Arkansas lets you renew online if your license is not expired more than one year and you have no medical restrictions
Arkansas allows online renewal through the Department of Finance and Administration's online portal. You can renew up to one year before your license expires or up to one year after it has expired. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year renewal or $36.75 for an eight-year renewal. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
Not everyone can use the online system. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions on your license, if you need to change your address, or if you are renewing for the first time after turning 21. If any of these explore to you, you must visit a driver services office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website if your license expired less than one year ago and has no medical restrictions.
- The online renewal fee is $24.50 for four years or $36.75 for eight years, and you pay by debit card or credit card during the process.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or has medical restrictions, you must renew in person at a driver services office.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you log into the renewal portal. You will need your current Arkansas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Have a valid debit card or credit card ready to pay the renewal fee.
Check that the address on file with the state is correct. If you have moved recently and have not updated your address with the Department of Finance and Administration, your new license will be mailed to your old address. You cannot change your address online during renewal — you must do that in person at a driver services office or by mail before you renew.
Steps to renew online through the Arkansas portal
Go to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website and look for the driver license renewal section. Click the link to renew online. You will be taken to a find portal where you enter your driver's license number and Social Security number to verify your identity.
Review the information the system displays — your name, date of birth, address, and current license expiration date. If anything is wrong, stop and contact the driver services office by phone or visit in person. Errors on your record must be corrected before you renew, or your new license will have the same errors.
Answer the vision and medical history questions on the form. These questions ask whether your vision has changed, whether you have any new medical conditions, and whether you are taking medications that affect your ability to drive. Answer honestly. If you answer yes to any medical question, the system will tell you that you cannot renew online and must visit an office.
Enter your payment information and submit. The system will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
When your new license arrives and what to do if it does not
Your renewed license will arrive by mail at the address on file. The envelope will have a return address from the Department of Finance and Administration. Open it carefully — your new license is a plastic card and can be damaged if bent.
If you do not receive your license within 14 business days, contact the driver services office. Have your confirmation number from the online renewal ready. The office can check the status of your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. There is no extra fee for a reissue due to mail loss.
Renewing in person if you cannot use the online system
If you have a medical restriction, a suspended or revoked license, or need to change your address, you must visit a driver services office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
Find the driver services office nearest you on the Department of Finance and Administration website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Call ahead or check online before you go. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs the same as online renewal.
What happens to your old license after renewal
You can continue to use your old license until your new one arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not throw it away whole — your driver's license number and personal information are on it, and identity theft can happen if someone finds it in the trash.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your old one has expired, you can print a temporary license from the online portal after you complete renewal. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used as proof of your right to drive while you wait for your new card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than a year ago?
No. Arkansas only allows online renewal if your license expired less than one year ago. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a driver services office and bring proof of your Social Security number and current address.
What if I moved and need to change my address?
You cannot change your address during online renewal. You must visit a driver services office in person or mail a change-of-address form to the Department of Finance and Administration before you renew. Once your address is updated in the system, you can renew online if you are otherwise may be able to access.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes. Wearing corrective lenses does not prevent online renewal. The vision questions on the form ask whether your vision has changed or worsened, not whether you wear glasses. Answer honestly about any changes to your vision since your last renewal.
How long does it take to receive my new license by mail?
The Department of Finance and Administration typically mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of your online submission. Mail delivery time varies by location, so allow 14 business days total before contacting the office to check the status.
What if I made a mistake on the online renewal form?
Contact the driver services office when ready with your confirmation number. If the error is minor and caught before your new license is printed, the office may be able to correct it. If your license has already been printed with an error, you will need to visit an office in person to request a corrected license.