What happens when your Arkansas license is suspended or revoked
An Arkansas driver's license can be suspended or revoked for several reasons: unpaid traffic fines, accumulating too many points from violations, driving under the influence, failing to maintain insurance, or not paying child support. Suspension is usually temporary — you can get your license back once you meet the conditions. Revocation is more serious and typically requires you to wait a set period before you can even begin the reinstatement process.
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, is the agency that suspends and revokes licenses and the one that handles reinstatement. You cannot reinstate your license online or by mail — you must visit a Driver Services office in person with the required documents and payment.
The exact steps and fees depend on why your license was suspended or revoked. Some suspensions lift automatically once you pay what you owe; others require you to take additional action first, like completing a defensive driving course or an alcohol education program.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services office in person with your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residence to reinstate your license.
- Before you go, contact Driver Services to confirm what specific conditions caused your suspension and what you need to do to clear them.
- Reinstatement fees vary by reason for suspension and typically range from $100 to $300, plus any outstanding fines or court costs you owe.
- If your license was revoked (not just suspended), you may need to wait a minimum period — often one to five years — before you can begin the reinstatement process.
- Some suspensions require you to complete a course or program before reinstatement is possible, even if you pay all fines.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the exact reason it was suspended or revoked. You can contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, by phone at 501-682-7060 during business hours. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
You can also visit the Driver Services website and use their online license status check tool, though this may only tell you that your license is suspended, not always the full reason or what you need to do next. A phone call is usually faster and more complete.
Write down the reason, any case or ticket numbers the representative gives you, and exactly what you need to do to clear the suspension. Ask whether you need to pay fines first, complete a course, or both. This information will determine what you bring to the Driver Services office.
Steps to reinstate your license in person
Once you know what caused the suspension and have completed any required steps (paid fines, finished a course, etc.), you are ready to visit a Driver Services office. Locate the office nearest you on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website — there are multiple locations across the state.
Bring the following documents: your Social Security number, a valid form of photo identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring your original driver's license if you still have it. Bring proof of payment for any fines or court costs you owed, and proof that you completed any required course or program.
At the office, tell the staff member you are there to reinstate your license. They will verify that all conditions have been met, collect the reinstatement fee (which varies but typically ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the reason for suspension), and process your reinstatement. You will receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent license is mailed to you, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
Arkansas charges a reinstatement fee separate from any fines, court costs, or child support arrears you may owe. The reinstatement fee itself is typically between $100 and $300, depending on whether your license was suspended or revoked and the reason for the action.
This fee covers the administrative cost of processing your reinstatement and issuing a new license. It is not the same as paying off traffic fines or court costs — those are separate payments you may need to make before the Driver Services office will process your reinstatement. Ask the representative on the phone exactly what amounts you owe and what each payment covers so there are no surprises when you arrive.
Driver Services accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card at their offices. Some locations may have different payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm.
When your license was revoked instead of suspended
Revocation is different from suspension. A suspended license can usually be reinstated once you meet the conditions. A revoked license means you cannot drive legally for a set period — often one to five years, depending on the reason — and you cannot begin the reinstatement process until that waiting period is over.
Common reasons for revocation in Arkansas include multiple DUI convictions, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating a very high number of points. When you call Driver Services, ask specifically whether your license was suspended or revoked and, if revoked, when you become may be able to access to explore for reinstatement.
Once the waiting period ends, the reinstatement process is similar to a suspension: you visit a Driver Services office with required documents and pay the reinstatement fee. However, some revocations also require you to pass a written test or vision test again before your license is reinstated.
Defensive driving and alcohol education requirements
Some suspensions cannot be cleared by paying fines alone. If your suspension was related to a traffic violation, you may need to complete a defensive driving course. If it was related to a DUI or alcohol-related offense, you will likely need to complete an alcohol education or substance abuse program before reinstatement is possible.
These courses are offered by private providers approved by the state. Driver Services can tell you which providers are approved and where courses are offered in your area. You pay the course provider directly — this cost is separate from the reinstatement fee. Courses typically cost between $50 and $300 and take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the type.
Bring proof of completion (usually a certificate) to the Driver Services office when you go to reinstate your license. Without it, your reinstatement will be denied even if you have paid all fines.
What to do if you cannot visit an office in person
Arkansas requires you to reinstate your license in person at a Driver Services office. There is no mail-in or online reinstatement option. However, if you are unable to travel to an office due to a medical condition or other hardship, call Driver Services at 501-682-7060 to ask about exceptions or alternative arrangements. These are rare and require documentation, but it is worth asking.
If you are out of state, you can still reinstate your license by visiting any Driver Services office when you return to Arkansas. Your license remains revoked or suspended until you complete the reinstatement process in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
Yes. When you complete the reinstatement process at a Driver Services office, you receive a temporary license that is valid when ready. You can drive legally while your permanent license is mailed to you, which takes about 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is printed on the spot.
What if I owe child support or back taxes — will that stop my reinstatement?
Yes. Arkansas suspends licenses for unpaid child support and, in some cases, unpaid taxes. You must resolve these debts before Driver Services will reinstate your license. Call 501-682-7060 and ask whether child support or tax debt is part of your suspension. If it is, you will need to contact the appropriate agency to set up a payment plan or resolve the debt before visiting Driver Services.
How long does reinstatement take once I visit the office?
The office visit itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. You receive a temporary license when ready and can drive right away. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license faster, ask the staff member whether expedited processing is available, though this may cost extra.
Do I have to retake the written or vision test to reinstate my license?
Not always. For most suspensions, you do not retake tests. However, if your license was revoked (not suspended) or if the revocation was for medical reasons, you may need to pass a vision test or written test again. Ask Driver Services when you call to confirm whether testing is required for your specific situation.
What if I moved out of state — can I reinstate my Arkansas license?
You can reinstate your Arkansas license only by visiting a Driver Services office in Arkansas in person. If you have moved out of state permanently, you may want to get a driver's license from your new state instead. However, if you plan to return to Arkansas or still need an Arkansas license, you will need to visit an office when you are back in the state.