Getting Your License Back After Suspension
To restore a suspended license in Arkansas, you must first find out why it was suspended, pay any fines or fees owed, and then submit a reinstatement request to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division. The process and cost depend on the reason for suspension — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, DUI, points accumulation, or failure to pay child support. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set period; others require you to take specific action before you can drive again.
Arkansas does not have a single reinstatement process that works for every suspension. A suspension for unpaid tickets works differently from one for a DUI conviction, which works differently from one for accumulating too many points. You need to know your suspension reason before you can move forward, and you need to resolve the underlying issue — not just wait for time to pass.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, to learn the exact reason your license was suspended and what you must do to resolve it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, fees, or court costs before reinstatement is possible.
- DUI suspensions have mandatory waiting periods and may require proof of insurance, an alcohol education course, or an ignition interlock device before you can drive again.
- Point-based suspensions (from traffic violations) may require you to wait a set period and then pass a written test or pay a reinstatement fee.
- You can request a hearing to challenge a suspension if you believe it was issued in error.
Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Your first step is to contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, at 501-682-7060 or visit their office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff will tell you the suspension reason, the date it took effect, and what you must do to get it lifted.
Common suspension reasons in Arkansas include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, accumulating 12 or more points within three years, a DUI or DWI conviction, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain car insurance, or a medical condition reported to the state. Each reason has its own resolution path. If you do not know which applies to you, the Driver Services Division will tell you when ready.
Suspensions for Unpaid Fines or Court Costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic ticket or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed before the state will reinstate your license. Contact the court that issued the ticket — the citation will show which court — and ask what you owe. You can often pay by phone, mail, or in person at the courthouse.
Once you have paid, ask the court for written confirmation. Then contact Driver Services and provide proof of payment. There is no additional reinstatement fee for this type of suspension, but the court may have charged you a late fee or collection cost on top of the original fine. Some courts will set up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once.
Suspensions for Accumulating Too Many Points
Arkansas suspends your license if you accumulate 12 or more points within a three-year period. Points are added for traffic violations — a speeding ticket might be 3 points, a reckless driving conviction might be 6 points. Once you hit 12 points, the state suspends your license for a set period: usually 30 days for a first suspension, 60 days for a second, and 180 days for a third within five years.
You cannot shorten a point-based suspension by paying a fee. You must wait out the suspension period. However, some points drop off your record after three years, which can lower your total and prevent future suspensions. When the suspension period ends, you can request reinstatement by contacting Driver Services. There is no reinstatement fee for point-based suspensions, but you may need to pass a written knowledge test or pay a $20 reinstatement fee depending on the circumstances of your suspension.
DUI and DWI Suspensions
A DUI or DWI conviction in Arkansas triggers an automatic license suspension that is separate from any criminal sentence. The suspension period depends on whether it is your first offense and whether you refused a breath or blood test. A first DUI offense typically results in a six-month suspension; a refusal can mean a one-year suspension. A second DUI within ten years brings a two-year suspension.
Before you can drive again after a DUI suspension, you must meet several requirements. You must pay a $150 reinstatement fee to Driver Services. You must show proof of SR-22 insurance (high-risk auto insurance) for three years. You must complete an alcohol education program approved by the state — usually a one-day or multi-week course depending on your offense. If you had a high blood alcohol level or multiple offenses, you may also need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, which prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.
The alcohol education course is not optional. You cannot reinstate your license without proof that you completed it. The course costs between $100 and $500 depending on the provider. Once you have completed the course, paid the fee, obtained SR-22 insurance, and (if required) installed the interlock device, you can request reinstatement from Driver Services.
Suspensions for Failure to Maintain Insurance
Arkansas suspends licenses for drivers who do not maintain continuous auto insurance. If your insurance lapsed or you did not renew it, your license was suspended. To restore it, you must obtain a new insurance policy and provide proof to Driver Services. The proof is usually an insurance card or a letter from your insurance company showing your current policy number and coverage dates.
There is no reinstatement fee for this type of suspension, but you must have active insurance before you can drive legally. Some insurance companies will not insure you if your license is suspended, so you may need to contact several providers. Once you have insurance in place, contact Driver Services with proof and your license will be reinstated.
Requesting a Hearing to Challenge Your Suspension
If you believe your license was suspended in error or if you want to contest the suspension, you have the right to request a hearing. You must request the hearing within 30 days of the suspension notice. Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, and ask for a hearing request form. You will need to explain why you believe the suspension was wrong — for example, if you paid a ticket but the court did not report the payment, or if you were not the driver cited.
A hearing officer will review your case and decide whether to uphold or lift the suspension. The hearing is usually conducted by phone or mail; you do not always have to appear in person. If you win your hearing, the suspension is lifted when ready. If you lose, you must follow the standard reinstatement process for your suspension type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I meet all the requirements?
Processing time varies. If you submit your reinstatement request in person at a Driver Services office, it can be processed the same day. If you mail it, allow 5 to 10 business days. Some suspensions lift automatically once the waiting period ends; others require you to submit a formal request.
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a hardship?
Arkansas does not issue hardship licenses for most suspensions. However, if your suspension is for unpaid fines and you are facing financial hardship, you can ask the court that issued the ticket for a payment plan. Once you are on a plan and making payments, you may be able to request a limited driving permit for work or medical purposes, but this is not may provide.
What if I was suspended in another state — does that affect my Arkansas license?
Yes. Arkansas is part of the Driver License Compact, which means suspensions from other states are recognized in Arkansas. If you were suspended in another state, you must resolve that suspension before Arkansas will reinstate your license. Contact the other state's licensing agency to find out what you owe.
Do I have to retake the written driving test to get my license back?
Not always. Most suspensions do not require a new test. However, if your suspension was for a serious violation like a DUI, or if your license has been suspended for more than a year, Driver Services may require you to pass a written knowledge test before reinstatement. Ask when you contact them.
What is an ignition interlock device and how much does it cost?
An ignition interlock is a device installed in your vehicle that measures your breath alcohol level before the engine will start. If you have consumed alcohol, the car will not start. The device costs between $70 and $150 to install and $50 to $100 per month to monitor. It is required for some DUI offenders in Arkansas, typically those with a high blood alcohol level or multiple offenses.