Where to go and what you need to bring

The Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles driver's license replacement. You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license in person at any DMV office across the state, or by mail if your license is straightforward damaged and you have it in hand. The in-person route is faster — most replacements are processed the same day — but mail replacement takes two to three weeks.

For an in-person replacement, bring your current license (if you still have it), proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current Arkansas address. Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have your current license, bring a second form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or birth certificate.

The replacement fee is $24.50 for a standard license. If you need it faster, Arkansas offers a rush option for an additional fee, though this is rarely necessary since same-day service is already available at most locations.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your license in person at any Arkansas DMV office and receive it the same day, or by mail in two to three weeks.
  • Bring your current license if you have it, proof of your Social Security number, and a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your address.
  • The replacement fee is $24.50, and you do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.
  • Arkansas DMV offices are located in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Hot Springs, and several other cities; check the DMV website for your nearest location and hours.

In-person replacement at a DMV office

Walk into any Arkansas DMV office during business hours with your documents and fee. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will fill out Form DL-43 (process for Driving Privileges), present your ID and address proof, have your photo taken, and pay the $24.50 fee. Your new license will be printed on site.

Arkansas DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some locations have reduced hours on certain days. The main office is in Little Rock, but regional offices serve Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Hot Springs, and other areas. Check the Arkansas DMV website for the office nearest you and confirm hours before you go, as some locations occasionally close for training or maintenance.

If you are replacing a license because it was stolen, bring a police report if you have one. It is not required, but it can help if there are questions about fraud or identity theft later.

Mail replacement for damaged licenses

If your license is damaged but you still have it, you can mail it to the Arkansas DMV along with Form DL-43, your $24.50 fee (check or money order), and a copy of your address proof. Mail your package to the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles, Driver Services Division, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your package. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. This route works only if your license is damaged but readable — if it is lost or stolen, you must go in person.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation with the Arkansas DMV. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or accumulation of points from traffic violations.

Contact the Arkansas DMV directly to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then replace your lost or damaged license using the standard process. In some cases, you may need to retake the written test or driving test as part of reinstatement.

Replacing a license while out of state

If you are currently living outside Arkansas but still hold an Arkansas license, you have two options. You can return to Arkansas in person to replace it at any DMV office, or you can mail your damaged license and documents to the address above. If your license was lost or stolen while you are out of state, you will need to wait until you return to Arkansas or contact the Arkansas DMV to discuss your specific situation.

Some states allow you to replace an out-of-state license through their own DMV, but Arkansas does not have reciprocal agreements for this. Your best option is the mail route if you have a damaged license, or to plan a trip back to Arkansas if your license was lost or stolen.

Getting a duplicate license for a second copy

If you want a second copy of your current valid license — for example, to keep at home while you carry the original — you can request a duplicate at any DMV office. The fee is $24.50, the same as a replacement. You will need to bring your current license and proof of address. The duplicate is printed when ready and is identical to your original except for the issue date.

A duplicate is different from a replacement: a replacement is issued when your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, while a duplicate is an extra copy of a valid license you already have. Both cost the same and take the same amount of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to retake the written test or driving test to replace my license?

No. A replacement license is issued with the same class and restrictions as your original. You only retake tests if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you are upgrading to a different class of license.

What if I don't have proof of my Social Security number?

Bring a Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or other document that shows your full Social Security number. If you do not have any of these, contact the Arkansas DMV before you go in; they can sometimes work with you using other identity documents.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

For in-person replacement, you must be present to have your photo taken. For mail replacement, your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so you do not need to pick it up in person.

How long is a replacement license valid?

An Arkansas driver's license is valid for four years from the issue date. Your replacement license will have a new issue date and will expire four years from that date.

What if my name has changed since my original license was issued?

Bring documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can update your name at the same time you replace your license. The fee remains $24.50.