What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended driver's 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 differs depending on whether your suspension was for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, medical reasons, or other violations. Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee of $100 to $150 in addition to any other outstanding costs.
You cannot straightforward walk into a driver services office and leave with a reinstated license the same day. The state processes reinstatement requests, and approval typically takes one to three weeks. During that time, driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, to learn the specific reason your license was suspended before taking any action.
- Pay all outstanding fines, child support arrears, or other debts tied to your suspension, plus the state reinstatement fee of $100 to $150.
- Submit your reinstatement request by mail, in person at a driver services office, or online through the state's website, depending on the suspension type.
- Do not drive while your license is suspended; the state will not backdate approval, and you can face criminal charges for driving with a suspended license.
Find out why your license was suspended
Arkansas suspends licenses for different reasons, and the reinstatement process depends on which one applies to you. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical suspension (usually after a seizure or serious health event), failure to appear in court, or accumulation of too many points on your driving record.
Call the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, at 501-682-7060. Have your driver's license number ready. The staff will tell you the exact reason for the suspension and what you must do to clear it. Write down the suspension code and any case or ticket numbers they give you—you will need these when you submit your reinstatement request.
If your suspension is tied to unpaid child support, contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Office of Child Support Enforcement. If it is tied to a medical condition, you may need a doctor's letter stating you are safe to drive before the state will consider reinstatement.
Pay all fines, fees, and outstanding debts
Before the state will reinstate your license, you must pay every dollar owed. This includes the original traffic fine, any late fees or penalties added since the ticket was issued, child support arrears if that is the reason for suspension, and the state reinstatement fee itself.
The reinstatement fee in Arkansas is $100 for a standard suspension and $150 if your license was suspended for accumulating too many points. Some suspensions also require you to pay a processing fee of $25 to $50. Ask the Driver Services Division staff exactly what amounts you owe and where to send payment.
You can pay by check, money order, or credit card. If you are paying by mail, send your payment to the address the Driver Services Division provides and keep a copy of the receipt or cancelled check. If you are paying in person, bring a photo ID and the exact amount in cash, check, or card. Do not assume the payment has been processed until you receive written confirmation from the state.
Submit your reinstatement request
Once you have paid all outstanding amounts, you can request reinstatement. Arkansas offers three ways to do this: by mail, in person at a driver services office, or online through the state website. The online option is fastest if your suspension was for a traffic violation or points accumulation.
To reinstate online, visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website and look for the Driver Services section. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and proof that you have paid all fines and fees. Upload a copy of your payment receipt or confirmation letter. The state will process your request within one to three weeks and mail you a new license.
If you prefer to submit by mail, write a letter requesting reinstatement and include your driver's license number, the reason for suspension, and copies of all payment receipts. Mail this packet to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203. Send it by certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
To submit in person, visit any Arkansas driver services office with your driver's license, proof of payment, and a photo ID. The office staff will review your documents and submit your reinstatement request on the spot. You will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while the state processes your full reinstatement.
What happens after you submit your request
The state will review your reinstatement request and verify that all fines and fees have been paid. If everything is in order, your license will be reinstated and a new physical license will be mailed to your address on file. This process usually takes one to three weeks, though it can take longer if the state needs to verify payment with another agency, such as the child support office.
If you submitted your request in person and received a temporary permit, you can drive legally during the waiting period. The permit is valid for 30 days. If your reinstatement is approved before the permit expires, your new license will arrive by mail. If it is not approved by the time the permit expires, you cannot drive until the state sends you written notice that your license has been reinstated.
If your request is denied, the state will mail you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete payment, failure to provide required documents, or a medical suspension that has not been cleared by a doctor. The letter will tell you what additional steps you need to take.
Reinstatement for medical suspensions
If your license was suspended for a medical reason—such as a seizure, loss of consciousness, or a serious health condition—the reinstatement process includes an extra step. You must obtain a letter from your doctor stating that you are medically safe to drive and that the condition that caused the suspension has been resolved or is being managed.
The letter should be on the doctor's letterhead and include their license number, signature, and the date. Mail this letter along with your reinstatement request to the Driver Services Division. Some doctors are familiar with this requirement and can prepare the letter quickly; others may need you to explain what the state requires. The state will review the medical letter and make a final decision on reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No, unless you received a temporary permit in person at a driver services office. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Arkansas and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and a longer suspension. The state does not backdate reinstatement approval, so any driving you do before approval is final is at your own legal risk.
What if I cannot pay all the fines at once?
Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration or the court that issued the ticket to ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay fines in installments over several months. You must have an approved payment plan in writing before you can request reinstatement, and you must stay current on the plan payments.
How long does reinstatement take if I explore online?
Online reinstatement requests typically take one to three weeks to process. The state will mail your new license to your address on file. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary permit in person at a driver services office.
What if my address has changed since my license was suspended?
Update your address with the Driver Services Division before submitting your reinstatement request. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. If you do not update your address, your new license will be mailed to your old address and you may not receive it.
Can I reinstate my license if I still owe money on a ticket but have a payment plan?
Yes, if you have a written, court-approved payment plan in place and you are current on all payments. Bring a copy of the payment plan agreement when you submit your reinstatement request. The state will not reinstate your license if you have missed any payments on the plan.