What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended Arkansas driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific steps the state requires for that reason. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Driver Services Division maintains your suspension record and will not reinstate your license until you have satisfied the underlying cause — whether that is paying fines, completing a DUI program, or resolving a child support debt.
The reinstatement process is not automatic. You must contact Driver Services, confirm what you owe or what you must complete, take action on your end, and then request reinstatement. The timeline depends on the reason for suspension and how quickly you can resolve it.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Driver Services Division to learn the specific reason your license was suspended before you can move forward.
- Different suspension reasons require different actions — paying court fines, completing a substance abuse program, resolving child support arrears, or clearing an insurance lapse — and you cannot reinstate until that action is done.
- Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you must request reinstatement through Driver Services, either in person at a local office or by mail, and pay a reinstatement fee.
- Driving on a suspended license in Arkansas is a criminal offense that can result in additional fines and jail time, so do not drive until your license is officially reinstated.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Your first step is to contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Driver Services Division directly. You can call them at 501-682-7060 during business hours, or visit a local Driver Services office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
Common suspension reasons in Arkansas include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court, DUI or DWI convictions, failure to maintain auto insurance, child support arrears, and medical or administrative reasons. The reason will determine what you must do next. Driver Services will tell you the exact amount owed, the program you must complete, or the documentation you must provide.
You can also check your driving record online through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website, though the online record may not show all suspension details. A phone call to Driver Services is faster and more reliable for understanding what action is required.
Resolving unpaid fines and court costs
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or failure to appear in court, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. Contact the district court or municipal court listed on your citation to confirm the exact amount and payment methods accepted.
Many Arkansas courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person. Once you have paid in full, ask the court clerk for written confirmation of payment. Keep this receipt — you will need to show it to Driver Services when you request reinstatement. Some courts send payment confirmation directly to Driver Services, but you should not assume this has happened without checking.
Completing DUI or substance abuse requirements
If your suspension follows a DUI or DWI conviction, Arkansas requires you to complete a substance abuse program before reinstatement is possible. The specific program depends on your conviction history and the court's order. Driver Services will tell you which program you must attend and where to find approved providers.
Common programs include the Arkansas DUI School, a 12-hour educational course, and longer treatment programs for repeat offenders. You must complete the program and obtain a certificate of completion from the provider. This certificate must be submitted to Driver Services as part of your reinstatement request.
You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, depending on your conviction. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Driver Services will specify whether this is required in your case.
Resolving child support and other administrative suspensions
Arkansas suspends driver's licenses for unpaid child support obligations. If this is the reason for your suspension, you must contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement, to arrange payment or a payment plan. Their phone number is 501-682-8398.
Once you have made arrangements or paid the arrears in full, the Division of Child Support Enforcement will notify Driver Services of the resolution. However, you should confirm with Driver Services that the suspension has been lifted before attempting to reinstate your license, as the notification process can take several days.
Other administrative suspensions — such as those for failure to maintain insurance or medical reasons — require different resolutions. Driver Services will explain what documentation or action you need to provide.
Submitting your reinstatement request
Once you have resolved the underlying cause of your suspension, you can request reinstatement. You have two options: visit a Driver Services office in person or submit your request by mail.
To reinstate in person, bring your driver's license (if you still have it), proof that you have resolved the suspension cause (such as a court payment receipt, DUI program certificate, or child support payment confirmation), and payment for the reinstatement fee. The reinstatement fee in Arkansas is $20 as of the most recent update, though you should confirm the current fee when you contact Driver Services.
To reinstate by mail, send the same documentation plus a completed reinstatement request form to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, at P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Mail reinstatement typically takes two to four weeks to process.
What happens after you request reinstatement
If you applied in person, Driver Services will review your documents on the spot. If everything is in order, your license will be reinstated when ready and you can drive legally that day. If you applied by mail, you will receive written confirmation when your license has been reinstated, usually within two to four weeks.
Do not drive until you have received official confirmation that your license is reinstated. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Arkansas, punishable by fines up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense. Penalties increase for repeat violations.
Once your license is reinstated, keep your confirmation letter or your reinstated license with you while driving. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you will need to show proof that your suspension has been lifted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take?
In-person reinstatement at a Driver Services office is when ready if your documents are complete and correct. Mail-in reinstatement typically takes two to four weeks. The time also depends on how quickly you can resolve the underlying cause — paying a fine takes days, but completing a DUI program may take weeks.
Can I drive to work while my license is suspended?
No. Arkansas does not issue restricted or work-only licenses for most suspension reasons. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense regardless of the reason for the trip. Your only legal option is to use other transportation until your license is reinstated.
What if I cannot pay the full fine or court costs right away?
Contact the court that issued the citation and ask about a payment plan. Many Arkansas courts will work with you to set up installment payments. Once you have an agreement in place, ask the court to notify Driver Services so your suspension can be lifted while you pay. You may need to provide proof of the payment plan agreement when you request reinstatement.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake any test. You only need to resolve the cause of the suspension and pay the reinstatement fee. However, if your license has expired during the suspension period, you will need to renew it as well, which may require a new photo and payment of renewal fees.
What if Driver Services says my suspension is still active after I paid?
Contact the court or agency that received your payment and ask for written confirmation that it was processed. There can be a delay between when you pay and when the information reaches Driver Services. If the delay has been more than a week, follow up with Driver Services directly and provide them with your payment receipt.