What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back
To reinstate a suspended Arkansas driver's license, you must first contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Driver Services Division to find out why your license was suspended and what specific steps are required. The reinstatement process depends entirely on the reason for suspension — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or a DWI conviction. Each reason has different requirements, fees, and waiting periods.
Once you understand the reason, you will need to resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, appear in court, clear a medical hold, or complete a DWI program) before the state will consider your reinstatement request. After you have resolved the issue, you submit a reinstatement request to Driver Services, pay the reinstatement fee, and pass any required tests or inspections. The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you resolve the underlying issue.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Driver Services Division first to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to fix it.
- Different suspension reasons require different actions — paying fines, appearing in court, clearing a medical hold, or completing a DWI education program — before reinstatement is possible.
- You must resolve the underlying issue completely before submitting a reinstatement request; the state will not process your request until that step is done.
- The reinstatement fee in Arkansas is $100, and you may need to pass a written test, vision test, or both depending on your suspension reason.
Contact Driver Services to Find Out Why Your License 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 member will tell you the exact reason for your suspension and what you must do to resolve it.
If you prefer not to call, you can visit a Driver Services office in person. The main office is located at 1900 West Seventh Street in Little Rock, but there are regional offices throughout the state. You can also check the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website for the office nearest you. Bring your identification and be prepared to wait, as these offices can have lines during peak hours.
Resolve the Underlying Reason for Suspension
The action you take depends on why your license was suspended. If your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. Contact the court directly to confirm the exact amount and acceptable payment methods — most courts accept payment by phone, mail, or in person.
If your suspension is for failure to appear in court, you must appear before the judge or resolve the case through the court. This may mean going to the courthouse in person or contacting the prosecutor's office to discuss your options. If your suspension is related to unpaid child support, contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement, to arrange payment or a payment plan.
If your suspension is medical-related (for example, a seizure disorder or vision problem), you will need to provide a medical certification from your doctor stating that you are now safe to drive. If your suspension is for a DWI conviction, you must complete an alcohol education program approved by the state. Driver Services can provide you with a list of approved programs in your area.
Submit Your Reinstatement Request to Driver Services
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, contact Driver Services again to submit your reinstatement request. You can do this by phone, mail, or in person. If you are paying fines or court costs, ask the court to notify Driver Services directly that the debt has been paid — this speeds up the process. If you completed a DWI program or obtained a medical clearance, have that documentation ready to send or bring with you.
When you submit your request, you will need to pay the $100 reinstatement fee. Driver Services accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card. If you are submitting by mail, send your request and payment to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, 1900 West Seventh Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. Include a letter explaining that you are requesting reinstatement and describing what you have done to resolve the suspension.
Pass Any Required Tests Before Your License Is Reinstated
Depending on the reason for your suspension, you may need to pass a written test, a vision test, or both before your license is reinstated. If your suspension was medical-related, you will almost certainly need to pass a vision test and possibly a written test on traffic laws. If your suspension was for a DWI, you may need to pass a written test demonstrating knowledge of DWI laws and consequences.
If a test is required, Driver Services will notify you when you can schedule it. You can take the test at any Driver Services office. The written test covers Arkansas traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the Arkansas Driver's Manual, which is available free on the Department of Finance and Administration website. The vision test checks your ability to see clearly and recognize colors. There is no additional fee for these tests.
Understand the Timeline and What Happens Next
After you resolve the underlying issue and submit your reinstatement request, Driver Services typically processes it within two to four weeks. During this time, the state verifies that the issue has been resolved (for example, by checking with the court that your fines were paid or with the DWI program that you completed it). If everything is in order and you pass any required tests, your license will be reinstated.
Once your license is reinstated, you will receive a new physical license in the mail within one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can request a temporary driving permit from Driver Services if you need to drive before your new license arrives. If your reinstatement is denied, Driver Services will send you a written explanation of why and what additional steps you need to take.
What to Do If Your Reinstatement Request Is Denied
If Driver Services denies your reinstatement request, the denial letter will explain the reason. Common reasons for denial include incomplete resolution of the underlying issue (for example, you paid part of the fine but not all of it), failure to pass a required test, or discovery of an additional suspension reason you were not aware of.
If you believe the denial is incorrect, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. The denial letter will include instructions for requesting a hearing. You must submit your request within 30 days of the denial date. At the hearing, you can present evidence that you have resolved the issue or that the suspension was made in error. If the judge rules in your favor, your license will be reinstated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until Driver Services officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Arkansas and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask Driver Services about a temporary driving permit when you submit your reinstatement request.
What if I cannot afford to pay the reinstatement fee and the fines at the same time?
Contact the court that issued your citation and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have an agreement in place, provide proof of the agreement to Driver Services. Some courts will also waive or reduce fines in cases of genuine hardship; ask the court clerk about this option.
How long does a suspension stay on my driving record?
Once your license is reinstated, the suspension remains on your record but is no longer active. Insurance companies and employers may see the suspension when they check your record. The suspension will not disappear from your record, but it will not prevent you from driving or renewing your license in the future.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
You do not need a lawyer for most reinstatement cases. The process is straightforward: resolve the underlying issue and submit your request to Driver Services. However, if your suspension is related to a criminal case or if you are requesting a hearing to appeal a denial, you may want to consult with a lawyer about your options.
What if my suspension was for a DWI and I need to install an ignition interlock device?
If your DWI suspension requires an ignition interlock device, you must have it installed before your license is reinstated. Driver Services will provide you with a list of approved installers. After installation, the installer will give you a certificate of installation, which you must provide to Driver Services as part of your reinstatement request.