Arkansas will suspend your license for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, certain criminal convictions, and medical reasons — but the path to reinstatement depends on which reason caused the suspension
Arkansas suspends licenses through several different systems, each with its own rules for how long the suspension lasts and what you must do to restore driving privileges. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) handles most traffic-related suspensions, while the Arkansas Department of Human Services manages child support cases, and the Arkansas State Police tracks criminal convictions that trigger suspension. Understanding which agency suspended your license is the first step, because each one has different reinstatement procedures and fees.
You can check your suspension status through the Arkansas DFA website or by calling the Driver Services Division at 501-682-7060. Have your driver's license number ready. The person on the phone can tell you the reason for suspension, the date it began, and what specific steps you need to take to restore your license.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, drug convictions, medical conditions, and failure to maintain insurance — each reason has different reinstatement requirements.
- The DFA Driver Services Division maintains most suspension records and can tell you the exact reason and reinstatement steps by phone at 501-682-7060.
- Reinstatement fees in Arkansas range from $100 to $200 depending on the suspension reason, and you must pay all outstanding fines or arrears before your license is restored.
- Some suspensions are mandatory and last a set number of years; others can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue, such as paying fines or obtaining proof of insurance.
Traffic fines and failure to pay court costs
Arkansas suspends your license if you fail to pay a traffic fine or court costs within the timeframe set by the court. This is one of the most common suspension reasons. The suspension remains in effect until you pay the full amount owed, including any collection fees the court has added.
To reinstate your license, contact the court that issued the ticket and pay the balance in full. Once the court confirms payment, they notify the DFA, which removes the suspension. This process typically takes one to two weeks. You will also owe a $100 reinstatement fee to the DFA when you restore your license.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, some courts allow payment plans. Contact the court clerk's office for your county to ask whether a payment arrangement is available. The suspension remains active until the court receives payment or approves a plan.
Child support arrears
Arkansas suspends licenses for individuals who fall behind on child support payments. The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement, can request suspension if you owe more than one month of support or have failed to comply with a court order.
To lift this suspension, you must either pay the full arrearage or enter into a payment agreement with the child support office. Contact the Division of Child Support Enforcement at 1-800-264-2778 to discuss your account and payment options. Once you have made arrangements or paid in full, the office notifies the DFA, which processes reinstatement. A $100 reinstatement fee applies.
If you are unemployed or facing financial hardship, you can request a modification of your child support order through the court. This does not automatically lift the suspension, but it may reduce the monthly amount you owe and make a payment plan more feasible.
Drug convictions and criminal suspensions
Arkansas imposes mandatory license suspensions for drug-related convictions, including possession, distribution, and manufacturing. A first drug conviction results in a one-year suspension. A second conviction within ten years triggers a three-year suspension. A third or subsequent conviction results in a five-year suspension.
These suspensions are not lifted early, even if you complete probation or drug court. You must wait out the full suspension period. After the suspension period ends, you can restore your license by paying a $200 reinstatement fee and submitting a reinstatement request to the DFA Driver Services Division.
Some drug convictions may also require you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before you can drive again, depending on the specifics of your case and whether alcohol was involved. Ask your attorney or the court handling your case whether this requirement applies to you.
Failure to maintain auto insurance
Arkansas requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. If you are caught driving without insurance or if your insurance lapses and the insurer reports it to the state, the DFA will suspend your license. This suspension is called a failure to maintain insurance suspension.
To reinstate your license, you must obtain a new insurance policy and provide proof to the DFA. You can submit proof of insurance online through the DFA website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office. Once the DFA verifies your current coverage, the suspension is lifted. A $100 reinstatement fee applies.
If you cannot afford insurance, some insurers offer low-cost policies for high-risk drivers. Contact your state's insurance commissioner's office or a local legal aid organization for referrals to affordable coverage options in your area.
Medical suspensions and vision requirements
Arkansas suspends licenses for medical reasons when a driver reports a condition that affects safe driving, or when a physician reports that a patient is unsafe behind the wheel. Common reasons include seizure disorders, severe sleep apnea, and uncontrolled diabetes. The state may also suspend your license if you fail a vision test or refuse to take one.
To reinstate a medical suspension, you must obtain a letter from your physician stating that your condition is controlled or resolved and that you are safe to drive. Submit this letter to the DFA Medical Review Unit. The unit reviews the letter and decides whether to restore your license. This process can take several weeks.
If the DFA denies reinstatement, you have the right to request a hearing before the DFA Director. You can present additional medical evidence and testimony at the hearing. Contact the DFA Driver Services Division for information about requesting a hearing.
Reinstatement fees and the restoration process
Arkansas charges a reinstatement fee each time your license is restored after suspension. The fee is $100 for most suspensions (traffic fines, insurance, child support) and $200 for drug convictions. You must pay this fee in addition to resolving the underlying reason for suspension.
You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the DFA website, by mail, or in person at any Driver Services office. Once you have resolved the suspension reason and paid the fee, the DFA processes your reinstatement, which usually takes one to two weeks. You do not need to retake a written or driving test unless your license has expired.
If your license has expired while suspended, you will need to renew it as well. Renewal requires a new process, vision test, and the standard renewal fee. Contact your local Driver Services office for the current renewal fee and required documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out why my license was suspended?
Call the Arkansas DFA Driver Services Division at 501-682-7060 with your driver's license number. They can tell you the suspension reason, the date it began, and what you must do to restore your license. You can also check online through the DFA website if you have your license number and date of birth.
Can I drive with a suspended license in Arkansas?
No. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Arkansas. A first offense can result in fines and jail time. If you are caught driving on a suspended license, you face additional penalties and a longer suspension period.
What if I cannot pay my traffic fine or reinstatement fee?
Contact the court that issued the ticket and ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay fines in installments. For the reinstatement fee, the DFA may offer payment options as well — call 501-682-7060 to ask. Legal aid organizations in your county may also help you understand your options.
How long does reinstatement take after I resolve the suspension reason?
Most reinstatements process within one to two weeks after you have paid fines, arranged child support payments, obtained insurance, or submitted required medical documentation. Medical suspensions may take longer because the DFA Medical Review Unit must review your physician's letter before approving reinstatement.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Arkansas does not issue hardship or restricted licenses during suspension. However, if you are suspended for failure to maintain insurance, you may be able to restore your license quickly by obtaining a new policy. For other suspension reasons, you must wait out the suspension period or resolve the underlying issue.