Getting your license back in Arkansas depends on why it was suspended
The steps to restore your driving privileges in Arkansas are not the same for every suspension. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines requires different actions than one for a DUI conviction or failure to pay child support. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, handles most suspensions, but some are managed by courts or other state agencies. Before you can move forward, you need to know which agency suspended your license and why.
You can find out the reason for your suspension by calling the Driver Services Division at 501-682-7060 or by visiting their office in Little Rock. You can also check online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website, though the phone call is usually faster if you need to act soon. Once you know the reason, the path forward becomes clear.
Key Takeaways
- Call the Driver Services Division at 501-682-7060 to learn why your license was suspended and what you must do to restore it.
- Most suspensions for traffic violations require you to pay fines and court costs, then request reinstatement from the court that issued the suspension.
- Suspensions for unpaid child support or other state debts require payment or a payment plan through the responsible agency before Driver Services will restore your license.
- DUI-related suspensions require completion of a substance abuse program and an alcohol assessment before reinstatement is possible.
- After you meet all requirements, you must pay a reinstatement fee to Driver Services, which varies depending on the reason for suspension.
Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines and court costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic ticket or court costs, you must settle the debt with the court that issued the ticket. Contact the district court or municipal court in the county where you received the citation. The court clerk can tell you the exact amount owed and whether you can set up a payment plan instead of paying in full at once.
Once you have paid or arranged a payment plan, ask the court to send a clearance letter to the Driver Services Division. Some courts do this automatically; others require you to request it. Keep a copy of the clearance letter for your records. After Driver Services receives it, you can request reinstatement by mail, phone, or in person. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which is typically $100 to $150 depending on the type of suspension.
Suspensions for unpaid child support or other state debts
Arkansas suspends licenses for unpaid child support, unpaid taxes, and other outstanding state debts. If this is your situation, you cannot go directly to Driver Services. Instead, you must contact the agency responsible for the debt. For child support, that is the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement. For tax debt, contact the Arkansas Department of Revenue.
You can request a payment plan with these agencies, and many will work with you on a schedule you can afford. Once you have paid the debt or set up an approved payment plan, the agency will notify Driver Services that you are in compliance. Driver Services will then restore your license without requiring an additional reinstatement fee in most cases. If you are unsure which agency holds your debt, call Driver Services and they can direct you to the right place.
DUI-related suspensions and the alcohol assessment requirement
A suspension following a DUI arrest or conviction involves more steps than a fine-related suspension. Arkansas requires you to complete an alcohol assessment before your license can be restored. This assessment is not a punishment—it is a clinical evaluation to determine whether you need treatment or education. You must pay for the assessment yourself; costs typically range from $100 to $300 depending on the provider.
You can find approved assessment providers through the Arkansas Department of Human Services or by asking the court that handled your case. After you complete the assessment, the provider sends the results to Driver Services. If the assessment recommends an education program or treatment, you must complete that as well before reinstatement. Once all requirements are met, you pay the reinstatement fee and your license is restored. For a first DUI suspension, this process usually takes several weeks to a few months.
Administrative license suspensions versus court-ordered suspensions
Arkansas has two types of DUI-related suspensions: an administrative suspension that happens automatically when you are arrested, and a court-ordered suspension that may follow a conviction. An administrative suspension can begin within days of your arrest, even before your case goes to court. You have the right to request a hearing to challenge an administrative suspension, but you must do so within 10 days of your arrest.
If you do not request a hearing or if you lose the hearing, the administrative suspension stays in place. A separate court-ordered suspension may then begin after your conviction. Both suspensions must be addressed before your license is fully restored. The Driver Services Division can explain which suspensions are currently active on your record and what each one requires.
The reinstatement fee and final steps
Once you have met all the requirements for your specific suspension—paid fines, completed an alcohol assessment, or resolved a state debt—you must pay a reinstatement fee to Driver Services. This fee is separate from any fines or program costs you have already paid. The amount depends on the reason for suspension and ranges from $100 to $200 in most cases.
You can pay the reinstatement fee by mail, phone, or in person at the Driver Services office in Little Rock. After payment is received and processed, your license is restored. Processing usually takes a few business days. You do not need to take a new written or driving test unless your license has expired for other reasons. If you are restoring your license by mail, allow extra time for the check to arrive and be processed.
Checking your suspension status and avoiding future problems
Before you assume your license has been restored, verify it with Driver Services. You can call 501-682-7060 or check the online system on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website. Sometimes paperwork takes longer than expected, or a requirement you thought was complete has not been recorded in the system yet. A quick call can save you from driving on a suspended license without knowing it.
To avoid another suspension, pay traffic tickets on time, keep child support current if it applies to you, and stay on top of any payment plans you set up. If you receive a notice of suspension in the mail, respond to it when ready rather than ignoring it. The sooner you address the underlying debt or requirement, the sooner you can restore your driving privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on a suspended license if I have already paid everything owed?
No. Your license remains suspended until Driver Services officially restores it, even if you have paid all fines and fees. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense. Always wait for written confirmation from Driver Services before driving.
What if I cannot afford to pay my traffic fines all at once?
Contact the court that issued the ticket and ask about a payment plan. Most courts will work with you on a schedule. Once you have an approved plan in place, ask the court to notify Driver Services that you are in compliance. You may be able to restore your license while still paying off the debt.
How long does it take to get my license back after I meet all the requirements?
Processing time varies. If you handle everything in person at the Driver Services office, reinstatement can happen the same day. By mail, allow 5 to 10 business days. By phone, it typically takes 2 to 3 business days. Always verify your status before driving.
Do I have to retake the written or driving test to restore my license?
No, unless your license has expired for reasons unrelated to the suspension. Reinstatement restores your existing license. However, if your license expired while it was suspended, you will need to renew it through the normal process, which may include testing.
What if I was suspended for a reason I do not think is fair?
You have the right to request a hearing, but the important date depends on the type of suspension. For administrative DUI suspensions, you have 10 days from your arrest. For other suspensions, contact the responsible agency or court to ask about your options. A hearing request does not stop the suspension while you wait.