Where to go and what to bring
To replace a lost or damaged Arkansas driver's license, you will visit a Driver Services office run by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. You cannot do this by mail or online — you must appear in person with your documents.
Bring a valid form of identification (your passport, state ID, or military ID), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your license was damaged rather than lost, bring the damaged card itself.
You will also need to pay a replacement fee. The cost varies depending on how long your current license is valid for, but expect to pay between $20 and $30. Driver Services offices accept cash, check, and card payments.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with a valid ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
- The replacement fee is between $20 and $30 depending on your license's expiration date.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your visit.
- If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the office.
- Driver Services offices are located in most counties; you can find the nearest one on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website.
Finding your nearest Driver Services office
Arkansas has Driver Services offices in most counties. The fastest way to find the one closest to you is to visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website and use their office locator tool. You can also call the main Driver Services line to ask which office serves your area and what their hours are.
Some offices are busier than others, especially on Fridays and at the beginning of the month. If you have the option, visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning usually means a shorter wait. You do not need an appointment for a replacement license — it is first-come, first-served.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, you will check in and take a number. A staff member will review your documents, verify that your information matches their records, and take a new photo for your license. The photo will be taken at the office, so dress as you would for any ID photo.
You will then pay the replacement fee and sign a form confirming your information. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Before you leave, ask the staff member for a receipt — it shows you have applied and can be useful if you are stopped by police before your new license arrives.
When your new license will arrive
Your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you live outside Arkansas or need your license sooner, ask the staff member whether expedited mail is available and what the additional cost is.
Do not be alarmed if your license arrives in a plain envelope without a return address — this is normal. Open it carefully, as the card is sometimes loose inside.
Getting a temporary license if you need to drive now
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the Driver Services office. This is a printed document that shows you have a valid license and is recognized by police and rental car companies. There is usually no extra fee for a temporary license — it is included with your replacement.
The temporary license is valid for 45 days. Keep it in your wallet or car until your plastic card arrives. Once your new license comes in the mail, the temporary license is no longer needed.
If your license was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked when it was lost, you cannot straightforward replace it. You will need to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction.
When you visit the Driver Services office, the staff member will check your driving record and let you know if there are any holds on your license. If there are, they will tell you what you need to do to clear them. This might mean paying a fine, completing a court requirement, or attending a hearing. Until those steps are done, a replacement license cannot be issued.
Replacing your license if you have changed your name
If you have changed your name since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you will need to bring proof of the name change along with your other documents. Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Your new license will show your current legal name. The process is the same as a standard replacement — you still visit in person, pay the fee, and receive your license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must pick up your temporary license in person at the Driver Services office. Your permanent replacement license is mailed to you, so you do not need to return to the office to collect it.
What if I move before my replacement license arrives?
Contact the Driver Services office where you applied and give them your new address. They can update it in the system so your license is mailed to the correct location. If your license arrives at your old address, the post office will not forward it — you will need to request a replacement again.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to replace my license?
No. A replacement license is issued based on your existing record. You only take tests if your license has expired and you are renewing it, which is a different process.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You still must visit an Arkansas Driver Services office in person to replace it. If you are currently out of state, you can wait until you return to Arkansas, or you can visit an office during a trip home. Your temporary paper license can be used for driving in other states.
Is there a way to replace my license faster than 7 to 10 days?
Standard mail takes 7 to 10 business days. Some Driver Services offices offer expedited mail for an additional fee — ask when you visit. There is no way to have a license printed on-site or picked up the same day.