Arkansas driver's license renewal costs $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license

The fee you pay depends on which validity period you choose when you renew. Arkansas offers two options: a standard four-year license for $20, or an eight-year license for $40. You pay this fee to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles, when you submit your renewal process — either in person at a local office or by mail.

The eight-year option costs twice as much upfront but means you won't need to renew again for eight years instead of four. The choice is yours based on what works for your budget and how often you want to handle renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • A four-year Arkansas driver's license renewal costs $20; an eight-year renewal costs $40.
  • You pay the renewal fee when you submit your process, whether you renew by mail or in person at a DMV office.
  • The fee covers the license itself; additional charges may explore if you need a duplicate, name change, or address correction.
  • Payment methods vary by location — some offices accept cash, check, or card, while mail renewals typically require check or money order.

How to pay when you renew by mail

If you renew by mail, you'll send your check or money order along with your renewal process to the address provided by the Arkansas DMV. Make the check payable to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Include the exact amount — $20 or $40 — with no overpayment, since processing refunds takes extra time.

Mail renewal is slower than in-person renewal, typically taking two to three weeks after the DMV receives your process. If you're cutting it close to your expiration date, renewing in person is faster and lets you walk out with your new license the same day.

Payment methods at DMV offices

When you renew in person at an Arkansas DMV office, payment options depend on which location you visit. Most offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. A few smaller offices may accept only cash or check, so calling ahead to confirm what your local office takes can save you a trip.

If you pay by check or card, bring a valid form of ID. If you pay cash, bring the exact amount or slightly more — the office will give you change, but having exact change speeds up the process.

Additional fees you might encounter

The $20 or $40 renewal fee covers your standard driver's license. If you need other services at the same time, those cost extra. A duplicate license costs $5, a name change costs $10, and correcting your address costs $5. These fees are in addition to your renewal fee.

If your license was lost or stolen and you're replacing it rather than renewing it, the cost is different — a replacement license costs $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license, the same as renewal. The distinction matters mainly for paperwork purposes; the fee is the same either way.

When your renewal fee is waived or reduced

Arkansas does not currently offer fee waivers for driver's license renewal based on age, income, or other circumstances. Military members on active duty may have different options — contact your local DMV office or the Arkansas DMV website to ask about military renewal procedures.

Some people renew for free if they're renewing a license that was issued for free under specific circumstances, such as certain disability accommodations. If you believe you fall into this category, bring documentation to your renewal appointment and ask the DMV staff whether a fee applies.

Renewing online or by phone

Arkansas does not currently offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either in person at a DMV office or by mail. Phone renewal is not available. If you're unable to visit an office in person, mail renewal is your only option — you'll need to send in your process, payment, and required documents by mail to the address the DMV provides.

Check the Arkansas DMV website for the current mailing address and any recent changes to renewal procedures. Processing times and accepted payment methods can shift, so confirming details before you mail your process prevents delays.

What happens if you don't pay the renewal fee

If you submit a renewal process without payment, the DMV will not process it. Your process will be returned to you, and your license will expire on its current expiration date. You'll need to resubmit your process with the correct fee to complete your renewal.

If your license expires before you renew, you cannot legally drive. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation. Renewing before your expiration date keeps you legal and avoids the hassle of dealing with an expired license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arkansas driver's license online?

No, Arkansas does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster and usually takes less than an hour; mail renewal takes two to three weeks.

Do I have to choose the eight-year license, or can I stick with four years?

You can choose either option. The four-year license costs $20 and the eight-year license costs $40. You decide which validity period you want when you submit your renewal process.

What if I send a check by mail and it gets lost?

If your check is lost in the mail, your process will be returned unpaid. The DMV will not cash a check that arrives separately from your process. If this happens, resubmit your process with a new check or money order.

Do I pay the renewal fee even if I'm renewing early?

Yes, you pay the full renewal fee regardless of when you renew. Arkansas allows you to renew up to six months before your license expires, but the fee is the same whether you renew early or closer to your expiration date.

Is there a fee to change my address when I renew?

Changing your address during renewal costs $5 in addition to your $20 or $40 renewal fee. If you only need to update your address without renewing your license, that also costs $5 and can be done separately at a DMV office.