The cost of replacing your Arkansas driver's license

A replacement driver's license in Arkansas costs $20 if you're replacing one that was lost, stolen, or damaged. This is the standard fee the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration charges for a duplicate license. You'll pay this fee whether you replace it in person at a driver services office or by mail, though the mail option has an additional postage cost you'll cover yourself.

The $20 fee covers the license itself and the processing. Arkansas does not charge extra for rush processing or expedited mail, so there's no way to pay more to speed up the replacement — the timeline is the same for everyone. If your license expired while it was lost, you may need to pay for a renewal instead, which has a different fee structure based on how long your license is valid for.

Key Takeaways

  • A replacement driver's license in Arkansas costs $20 when you report it lost, stolen, or damaged.
  • You can replace your license in person at any Arkansas driver services office or by mail, and the fee is the same either way.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a form of ID to an office, or mail the required documents with a check or money order.
  • Processing takes about two to three weeks by mail and usually one to two weeks in person, depending on office volume.

Replacing your license in person at a driver services office

If you go to an Arkansas driver services office in person, you'll pay the $20 fee at the counter when you submit your paperwork. Bring your Social Security number (written down or on a card), a document showing your current address such as a utility bill or lease, and a form of ID like a passport or state ID card. You do not need to bring the old license — in fact, you can't, since it's lost.

The office will take your photo, verify your information, and hand you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in one to two weeks in most cases, though this varies by how busy the office is. You can use the temporary license to drive while you wait for the permanent one.

Replacing your license by mail

You can also request a replacement by mail from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. You'll need to fill out the process form (available on the department's website), include a check or money order for $20 made out to the State of Arkansas, and mail it with copies of your proof of residency and ID. Include your Social Security number on the process.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes about two to three weeks, and then your new license is mailed to you. You'll pay for postage yourself when you send in your process, but the state covers return postage. During the wait, you won't have a temporary license, so plan accordingly if you need to drive.

What documents you need to bring or send

Whether you replace in person or by mail, Arkansas requires the same basic documents. You need proof of your Social Security number — this can be a Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return. You need proof of your current address, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You also need one form of ID, such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card.

If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you've moved recently and your ID shows an old address, the address on your proof of residency takes priority.

If your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked when it was lost, you cannot straightforward replace it. You'll need to resolve the suspension or revocation first through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. This might involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a safety course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once that's cleared, you can then replace the license for the standard $20 fee.

Contact the department directly to find out the status of your license before you attempt to replace it. Trying to replace a suspended license will delay your replacement and waste the $20 fee.

Where to find a driver services office near you

Arkansas has driver services 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 are busier than others — rural offices often have shorter wait times than those in Little Rock or other cities. If you're in a hurry, calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit.

If you live outside Arkansas but need to replace your license, you'll need to mail in your request. You cannot replace an Arkansas license at an office in another state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it's damaged but not lost?

Yes, the $20 replacement fee applies to damaged licenses too. Bring the damaged license with you to the office, or include it with your mail process if possible. If you can't include it, explain the damage on your process form.

Do I need an appointment to replace my license in person?

Most Arkansas driver services offices do not require appointments for replacements. You can walk in during business hours. However, some offices may have changed their policies, so check the office's website or call ahead to confirm.

What if I need to replace my license before two weeks?

Arkansas does not offer expedited processing for replacements. The timeline is the same for everyone — about one to two weeks in person and two to three weeks by mail. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, use the temporary paper license issued at the office.

Will I need a new photo for my replacement license?

If you replace in person, yes — the office takes a new photo. If you replace by mail, the state uses your photo from the lost license, so you won't need a new one unless your old license photo was very old or damaged.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail from anywhere. Follow the mail-in process and send your process to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Your new license will be mailed to your Arkansas address on file.