What you need before you start
Arkansas lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is not expired more than one year, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. You will need your current Arkansas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or bank account for the fee.
The state charges a fee for online renewal. The amount depends on how long your new license will be valid — typically five or eight years. You can find the exact fee on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website before you begin, so there are no surprises at checkout.
If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew online. You will need to visit a driver's license office in person and take the written and vision tests again. The same applies if you have an active medical suspension or if your name or address has changed — those changes require an in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last year and you have no medical suspensions or name and address changes.
- The online renewal process takes place on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a debit or credit card to complete the transaction.
Step-by-step: completing your renewal online
Go to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will see a link to begin an online renewal. Click it and you will be taken to a find form where you enter your driver's license number and date of birth to pull up your record.
Review the information the system shows — your name, address, and the details from your current license. If everything is correct, you can proceed. If your address has changed, stop here and visit a driver's license office instead, because the online system will not let you update it.
Answer a few questions about your health and driving record. These are the same questions you would answer on a paper renewal form. Be honest — the state uses these answers to decide whether you can renew without a vision test or medical exam.
Enter your payment information and submit. The system will show you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens after you submit
Once your payment goes through, your renewal is in the system. You do not need to do anything else. Your new license will arrive by mail — you do not pick it up at an office. The state will mail it to the address they have on file for you, which is why you cannot change your address during an online renewal.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your current license remains valid until it expires. You can carry both licenses if you want, but you only need the new one once it arrives.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration with your confirmation number. They can look up your order and tell you where it is in the mail.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than a year ago, the online system will not let you proceed. You will see a message telling you to visit a driver's license office. At the office, you will take the written test and vision test, just as if you were getting your first license. Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your expired license if you still have it.
If you have a medical suspension on your record, you cannot renew online. A medical suspension means the state has flagged your license because of a health condition or a failed medical exam. You will need to visit an office and possibly provide a medical clearance from a doctor before you can renew.
If your name has changed since your last renewal — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you cannot renew online. You will need to visit an office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Finding a driver's license office if you need one
Arkansas has driver's license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to schedule an appointment. Check the website or call ahead before you go.
Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and your current or expired license. If you are renewing because your license expired more than a year ago, bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them for driving. You will take the vision test during your visit.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee is based on how long your new license will be valid. A five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The exact amount is posted on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website. You pay the fee during the online process using a debit card, credit card, or by linking your bank account.
The state does not refund the fee if you change your mind after you submit, so make sure your information is correct before you click the final button. If you notice an error after you have paid, contact the department with your confirmation number and they can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. If your license has any kind of suspension — medical, administrative, or due to unpaid fines — you cannot renew online. You must visit a driver's license office in person. The office staff can tell you what you need to do to lift the suspension before you can renew.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
The state typically mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of your online renewal. Mail delivery times vary by location, so it may take a few extra days to reach you. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration with your confirmation number.
What if I made a mistake on my online renewal form?
If you notice an error before you submit and pay, you can go back and correct it. If you have already paid and submitted, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration with your confirmation number. Depending on the error, they may be able to correct it or issue a replacement license.
Can I renew online if I moved to a different state?
No. If you have moved out of Arkansas, you cannot renew your Arkansas license online. You would need to get a license from your new state instead. If you still live in Arkansas but moved to a new address within the state, you must visit an office in person to update your address.
Do I need to bring anything to the mailbox when my new license arrives?
No. Your new license arrives ready to use. You do not need to sign anything or take it anywhere. Your old license is still valid until it expires, so you can carry both until you are ready to discard the old one.