What you need to bring to renew your Arkansas license
To renew your Arkansas driver's license, you need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, you also need a document showing that change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to pass a written test or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than five years, or unless the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) sends you a notice requiring it.
The exact documents the DFA accepts for proof of residency include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have your current license with you, you can still renew, but you will need to provide additional identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card will work.
Key Takeaways
- Your current Arkansas license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number are the three documents you must bring.
- If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- You can renew in person at any DFA driver services office, by mail if your license is not expired, or online through the DFA website if you meet certain conditions.
- Renewal by mail takes about two to three weeks; in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
Renewing in person at a DFA office
Walk-in renewals are available at any Arkansas driver services office during business hours. You do not need an appointment. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your renewed license on the spot — usually within 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
If you are renewing after your license has expired by more than five years, the office will require you to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test. You can study the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide on the DFA website before you go. The vision test is straightforward and takes a few minutes; the written test has 25 questions and you must answer at least 20 correctly.
Renewing by mail
You can renew by mail only if your license is not yet expired. Complete the DFA's renewal form (available on the DFA website or by calling the driver services line), include copies of your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number, and mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Do not send your current license — keep it with you.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the DFA receives your packet. The DFA will send your new license to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster. Mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal — the current fee is $24.50 for a four-year license.
Renewing online
Arkansas offers online renewal through the DFA website for drivers who meet specific conditions: your license must not be expired, you must have a valid email address on file, and you must have renewed online at least once before. If you are renewing for the first time or your license is already expired, you must renew in person or by mail.
Online renewal is the fastest option — you can complete it in a few minutes and your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You will need to upload a photo or use the DFA's photo tool during the process. The fee is charged to a debit or credit card at the time you submit your renewal.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you will need to pass a vision test, a written knowledge test, and a driving test. You will also need to provide your birth certificate or passport as proof of identity, in addition to proof of residency and proof of Social Security number.
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the standard renewal process. The DFA does not charge a penalty for renewing an expired license, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.
Name changes and other updates
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. The DFA will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. If your address has changed, you can update it during renewal — just bring your new proof of residency.
If you need to change your address but are not renewing your license yet, you can update it online through the DFA website or by visiting a driver services office in person. Address changes do not require a new photo or a new license card — the DFA will straightforward update your record.
Fees and payment
A four-year renewal license costs $24.50. A six-year renewal license costs $36.75. You can choose which term you want when you renew. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at driver services offices. For mail renewal, include a check or money order — do not send cash. For online renewal, use a debit or credit card.
If you are over 65 years old, you may be able to renew for a longer period at a lower cost — check the DFA website or call the driver services line for current senior renewal rates. Military members on active duty may also have different renewal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
The DFA will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or if you owe child support. You must resolve these issues before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the child support enforcement office to find out what you owe and how to pay it.
What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have another proof of Social Security number?
You can bring a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form instead. If you do not have any of these documents, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter showing your number. The DFA will accept a letter from Social Security as proof.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Yes, a new photo is taken at every renewal, whether you renew in person or online. If you renew by mail, you must upload a photo or the DFA will use the photo from your current license. For in-person renewal, the office takes the photo for you.
How long is my new license valid?
You choose between a four-year license ($24.50) or a six-year license ($36.75) when you renew. Your new license will be valid for the term you choose, starting from the date it is issued.
What if I move out of state after I renew?
Your Arkansas license remains valid until it expires, even if you move. If you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state. You do not have to return your Arkansas license, but you should not carry both licenses at the same time.