Where to go and what you need

In Arkansas, you replace a lost or damaged driver's license at any Driver Services office run by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must appear in person with specific documents. The state has Driver Services locations in most counties; the main office is in Little Rock, but you can visit any branch regardless of where you live or where you originally got your license.

Before you go, gather these documents: a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your license was damaged rather than lost, bring it with you. You will also need to pay a replacement fee, which varies depending on how long your current license is valid for — typically between $20 and $30.

The replacement process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the office. You will have your photo taken, answer questions to verify your identity, and sign the process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the office staff about a temporary paper permit — Arkansas issues these on the spot in some cases.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person; there is no online or mail-in replacement option in Arkansas.
  • Bring a valid ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within 60 days.
  • The replacement fee is typically $20 to $30 depending on your license expiration date.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; ask about a temporary permit if you need to drive sooner.

Finding the nearest Driver Services office

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration maintains a list of all Driver Services locations on its official website. You can search by county or city to find the office closest to you. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours on certain days. A few locations also offer limited Saturday hours — check ahead before you go.

If you live in a rural area far from any office, you may be able to request a mobile Driver Services visit to your county. Contact your county clerk's office to ask whether a mobile unit serves your area and when it is scheduled to arrive. These visits are less frequent than permanent offices, so plan ahead if this is your only option.

What happens if your address has changed

If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address when you replace it. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work, as long as it is dated within the last 60 days. The Driver Services office will update your address in the system during the replacement process, and your new license will be mailed to the new address you provide.

Do not assume your old address is still on file. If you moved and did not notify the state, your replacement license will go to your old address and you will not receive it. Double-check the address you give the office before you leave.

Temporary driving while you wait for your replacement

Arkansas does not automatically issue a temporary paper license at the Driver Services office. However, some offices will issue a temporary permit valid for 30 days if you ask and explain that you need to drive before your replacement arrives. This is not may provide — it depends on the individual office and the circumstances — so do not count on it. Call the office ahead of time to ask whether they offer temporary permits and what they require.

If you cannot get a temporary permit and you must drive before your replacement arrives, you have limited options. Some insurance companies will cover you to drive with a police report showing your license was lost, but you must contact your insurer first. Alternatively, you could arrange to have someone else drive you until your new license arrives.

Replacing a license that was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it as though it were lost. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation — this usually means paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or the Department of Finance and Administration. Once you have met those conditions, you can then replace the physical card.

Contact the Driver Services office or the court that issued the suspension to find out exactly what you need to do before you can get a replacement. Showing up with a lost license claim when your license is actually suspended will not work, and the office will turn you away.

Cost and payment methods

The replacement fee depends on how much time is left on your current license. If your license expires within one year, the fee is typically $20. If it expires in two to four years, the fee is usually $25 to $30. The exact amount may vary slightly, so call ahead or check the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website for the current fee schedule.

Driver Services offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some locations may have limits on card payments or require exact change for cash, so bring multiple payment methods if possible. Ask when you call to confirm what the office accepts.

If your replacement license does not arrive

Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received it, contact the Driver Services office where you applied. Bring your receipt from the day you applied — it has a tracking number. The office can check the status of your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.

If your replacement was mailed to an old address by mistake, you can request that a new one be sent to your correct address. You may have to pay a second replacement fee, though some offices will waive it if the error was theirs. This is another reason to double-check your address before you leave the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Arkansas requires you to appear in person at the Driver Services office to replace your license. You cannot send someone else to do it for you, and you cannot pick up someone else's replacement license. The office will mail the license to you instead.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still need to replace it through an Arkansas Driver Services office. If you are currently out of state, you can wait until you return to Arkansas to explore, or you can make a trip to the nearest office. There is no remote or out-of-state replacement process. Your new license will be mailed to whatever address you provide.

Do I need an appointment to replace my license?

Most Arkansas Driver Services offices operate on a walk-in basis and do not require appointments. However, some locations may have started offering appointments to manage wait times. Call the office you plan to visit to ask whether appointments are available or recommended.

What if I do not have a proof of address document?

You must provide proof of your current address dated within 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, contact the Driver Services office to ask what other documents they will accept. Some offices may accept a letter from your landlord or employer on letterhead, but this varies by location.

Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?

If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it during the same visit when you replace it. Bring the documents required for both replacement and renewal, and let the office staff know you want to do both. You will pay both fees, but you will only need to visit once.