Arkansas requires you to pay all fines and fees, resolve the reason for suspension, and file a reinstatement request with the Department of Finance and Administration

A suspended license in Arkansas means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The state suspends licenses for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, child support arrears, or accumulating too many points on your driving record. Reinstatement is not automatic — you must take specific steps and pay associated costs before you can drive again.

The reinstatement process varies depending on why your license was suspended. Some suspensions require only payment; others require you to complete a course, resolve a court case, or demonstrate that the underlying problem has been fixed. Understanding which category applies to you determines what you need to do next.

Key Takeaways

  • You must identify the reason for suspension by contacting the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration or checking your suspension notice.
  • Most suspensions require payment of fines, court costs, and a reinstatement fee, which varies by suspension type.
  • Some suspensions — such as those for unpaid child support or failure to appear — require resolution outside the DMV before reinstatement is possible.
  • After paying all required fees and resolving the underlying issue, you submit a reinstatement request to the state, which typically processes within one to two weeks.

Finding out why your license was suspended

Your suspension notice should state the reason, but if you no longer have it or need current information, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division. You can call them at 501-682-7060 or visit their office in Little Rock. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready.

The state maintains a record of every active suspension on your license. The reason matters because it determines what you must do to lift the suspension. A suspension for unpaid fines requires payment; a suspension for failure to appear requires you to resolve the court case first; a suspension for child support arrears requires proof from the Arkansas Department of Human Services that the debt has been paid or a payment plan established.

Paying fines, court costs, and reinstatement fees

Most suspensions involve money owed to the state or a court. You must pay all outstanding fines and court costs before reinstatement. The reinstatement fee itself is typically $100 to $150, depending on the type of suspension, but this amount can change. Contact the court that issued the fine or the Driver Services Division to confirm the exact total owed.

You can pay by mail, in person at a court office, or through the Arkansas court system's online payment portal if the court participates. Some courts accept credit cards; others require check or money order. Ask for a receipt or confirmation number showing the payment was received. Keep this documentation — you will need proof of payment when you request reinstatement.

If you cannot pay the full amount at once, some courts allow payment plans. Contact the court directly to ask whether a plan is available and what the terms are. A payment plan does not automatically lift your suspension, but it may allow you to request a temporary driving permit while you pay.

Resolving the underlying reason for suspension

If your suspension is tied to a court case — such as failure to appear or a criminal charge — you must resolve that case before the state will reinstate your license. This means appearing in court, entering a plea, or satisfying whatever the court requires. Contact the court listed on your suspension notice to find out what step is needed next.

If your suspension is for unpaid child support, contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement. They will tell you the amount owed and whether you can set up a payment plan. Once you have paid or established a plan, they will notify the Driver Services Division, which can then process your reinstatement.

If your suspension is for accumulating too many points on your driving record, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course. The Driver Services Division will specify which course is accepted and where you can take it. Completion certificates are usually issued when ready after the course ends.

Filing your reinstatement request

Once you have paid all fines and fees and resolved the underlying issue, you can request reinstatement. You have two options: mail or in-person visit. To request by mail, send a letter to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, and proof that you have resolved the issue (receipt of payment, court document, child support clearance letter, or defensive driving certificate).

For faster processing, visit a Driver Services office in person. Bring the same documentation plus your original driver's license if you still have it. The office will verify your payment and resolution, collect the reinstatement fee if not already paid, and process your request on the spot. Processing typically takes one to two weeks by mail; in-person requests are often processed the same day or within a few days.

After reinstatement is approved, the state will mail you a new license or a temporary driving permit. A temporary permit usually arrives within three to five business days and is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed.

Temporary driving permits while waiting for reinstatement

If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, you may be able to obtain a temporary permit. This is not automatic — you must request it and meet specific conditions. Temporary permits are most commonly issued when you have paid all fines and are waiting for processing, or when you are on a payment plan for child support or court fines.

Ask the Driver Services Division or the court whether a temporary permit is available in your situation. If approved, the permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your full reinstatement is being processed. You must carry the permit with you while driving.

What happens if you drive with a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license in Arkansas is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. A second offense within five years carries up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A third or subsequent offense within five years is a felony.

Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license can result in additional fines, extended suspension, and higher reinstatement fees. Your insurance company may also drop your coverage or raise your rates significantly. The safest course is to wait for reinstatement to be approved before driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does reinstatement take in Arkansas?

By mail, reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks after the Driver Services Division receives your request and verifies that all fines are paid and the underlying issue is resolved. In-person requests at a Driver Services office are often processed the same day or within a few days. A temporary permit, if issued, arrives within three to five business days.

Can I get a temporary driving permit while my reinstatement is pending?

Temporary permits are available in some situations, such as when you have paid all fines and are waiting for processing, or when you are on a payment plan for child support. Contact the Driver Services Division or the court to ask whether you meet the conditions for a temporary permit in your case.

What if I cannot afford to pay all the fines at once?

Many courts allow payment plans for fines and court costs. Contact the court that issued the fine to ask whether a plan is available. A payment plan does not automatically lift your suspension, but it may allow you to request a temporary permit while you pay. Child support arrears also allow payment plans through the Department of Human Services.

Do I need to retake my driving test to get my license back?

No. Reinstatement does not require a new written or road test unless your license expired while it was suspended. If your license expired, you will need to renew it, which may include a vision test but typically not a full driving test unless you have been without a license for an extended period.

What if my suspension was for a traffic ticket I did not receive?

Contact the court listed on your suspension notice when ready. If you did not receive notice of the ticket or court date, you may be able to request that the case be reopened or the failure-to-appear charge be dismissed. Bring any evidence that you did not receive notice. Once the court resolves the case, the Driver Services Division can process your reinstatement.