How Arkansas Reinstates a Suspended or Revoked License
Reinstating your Arkansas driver's license depends on why it was suspended or revoked. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Driver Services Division handles reinstatement, and the process differs based on whether you owe money, failed to appear in court, or violated a specific traffic law. You cannot straightforward renew; you must first clear the reason for suspension, then request reinstatement through the state.
The most common reason for suspension in Arkansas is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If that is your situation, you pay the outstanding amount to the court that issued the citation, and the court notifies Driver Services automatically. Other suspensions stem from failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, or accumulating too many points on your driving record. Each has its own resolution path.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the court that suspended your license to find out the exact reason and what you owe, because different reasons require different steps to clear.
- If you owe fines or court costs, pay the court directly—not Driver Services—and the court will report the payment to clear your suspension.
- Once the underlying reason is resolved, you must request reinstatement from Driver Services by mail, in person, or online through the Arkansas DMV website.
- Reinstatement fees vary by reason for suspension and typically range from $50 to $150, paid to Driver Services when you request reinstatement.
- Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after Driver Services receives your request and payment.
Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the exact reason it was suspended. Call the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Driver Services Division at 501-682-7060 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff will tell you the suspension reason and what you must do to clear it.
If you know which court issued the citation or suspension, you can also call that court directly. The court clerk can confirm what you owe and whether payment has been received. Many Arkansas courts allow you to pay fines by phone or online through the court's website, which speeds up the process.
Pay Outstanding Fines or Court Costs
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or restitution, you must pay the court that issued the citation. Do not send payment to Driver Services; the court handles the money, and the court notifies Driver Services once payment clears. Ask the court clerk for the exact amount owed, including any late fees or collection costs that may have been added.
Most Arkansas courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person. When you pay, ask for a confirmation number or receipt showing the payment date. Keep this documentation—you may need it if there is a delay in the court reporting the payment to Driver Services. If you cannot pay the full amount at once, ask the court about a payment plan; some courts will hold off on reporting the suspension if you are making regular payments.
Clear Other Common Suspension Reasons
Failure to appear in court: If you missed a court date, contact the court when ready and ask to reschedule. Attend the rescheduled hearing. The court will notify Driver Services once the case is resolved or you have appeared as required.
Child support arrears: If your license was suspended for unpaid child support, contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement, at 1-800-264-2778. They will tell you the amount owed and payment options. Once you bring your account current or set up a payment plan they approve, they will request reinstatement on your behalf.
Too many points on your driving record: Arkansas suspends licenses when drivers accumulate 14 or more points within three years. Points cannot be removed, but they expire after three years from the violation date. Once the oldest violations fall off, your point total drops below 14, and you become may be able to access for reinstatement. Call Driver Services to confirm when you will be may be able to access.
Failure to maintain insurance: If your license was suspended for driving without insurance, you must obtain a policy and provide proof to Driver Services. Your insurance company can send proof of coverage directly to the state, or you can submit it yourself when you request reinstatement.
Request Reinstatement from Driver Services
Once you have resolved the underlying reason for suspension, contact Driver Services to request reinstatement. You have three options: by mail, in person, or online through the Arkansas DMV website at dmv.arkansas.gov.
Online: Visit dmv.arkansas.gov and look for the reinstatement request option. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a payment method for the reinstatement fee. This is the fastest option and typically processes within 5 business days.
In person: Visit a Driver Services office. Arkansas has regional offices in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, and Hot Springs, plus satellite locations in other cities. Bring your driver's license, proof that you have resolved the suspension reason (such as a court receipt or insurance card), and payment for the reinstatement fee. Staff can process your request on the spot, though your license will not be active until the system updates, usually within 24 hours.
By mail: Send a written request to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203. Include your driver's license number, the reason for suspension, proof of resolution, and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Mail processing takes 10 to 14 business days.
Pay the Reinstatement Fee
Driver Services charges a reinstatement fee when you request reinstatement. The fee depends on the reason for suspension and ranges from $50 to $150. Suspension for unpaid fines typically costs $50 to $75; suspension for failure to appear or child support arrears may cost $100 to $150. Call Driver Services at 501-682-7060 to confirm the exact fee for your situation before you submit your request.
Payment methods vary by how you request reinstatement. Online requests accept credit or debit cards. In-person visits accept cash, check, or card. Mail requests require a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail.
What Happens After You Request Reinstatement
After Driver Services receives your reinstatement request and payment, processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation letter by mail showing your new license status. Your driving privileges are restored once the system updates, which usually happens within 24 hours of approval, though you may not receive physical confirmation until the letter arrives.
If you requested reinstatement online or in person, you can check the status of your request on the Arkansas DMV website or by calling Driver Services. If you requested by mail and do not receive a confirmation letter within two weeks, call Driver Services to verify that your request was received and processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until Driver Services approves your reinstatement request and the system updates. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Arkansas and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. Wait for written confirmation before you drive.
What if I cannot pay the full amount owed to the court right now?
Contact the court that issued the citation and ask about a payment plan or installment agreement. Some courts will suspend the license suspension if you are making regular payments. Once you have an approved plan in place, ask the court to notify Driver Services so you can request reinstatement while you pay off the balance.
Do I need to take a new driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a written or road test. You only need to clear the reason for suspension and pay the reinstatement fee. Your original license is restored once the request is approved.
How long does a reinstatement stay on my driving record?
The suspension itself remains on your record permanently, but it does not affect your ability to drive once reinstatement is complete. However, if you accumulate more violations or fail to maintain insurance in the future, you could face suspension again.
What if Driver Services says my reinstatement request was denied?
Call Driver Services when ready to find out why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete payment, unresolved court cases, or an error in your request. Driver Services can tell you what additional steps are needed and whether you can resubmit your request.