What happens when Arkansas suspends your driver control license
Arkansas suspends your driver control license when you accumulate too many points on your driving record, fail to pay traffic fines, miss a court date, or violate certain traffic laws. A suspension means you cannot legally drive in Arkansas or any other state — the suspension is reported to the National Driver Register and other states will honor it.
The suspension stays in effect until you complete the steps Arkansas requires for reinstatement. These steps vary depending on why your license was suspended. Some suspensions lift automatically after a waiting period; others require you to take action before you can drive again.
Understanding which type of suspension you have is the first step, because the reinstatement process is different for each one.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, to find out the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it.
- Point-based suspensions usually require you to wait a set period and then pay a reinstatement fee; other suspensions may require proof of insurance, completion of a defensive driving course, or payment of outstanding fines.
- You must request reinstatement in writing or in person — your license does not automatically come back after the waiting period ends.
- Once reinstated, your driving record remains public, and future violations can lead to longer suspensions or license revocation.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Call the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, at 501-682-7060. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff will tell you the exact reason for the suspension, the date it began, and what you need to do to reinstate your license.
You can also visit the Driver Services office in person at 1900 West 7th Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. Bring a photo ID. If you cannot visit in person, you can request a letter explaining your suspension status by mail — write to the same address and include your name, date of birth, and driver's license number.
Write down everything the staff tells you: the suspension type, the waiting period (if any), the required fees, and any documents or courses you need to complete. This information determines your next steps.
Point-based suspensions and the reinstatement process
If your license was suspended because you accumulated too many points, Arkansas requires you to wait before you can reinstate. The waiting period is typically 30 days for a first suspension, 60 days for a second, and longer for subsequent suspensions. During this time, you cannot legally drive.
After the waiting period ends, you must request reinstatement. You cannot straightforward start driving again. Contact Driver Services and request a reinstatement process. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee — the amount varies but is typically between $100 and $200. Bring or mail a check or money order payable to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
Some point-based suspensions also require you to complete a defensive driving course before reinstatement. Driver Services will tell you if this applies to you. If it does, you must complete an approved course and submit proof of completion along with your reinstatement request.
Suspensions for unpaid fines or failure to appear
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or missed a court date, you must resolve that issue before reinstatement is possible. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the citation itself to find out the amount owed and where to send payment.
Once you have paid the fine or resolved the court matter, contact Driver Services and provide proof of payment or a letter from the court confirming the case is resolved. You will still need to pay the reinstatement fee. Driver Services will then process your reinstatement.
If you cannot pay the fine in full, some courts allow payment plans. Call the court listed on your citation and ask whether a payment arrangement is available. Explain your situation — many courts will work with you rather than keep your license suspended indefinitely.
Suspensions related to insurance or DUI
If your license was suspended because you drove without proof of insurance or because of a DUI conviction, the reinstatement process is more involved. You will need to obtain an SR-22 form from an insurance company — this is proof that you carry the minimum required liability insurance. Your insurance company files the SR-22 directly with Driver Services.
For DUI-related suspensions, you may also be required to complete a substance abuse treatment program or an alcohol education course, depending on the circumstances of your case. Driver Services will specify what is required. You must complete the course and submit proof before reinstatement.
After you have obtained the SR-22 and completed any required courses, contact Driver Services with proof of both. You will still need to pay the reinstatement fee. Processing typically takes one to two weeks once all requirements are met.
Submitting your reinstatement request
You can request reinstatement by mail, in person, or by phone. By mail, send a letter to the Driver Services Division at 1900 West 7th Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason for suspension, and proof of any requirements you have completed (course certificates, proof of insurance, proof of fine payment, or court documentation).
Enclose a check or money order for the reinstatement fee payable to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Keep a copy of everything you send. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to process.
In person, visit the Driver Services office with the same documents and payment. Processing is faster in person — you may receive your reinstatement approval the same day or within a few days. By phone, call 501-682-7060 and ask about your reinstatement status; staff can tell you if all requirements have been met and process your request if they have.
What to expect after reinstatement is approved
Once your reinstatement is approved, you will receive a new driver's license in the mail or can pick it up at the Driver Services office. Your driving record will show the suspension and reinstatement, and this history remains public. Future violations can result in longer suspensions or permanent revocation.
If you were suspended for points, those points remain on your record for a set period — typically three years from the violation date. Accumulating more points during this time can lead to another suspension. Drive carefully and follow all traffic laws to avoid future suspensions.
If you were suspended for insurance-related reasons, you must maintain continuous insurance coverage. A lapse in coverage can trigger another suspension. If you were suspended for DUI, you may be required to maintain SR-22 insurance for a longer period — ask Driver Services how long this requirement applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive until your reinstatement is approved and you receive your new license. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Arkansas and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Wait for official approval before driving.
What if I move out of state while my license is suspended?
You must still complete Arkansas's reinstatement process. The suspension is reported to the National Driver Register, and other states will honor it. Contact Driver Services by mail or phone and complete reinstatement before you obtain a license in another state.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
If you submit all required documents and payment by mail, processing typically takes one to two weeks. In-person requests may be processed the same day or within a few days. If you are missing documents or payment, processing will be delayed until everything is received.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Arkansas does not issue hardship licenses for driver control suspensions. You must complete the full reinstatement process. If your suspension is for a specific reason (such as unpaid child support), contact the relevant agency to see whether a limited license is available in your situation.
What happens if I get another violation before my license is reinstated?
Additional violations will extend your suspension and may result in revocation instead of reinstatement. Avoid driving entirely until your license is officially reinstated. If you are caught driving with a suspended license, you face criminal charges separate from the original suspension.