online if your license expired within three years and you have no medical restrictions, which takes 7 to 10 days by mail.
- In-person renewal at any DFA driver services office takes a few minutes and you leave with your new license the same day.
- Bring your expired license, proof of current address, and your Social Security number to renew in person.
- The renewal fee is $24.50 for four years or $36.75 for eight years, with lower rates for drivers over 65.
Where to find a DFA driver services office near you
Arkansas has driver services offices in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Pine Bluff, and Hot Springs. You can find the full list of office locations, hours, and phone numbers on the Arkansas DFA website under "Driver Services Locations." Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours one or two days a week.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis during busy times. If you want to avoid a wait, call the office ahead of time to ask about current wait times or whether they take appointments.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired Arkansas driver's license is a traffic violation. A police officer can stop you for it, and you may receive a citation. The penalty varies depending on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations, but it can include a fine, points on your driving record, or both.
An expired license also means your vehicle insurance may not cover you in an accident, even if the accident was not your fault. Insurance companies can deny a claim if you were driving without a valid license at the time of the crash. Renewing before you drive again protects you legally and keeps your insurance valid.
Renewing online: step-by-step
To renew online, go to the Arkansas DFA website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your expired license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number to start. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and current address.
Next, you'll upload a digital photo of yourself. The photo must show your face clearly, be taken against a plain background, and meet the same requirements as an in-person photo — no sunglasses, hats, or filters. If your photo doesn't meet the requirements, the system will tell you and ask you to upload a new one.
After you submit your photo, you'll review your information one more time, pay the renewal fee by card, and receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your expired license to drive until your new one arrives.
If your license was expired for more than three years
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for longer than three years. You must renew in person at a DFA driver services office. The process is the same as a standard renewal — bring your expired license, proof of address, and your Social Security number — but you cannot use the online option.
If your license expired more than three years ago, you may also need to pass a vision test or written knowledge test depending on your age and how long it has been since you last renewed. The office will let you know what you need when you arrive or if you call ahead.
Renewing if your address has changed
If you've moved since your license was issued, you must renew in person — the online option is not available for address changes. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number.
The DFA will update your address in the system and issue a new license with your current information. This is important because your license serves as a form of identification for many purposes beyond driving, and having an outdated address can cause problems when you need to verify your identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
If you renewed in person, you received your new license when ready and can drive right away. If you renewed online, you can continue driving with your expired license until your new one arrives by mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days.
What if I lost my expired license and can't bring it to the office?
You can still renew without your expired license. Bring two forms of identification instead — such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card — along with proof of your current address. Call the office ahead of time to confirm what documents they will accept.
Do I need to take a written test to renew?
Most drivers do not need to take a written test to renew. However, if your license has been expired for more than three years or if you are over a certain age, Arkansas may require a vision test or written knowledge test. The office will tell you what you need when you call or arrive.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No, you must renew in person or online yourself. You cannot have someone else renew your license on your behalf. If you cannot visit an office, the online renewal option may be your best choice if you meet the requirements.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
If you renewed online and need to drive before your new license arrives, you can use your expired license temporarily. If you need an official document sooner, you can visit a DFA office and ask about a temporary license or paper renewal document, though availability varies by location.